Alright so i'm torsen equipped right now in my 02 fx4 and i kinda want a full locker. are there any out there that wont require me to buy and have installed a master install kit and an open carrier? Would a detriot (or some locker that fully replaces the spider gears) be able to just be swapped out with the torsen set up? I've got a friend who could hook me up on it pretty well on the install but i'm wondering what the install would actually require.

for an aussie or lokrite or anything like that i would have to take the torsen out, buy a master install kit and open carrier, have that installed, AND THEN install the locker. are there ANY out there that wouldn't require that?

 

the question is what are your needs....

 

A full carrier replacement locker, such as the detroit, will not require you to get an open carrier.

 

so it would only require the shop to remove the torsen and install the detriot?

 

A full carrier Detroit would require removal of the current limited slip carrier, and swap in the Detroit carrier replacement. However it would likely still require setting up the gears again or at least verifying that things are within spec still. You should also use new carrier bearings during the install.
In the end, you still might come out ahead (price wise) with an open carrier and lunchbox locker.

My experience is that Aussie lockers are smoother operating than a Detroit. The Detroit has more backlash and is a little more harsh. I haven't used a lock right enough to compare, only on a couple of short drives. Aussie isn't making their locker for the 31 spline 8.8 at the moment as far as I know.

Keep in mind that your driving will need to change a bit when you're getting use to an automatic locker, particularly because you have a manual transmission. An automatic keeps power applied as you are accelerating and shifting up through the gears. With a manual, the locker will unlock and lock every time you let off and shift gears. It takes some getting use to when you are accelerating and shifting while turning a long corner. Lift off and it steers into the corner, get back on and it tries to straighten up.

Also, an automatic isn't applying much torque when slowing down and downshifting, so it is typically unlocked as you are off the throttle. With a manual trans, if you are downshifting and engine braking more, it is still applying torque (in a reverse sense) and can be a little rough as it locks and unlocks. I have had friends with autolockers in Jeeps with manual transmissions, and those were their daily drivers. Some people don't mind and will gladly put up with them for the awesome traction. Other people can't stand them.

You do have a 31 spline 8.8, right? You can also go with an Eaton E-locker or ARB locker or something. An E-locker is probably only a couple hundred more than a Detroit.

FWIW, if you get some part numbers together for what you would need (ringpinion.com is a good source), contact Wayne at diffsonly.com
His prices beat anyone else I have talked to, I saved a lot of money ordering stuff from him. Tell him I sent you.

 

brian,

well i would LOVE an e locker, that'd be phenomenal, but that would require the open carrier, master install, AND the price of the locker and labor for removal and install of all of that. wouldn't that end up being WAY more expensive than just a detroit?

and as far as the aussie is concerned, that doesn't replace the carrier so i'd be back at the point of having to purchase all that other ****.

 

The only difference in price between the e-locker and detroit would be the cost difference in the units themselves. You don't need an open carrier with the e-locker, the e-locker is a full carrier locker.

 

What he said. They are both carrier replacements. The elocker requires a small amount of wiring but it is very straight forward.

 

I can do the install for you if you would like. Just let me know.