Aussie Locker Slack

[jrdscj8]

I just installed a different set of axles in the Jeep this week, and I am wondering if there is a problem with the Aussie Locker. The trouble is when I push in the clutch to change gears, the slack in the rear end makes a clanking noise. There is a fair amount of slack when rocking the drive shaft, by hand, Transmission in neutral, parking brake set. From what I read, the slack is to be expected with this type of locker, but the clanking noise when shifting is going to drive me nuts. Does this sound like what is normal for the Aussie Locker?

 

[BusaDave9]

yes this sounds normal.
An Aussie Locker, like all lockers will stay locked but periodically unlock. When you go around a corner they will lock and unlock, producing a clanking sound. When you press in the clutch and shift, they will unlock, once again making noise.
All most all lockers will make these noises that often cause owners to think something is wrong.
The new version of the Detroit Locker is made to be much quieter. It doesn't make these sounds. They call it the SofLocker.

 

[IOPort51]

Did you put the locker in the axle or just buy the axle that way??

I would have to check the play in the ring to pinion gear contact. You may have to pull the cover but see if the drive shaft turns more than a degree or two before the pinion starts to turn.

I am not saying that lockers are not noisy but this being a "drop in" locker it could be the result of a shade tree weekend with beer and friends that swore they knew what they were doing.

I am thinking that whoever put the locker in did a half way job of setting the pinion and carrier bearings back up. I would check this before the carrier goes grenade on you and /or you chew off a tooth.

R&Ps are a + 0.00001" kind of a set up.

 

[jrdscj8]

I purchased the axle complete with Aussie locker, one piece axles and 4.10 r&p. I don't really know much about the ability of the installer due to the fact that I really don't know him. When I had the cover off before I put the axle under the jeep, the slack seemed to be in the locker. There is very little movement with the pinion before the ring gear moves. I will have to bring a dial indicator home from work to measure, but I bet it will be within spec. From what I have read last night, it appears that it is the nature of the beast and it is just more noticeable with the lunch box lockers in manual Transmission Jeeps.

 

[jdarg]

I have a Detroit that's relatively new, manual Transmission , and it also has a lot of slack like you describe so its probably fine. Its very "truck like" shifting in the lower gears vs. stock.

If I park on a slight incline, shut off the Jeep, put it in 1st and let off the clutch it rolls back a good foot or so before all the slack is out of the rear end. Freaks people out.

Make sure your rear tires are equally worn and equal air pressure or it really makes it behave much worse. If one tire is worn more than the other you'll probably want to imbalance the inflation by 2-4 psi and see if you can find a sweet spot.

 

[jrdscj8]

I can't say really that I am getting used to the added slack in the drive train with the Aussie Locker, but after driving this thing off road with the 4.10s and the Aussie, I love how the thing works off the pavement. I have had to learn how to drive the Jeep differently with the locker so I keep the clanking to a minimum. Someday, I will probably go with air lockers, but for now, this set up will be fine. Thanks for the input.