Wolf99XJ

Well went to get some parts for my project XJ and noticed the locker wouldn't disengage, got home and drained it to find out it was really low. It took 4 quarts to fill drove it and still locked, guess I going to crack it open tomorrow and see whats going on. Anyone have this issue it's a 8.25 with 29 spline and an Aussie locker, only thing I noticed lately was a little louder ratcheting sound on turns but no whine.

rctrav

Not sure whats up. But 4 quarts seems high.

EZEARL

Guessing he meant pints? 8.25 takes just under 5 pints.

cruiser54

How did it get that low without anyone noticing?

SteveMongr

I have had a similar problem with an Aussie Locker.
8.25 29 spline.
After driving on the beach for an hour in 4 Lo & 4 Hi and returning to pavement, the locker does not want to unlock.
Shifting to Reverse and stabbing the gas seemed work for unlocking it.
The tolerances are within spec and the locker works great everywhere else.
Cannot pinpoint the exact issue.

cruiser54

But was yours almost empty of gear lube?

Wolf99XJ

Forgot to mention that I drained as much as possible with a hand pump because I misplaced the right sized Allen key to remove drain plug. Also I have a Solid diff cover with a higher fill plug location for extra capacity. I'm just now heading outside to open it up. And also the 8.25 capacity is 4.4 quarts.

EZEARL

4.4 pints

http://www.kelleyswip.com/fluids.html

holycaveman

I would pull the Aussie out and inspect it.

Its possible the pins may be stuck or seized.

If so this could cause it to stay locked.

I had to repair a spartan where the pins were stuck.
Also a sheared center pin wedged the wrong way could possibly cause this.

Wolf99XJ

You are right EZearl I'm so used to saying Quarts, by the way it is the spring pins they are broken. My tire pressure was way off in the rears 15 psi difference, the tire did not look low.

EZEARL

That's called a brain fart. More frequent as you get older. Don't ask me how I know.

So you think unequal tire pressure caused your Aussie problem?

holycaveman

Glad you found it, I had a feeling that was it. I was able to salvage mine.

Wolf99XJ

Actually had some 1/4" steel stock sitting in the garage that is the exact same diameter as the pins so I fabbed up some pins to replace the bad ones. Put them and the springs back in and seemed to work not binding any more. Going to order new ones ASAP.

Wolf99XJ

Yes the tire pressure had to be the cause, constantly binding.

holycaveman

LOL you sound like me.

Nice. mine were seized up, so I took a dremel and got them back in shape.

Been a year now and still working great.


Probably a good idea ordering new ones. I am certain they have to be hardened.