Rear Diff lock

[tigerchicken]

I got stuck in a snow drift the other day and was very disappointed to find out the hard way that my truck has no diff locks on the axles! I have a 2nd gen 3.0 95 KZN130 SSRX and I understand that some have a limited slip diff at the back but not mine! Bummer.

I've been looking into options to fit an automatic locking diff and have identified three possibilities:

The Aussie Locker
The Lockright by Richmond
and the Detroit Locker
The detroit locker looks waay too expensive (at least from LA Supertrux) and I can't find anyone in the UK that sells the other two. Does anyone know the correct model of the other two for my truck and where I might get them? Also which is best?

Next problem - how easy to fit? I haven't a clue mechanically? Many thanks for all your help

[blackpoolsparks]

well the good news is that its better to have a standard diff as diff locks cant be fit to limited slip.

The Lockright locker would be my choice as easiest to fit.

can get them sent over from the States, for a price of course.

If you've no mechanical ability then some help would be needed

[wishbone]

A set of snow chains may be a lot cheaper
Maybe try and source a whole rear axle with lsd and your gear ratio. Easier than fitting stuff into the diff if you are not into diy mechanics..

Rob.

[tigerchicken]

thanks for both of your replies. Gordon, do you know exactly which model number is good for my truck? It's a KZN130 (Wide body) 95. This page here lists versions for Toyotas but no mention of surfs or 4runners. Much appreciated, Michael

[an1mal_69]

I have both front and rear Aussie lockers sat in customs as we speak. Should be cleared and in my grubby mits this wk sometime. I'll let you know how i get on with fitting, however from research I've done it doesn't seem too tricky..

Nik

[tigerchicken]

Cheers Nik, I'd be interested to know how you get on... good luck!

[dannyboy77]

me too nick! i was looking at the lockers for a long time reading the write ups the potetial protblem i saw with them was about having to keep off the accelerator when going around corners as they lock when get torque increase etc. but when you get them you can do a nice big write up and can see at bala if they work? we can see if brute force or locking diffs are better for getting up a hill

[an1mal_69]

got both diffs in and had a good outing with them on Sun @ Bala.

Install wasnt 'too' bad..If your not confident then dont even think about it tho, there are plenty of opportunities of not being able to put it all back together.

My tolerances were tight but i put it together anyways (the rear) and it didnt work so i pulled it the next day and re-installed taking 0.1mm off each thrust washer, and, which i think may have been the root cause, cleaned the grease off the pins they tell you to use in the assembly docs.

But anyway, initial impressions from driving around..dont really notice its there, slight clicking/ratcheting but you really have to listen for it (cant here it if you're indicating). Not been out in the wet yet so cant comment on that. Managed a few donuts on a nice gravel car park tho..

*need to leave for work, i'll continue later*

[yoshie]

Guy's when you fit one, make sure the back lash is set properly or your new locker might not last to long.

[TonyN]

Guy's when you fit one, make sure the back lash is set properly or your new locker might not last to long.

LOL, the locker will be ok, the ring gear will eat itself in a couple of hundred miles though. Hence the reason I've never offered fitting gears!

[an1mal_69]

pt2..

Install is no more difficult than Zuk's guide here if fact less so as you don't have to strip the ring gear of our 4-pin carriers..but as mentioned, if you're not confident you can do it..dont.! Its not just a case of following instructions you read online, there is some mechanical knowledge req'd.

At Bala last Sunday, I was really impressed with the operation of the lockers, I managed so much in just 2wd. There was one hill i couldn't conquer & that has maybe a 2ft step up halfway up it, airdown with bigger tyres would probably get it. The truck pulled itself through all the deep mud in the woods & the turning circle was fine too. That was my main concern with putting the locker in the front.

One thing I did highlight was the front bars are a bit too stiff, it bounced over some stuff rather than controlled articulation. I run Ironman +2" torsion bars and they may be wound a little too high. I'm going to wind them down a bit now I have the BJ spacers in, see if they soften up.

[BUSHWHACKER]

How hard did customs spank you?

[an1mal_69]

I asked the dealer to put $100 as value, so it was VAT on that + around £8.00 admin charge.

My logic behind that, the package was tracked & very little chance of the contents getting damaged.

Actual cost inc' shipping was just over $600 IRC

[Calos]

I'm leaning towards the aus lockers too an1mal_69, might have to wait a while though, she's determined for a new carpet ..

peace
cal

[an1mal_69]

I'm leaning towards the aus lockers too an1mal_69, might have to wait a while though, she's determined for a new carpet ..

peace
cal

D'oh..pesky carpets. When you're ready..a locker in the rear diff' would deffo be one of the first alterations I made if starting a new truck, if not the first.

Your tyres are pretty low though so I rekon you'll need to fettle those..Have a look at my old set, do you a good price on 'em I was keeping them 'just in case' but i dont think i'm going to need them again..