Lock Rite VS Spartan locker

[dschwab]

Ok so this is not a which one should I choose thread; because I bought one of each. SO after scouring the internet on what was the best choice all I found was heated arguments saying that all lunchbox lockers are . well I wanted one so I found a lunchbox locker shoot out tech article on one of the 4wd magazines sites and decided to give the spartan and lock rite a go.
Lock rite: For the Dana 30 front
Unit was average priced. It came with a new hardened center pin.Over all the unit was easy to install but the spring design could have been better. The installation instructions were for a wide range of axles and referenced C clips and other items I didn't have. The pictures in the install manual were garbage at best. looked like a kindergardener drew them with a crayon.
Spartan Locker: For the Dana 44 rear
Average priced and also came with a new center pin. Instructions were clear and this thing could be installed by anyone. the springs come with retainers that you remove after the final assembly so you don't loose any. If I were to have to do this over again, I would install spartans all day long.

So for today only the install portion as my jeep is far from road worthy. But just thought I would give a little review.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I ran a LR in the front for about 2yrs(replaced it with a detroit locker). It work'd well and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I have installed about 20 of them over the years. The weak-link is the carrier.
They are a great product for the price.
Let's hear how they hold up with your 35's.
Good luck,
LG

 

[dschwab]

Yeah while I wanted to go Detroit, I chose to gamble on the cheaper route. Ive decided to go with 33's since I did my sig so I shouldn't put to much strain on them. Ive also upgraded to Cromo axles in the front and the larger U joints so I'm expecting my hubs to go boom before anything else but only time will tell.

 

[Woolyworm]

I've got an Aussie in my 30 with 33's and 34's, chromo axles, I've had no issues. I just put a no-slip in the 20 out back but haven't run it off road with the rear in yet.


Wooly

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I strongly recommend Mile Marker hubs. Been run'n them for many years with my DL, using a stud conversion for mounting. Never have had any issue.
I think you will enjoy it. The rear locker will take some 'adjustment' in your street driving.
LG

 

[dschwab]

Lumpy I have the Warn premium hubs. Would you recommend the mile markers over those? and is this just personal preference or is there a obvious strength difference.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Lumpy I have the Warn premium hubs. Would you recommend the mile markers over those? and is this just personal preference or is there a obvious strength difference.

Have you had any issues keeping the hub mounting bolts tight?
If YES-Then go with MM. Warn used some soft stuff for their hubs.
LG

 

[dschwab]

As a matter of fact yes I have. I have had to snug them down a few times in the last ten years. However locktite did seem to help but then again I never wheeled it after I tried the locktite.
Ill have to take a look at the MM hubs. Thanks.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

MM hubs and use'n threaded studs with hardened AN washers and hardened Ny-lock nuts have work'd well for me. I wheel pretty hard at times, so my setup has been test'd a good bit.
LG

 

[Lumpy Grits]

If you haven't seen this-Good read'n here.
Head-To-Head Lunchboxes Drop In Locker Shootout - Jp Magazine

LG

 

[powdertwoplanker]

I think I'm going to but the Spartan in the rear of mine. I have the Spartan in the front already (got it new for $100, that is why the front was done first). Only really used it once so far. Seem to work great.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[dschwab]

I can't wait to see how they perform but man the install couldn't be any easier.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

To help hold the springs and such in place. Use a good 'dab' of grease.
LG

 

[dschwab]

That was the best part about the spartan locker, it comes with retaining pins that you Depress the spring, install the retaining pins and it hold everything n place until you get installed in the carrier. Then pull the pins. really well thought out.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Yes-The Spartan does have that feature. Lock-Right and others do not.
Just don't forget to 'pull' the pins out on the Spartan.
I've only installed a few Spartan's(my notes show 8). Was very impressed with the quality of the parts supplied.
The weakest part is the carrier's right side where the housing becomes thin. I have seen a few break there over the years with a 'lunch box' locker and heavy 'fun pedal' usage.
LG

 

[dschwab]

Yeah wouldn't be good to forget to remove the pins. And the heavy grease sure did help with the lock rite.

 

[Posi]

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That's one of the nicer look'n carriers I've seen in a spell.
Was that Spartan install yours?
LG

 

[Posi]

Yes LG, front wagon, and 86 CJ44 both went into my (still in progress) 77 CJ5

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Posi-Best of luck with the build.
What R&P ratio did you go with?
LG