CrawlerXJ

Double post

CrawlerXJ

Glad it worked!

Outlaw Star

X2 and Welcome to the forum.

Elexwiz

I have an Aussie and mine sounds like the front end is falling apart! I have less than 200 miles on this locker. Installed in May, 2 days later took her to Uwharrie for Memorial Day weekend where I didn't really pay attention to the noise coming from either locker. Too busy fixing my damn cooling system problems! Anyway, since being home I've driven her a bit. Less than 100 miles. When slowly turning it's LOUD. When backing up and turning, as when backing out of the driveway, the front end actually binds a bit! I talked to another local XJ driver (who doesn't have a front locker) and he said it's because of the reverse cut gears in the HP D30. Any truth to that theory? Is this about normal for a brand new locker?

P.S. During installation I triple-checked all clearances with a digital caliper, same as the rear installation. The diff is filled with 75W-140 synthetic.

rompnXJ

when my front aussie was new, it was a bit noisey & clankey, so was the rear. 500-ish offroad miles later, the front is dead quiet and the rear is still noisey. not as noisey but still pretty darn noisey. they both work great so i dont mind it.
i've heard some people go to a slightly heavier weight diff oil and get it to quiet down a good bit. wouldnt be a bad idea to pop the cover off and have a look in there anyway.

Elexwiz

Thanks! I'm gonna take a look and check my the gaps again.

schirm

I installed an Aussie in my 2000 xj d30 back in February. I did notice some noise and minimal binding at very low speeds with sharp turning. Like parking. I went to thicker gear oil (85-140) and that quieted it down to the point that I forget it's there in 2wd. That being said, I do know that carrier condition and wear will have a big effect on lunch box locker function. However, when in two wheel drive the front Aussie is supposed to ratchet freely and function the same as an open diff because the cross shaft is not putting torque to the cam gears. So, you might want to think about checking your transfer case function? I'm not sure how much you are binding but maybe you have torque going to your front even in 2wd? I've had xj transfer case shift linkage loosen up and not shift in and out of 4wd until I tightened it up. IDK, I'm just throwing out ideas. Also, my d30 is also HP and that should function as good or even better then low pinion with Aussies.

MadMatt

So another update that is kinda strange to me. A little story first.
I installed my front locker before I had done any other mods to the Jeep, no lift, no tires, nothing. I noticed that ya it made noise when turning, but nothing to serious, just a loud clicking sound.
Well after some time decided it's time to lift it. Went ahead and installed a 5" lift, running stock AT tires and rims (goofy as hell looking). After the lift was installed the locker (maybe in my head) got way louder, not just clicking but violently clunking and banging. Friends confirmed this too tho.
So went with some suggestions and changed oil to a 75w140 which made it a bit quieter but still loud, especially when turning left.
Well today I put on some new shoes. 33x12.5x15 rims and tires. No word of a lie the locker is almost unheard now. From the time I pulled in (bang bang) pull out with new tires and rims (click click). I can only think that the bigger tires took some stress off the axles causing it to unload properly. Where as the lift with the stock pizza cutters left it overly stressed on the axles. Defintely shooting from the hip on that theory lol. I even went grabbed a buddy and went for a rip who knew what it sounded like and asked him. He was like wtf did you do to stop the noise lol.
All I care is that bigger tires made it ride better & steer better. Weirdness. I'll post a new video soon as I can just to show that i'm not a complete looney tune haha