Lockers... learning!

[Nemesis_y2k]

So if I add lockers to my diff, is that not the same as welding the thing??? Its constantly locked? If so, why not weld it, its cheaper and as or almost as reliable, no?

If I'm wrong, then... how do lockers work? Thank you! :)

Also, what's the stock transfer case gearing?

Thanks...

The N00b.

[MLC]

most locker's will unlock going around a turn ...my lock rite does unless i'm on the fuel pedal

[Nemesis_y2k]

So it unlocks on the road and locks under load when offroad? That would be awesome... What's the good and bad of lockers? Get them for rear and front or just rear?

Any info on how they work would be appreciated. I like to know how this stuff works before I buy it :)

[zc911]

it feels cool when it doesn;t unluck going around the corner :D

[Depot]

Ur typical locker engages when load is applied via the gas pedal. When ur coasting the locker disengages.

IMHO lockers are a pain in the ass on road when making sharp turns. they click a few times then BANG, they engage, giving u a sudden jolt. U have to learn to back off the gas when making turns to avoid that.

D

[Nemesis_y2k]

That's not good, I love giving her through corners, even with the sidekick... moreso with the sunfire... but I just can't get enough of corners :P

No lockers it is...

[MuddMachine]

Here is a few pics of a lockrite.......

Air lockers (http://www.arbusa.com) are mighty cool too but $$$ !


:D

[Mudball]

Honestly, as was posted above, they are a PITA. if your truck is not a daily drive though, you can't really beat the cost/performance of a lockrite style locker. If you want the best of both, go with the ARB's. You lock them when you need it, and unlock them when you don't. All from the flick of a switch.

I'm saving my pennies for a set right now. ;)

At the moment, I have my rear end welded and front end open. It's not that bad. The tire wear factor is obviously a bit higher, but not as bad as I would have thought. I have now put 3500 kms on the truck of 95%+ street driving and not noticed anything I would consider beyond ordinary wear.

[zc911]

i miss the clack, clack clack, BANG i sounded like a tank going around a corner haha

[Nemesis_y2k]

Hey Mudball(domo) hehe. How long would it take to drop my diff and tear it appart and weld that do you think? A day at most? I'm not doing anything sunday :D Hehe. I might just do that :) Oh but... we're going offroading SATURDAY :(

Might as well ask here...
About the idler arm, Calmini refers to powersteering...
**Calmini**
A very simple, yet very effective part. This bracket creates a double shear mounting support for the very vulnerable idler arm assembly. When you're up against a rock, the force from power steering can bend or break the arm's pivot shaft. This kit provide a quick and easy prevention solution for this problem. A must if you do any serious off roading.
**Calmini**

Would I also benefit from this brace being as I have no PS? And what exactly IS the idler arm, what's its function and what happens if it bends? I think I want the sky manufacturing one... with the brace... if its something that I need to upgrade.

thanks guys... real noob here when it comes to offroading :)

[MLC]

i made mine and yes u should have one p/s or not....it holds one end of u'r center link the pitman arm holds the other end (pitman arm is connected to u'r steering box )the tierods are attached to the center link if the idler arm bends or brakes off the frame u will be screwed (if it bends it will be hard to keep on the road )

[Nemesis_y2k]

sounds good, i located it tonight on the truck while doing oilchange, stripping carpet, and fixing my glove box :)

you made a bracket or your own stronger arm?

[Mudball]

Dropping a 3rd member is easy as pie on the Sammi's and Kicks.

To weld it however... I can weld, but have no experience with the proper way to weld a diff. Also for winter, I would have a second 3rd member ready to swap in (preferably opendiff). A locked rear end is suicide in the snow.

Just pick up another gearset and weld that. Then when it comes time to put it in, your down time is basically 0 and you'll already have your open diff ready for winter.

[Nemesis_y2k]

My uncle has done it before and is welding my rear diff tomorrow before we go out with OVO on sunday. But you're saying, keep a spare open diff and swap it in for winter? Sounds like a great plan actually, e-bay has a bunch :)

So, what's the likelyhood of me breaking drive shafts?

[MuddMachine]

But you're saying, keep a spare open diff and swap it in for winter? Sounds like a great plan actually, e-bay has a bunch :)

Nevermind eBay, Talk to the OVO boys, guaranteed someone can help you out with a 3rd member.

;)