HELP!!! Aussie locker install gone WRONG!?!
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,316
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From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
ok so here it goes.....i got an Aussie Locker for my 29 spline 8.25. yesterday my rear end felt like it was slipping, and started leaking, so today i decide to install my locker....bad idea
well little did i know i had a Limited Slip 8.25...examining everything closely i could see one of the thrust washers was cracked, so i removed the spider gears, side gears, thrust washers and clutch packs. well one of my thrust washers was broke in half!
no wonder my rear end was slipping....
well i needed them so i started hunting around....so i called Steve at the local 4x4 shop to see if they had one and got talkin about what i was doin and he informed me that a lunchbox locker will NOT work in a limited slip carrier...i didnt know this...
after the stint of cussing i said ok....how about just the thrust washers so i can put my LSD back together...well i can only get the clutch packs( which doesnt include the thrust washers) or a whole new carrier....
he also said he might have the carrier from an open diff 29 spline 8.25....
if this is true can i just swap carriers and install my locker?
im new to differential work (like ya cant tell....) so i would have to set the backlash if i swapped carriers correct? and am i even able to swap out the LS carrier for an open carrier?
sorry for the long post.....im lost as to what to do...my jeep is my DD and i really cant afford this right now
well little did i know i had a Limited Slip 8.25...examining everything closely i could see one of the thrust washers was cracked, so i removed the spider gears, side gears, thrust washers and clutch packs. well one of my thrust washers was broke in half!
well i needed them so i started hunting around....so i called Steve at the local 4x4 shop to see if they had one and got talkin about what i was doin and he informed me that a lunchbox locker will NOT work in a limited slip carrier...i didnt know this...
after the stint of cussing i said ok....how about just the thrust washers so i can put my LSD back together...well i can only get the clutch packs( which doesnt include the thrust washers) or a whole new carrier....

he also said he might have the carrier from an open diff 29 spline 8.25....
if this is true can i just swap carriers and install my locker?
im new to differential work (like ya cant tell....) so i would have to set the backlash if i swapped carriers correct? and am i even able to swap out the LS carrier for an open carrier?
sorry for the long post.....im lost as to what to do...my jeep is my DD and i really cant afford this right now
CF Veteran


Joined: May 2008
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From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
You can swap in a non LS carrier, but you'll need to reset the pattern. Probably cheaper to just get another axle with no LS and throw the locker in... unless your already geared.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
what is "reset the pattern?'' exactly....
and chrysler 8.25's are near impossible to find here so....
im almost thinking im going to have to purchase a new LS carrier for the rear, sell my 8.25 Aussie locker and get one for my D30...just keep my LSD until i find a a non LS 8.25" to lock....
but even if i do that wont i have to set the backlash anyway being as im removing the carrier?
and chrysler 8.25's are near impossible to find here so....
im almost thinking im going to have to purchase a new LS carrier for the rear, sell my 8.25 Aussie locker and get one for my D30...just keep my LSD until i find a a non LS 8.25" to lock....
but even if i do that wont i have to set the backlash anyway being as im removing the carrier?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
ya if the worn parts were available that would be the simplest solution. cant get just the thrust washers...which leaves me getting a new LS carrier or a non LS rear end....new carrier seems to be whats gonna happen...
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
dunno any machine shops...im gonna look into that tho....
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CF Veteran
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From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
your best bet would be to hit up a junkyard and grab the ls parts and install them into your carrier. that way you won't need to reset backlash.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
well just got back from High Mountain 4x4 and got a clutch pack, and some used thrust washers so im set!
anyone wanna buy an Aussie Locker for a 29 spline 8.25? or trade for a locker for a D30?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
Seasoned Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Wy & OK
Year: 83 CJ7 & '96 XJ & '97 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 258ci, 4.0 & 4.0
Another thought Tannerp39, as I recall you have said in the past that you may want to change your gear ratio, that being said make sure you throw that info out when buying a carrier, I remember in the past when I've moved past 4.10 gears on a detroit locker it took a different unit, it may not even be an issue with your axle but it's worth asking when buying the parts and for future projects.


