Its like rough country suspension or any other product. Some people will tell you its absolutely terrible and not worth its weight. Others will tell you that its fine and they haven't had any problems. Me personally I have been out with plenty of people on 3-4 level trails and have yet to see anyone break an axle on a d35. Im not saying there isn't upgrades because I know there are many different axle choices. I'm just saying I have not had any problems nor have I seen any problems with them.

 

The D35's aren't worth spending a single dime on unless its paying someone to remove it! Its like spending money on a LPD30 IMHO not worth it for sure its weaker and lower to the ground than the older HPD30's in the 99's down.


The other question was about Detroit Lockers they are strongest, quietest and fewer problems of any locker made JMO. They are an auto locker and a full case one where as a lunchbox isn't and not as strong not being a full case one. With an auto locker there isn't much to go wrong with them on the trail like with an air or electric both of which do have their drawbacks (loss of air pressure, electrical connection's) along with strong points.


I opted for the Detroit's because of the ease of use and lack of problems that can happen with the others. I had a new set of ARB's and traded my son for his 98 XJ for this set I now have they were new also. I had bought the ARB's very cheap on line with a misprinted ad price before it could be corrected, much less than the Detroit's.


His ARB's has failed several different times twice from the wires being pulled loose running in heavy brush and another in very loose creek gravel almost stuck to the axle and spinning. The last time it was a fuse that popped when engaged them on a hill.

 

Hi Folks, I'm Cora from Aussie Locker and also its President, and I'm here to help answer any questions. We are the original and only Aussie Locker, and we are focused on you, our customers, because we are a company owned and operated by experienced off-road enthusiasts. Our Customer Service and tech support phones are answered 24/7, we are here for you!
Aussie Locker and Lokka are completely separate companies with different locker designs, materials used and model offerings.



All lockers are not created equal. There are a few major things to consider when you purchase a locker: The alloy steel from which it is made, its intended use, the available budget, and the company's customer service and promptness in shipping. What sets Aussie apart from the competition is our steel---the ONLY automatic locker manufactured from 100% certified made in the USA with 9310 hardened alloy steel. Lower grade alloys, while less expensive, also can equate to shorter life. Additionally, the Aussie Locker is the only automatic locker manufactured in a world-class ISO9001 certified CNC machining facility. Competitive lockers are all manufactured in foreign countries and imported.


As for intended use, Aussie Lockers are great for everyone from the beginning wheeler to rock crawling competitions to racing – all of which we do with our Aussie Locker promotional vehicles. As for budget---We know our customers want the best locker for their dollar, and we are doing that with American made products.


Don’t be fooled by Copycats. There is only one Aussie Locker---the Original Aussie Locker, now being Made in the USA, with the best materials in the industry.

 

if i was considering a lunchbox, i would get the aussie just because of their response to this thread.

 

I agree on that one

 

Thanks guys! As a company owned by an Ofroader, I know what good customer support is worth, so I want to provide that to our customers!

Check out our FB page for pictures and video of our Aussie's in Action. I just made a cool video of our new budget race truck's first race. Super fun!

 

I was actually going to get a Spartan until that post. I'm very impressed and look forward to using your product in the future. Thank you.

 

I for one DON'T think you need to jump in ***** deep and regear and lock both ends to get out on the trails. If $$$ was no object, that would be an option. obviously, thats not the case.

a mild lift (3") will work well with 31" tires.
31s also work ok with 3.55 stock gear ratio.
lock one end (pick one, I like rear locked first. front will be like its not there until you go into 4x4) and you dramatically increase off-road capability.
spend a little on some good tires and you're in business. You could wheel this setup for years and have a ton of fun doing it. then save up for air lockers, big lifts, bigger tires and the gears to turn them. Hell you could do a v8 swap too, but do you need it? absolutely not.

 

I'm running a manual so my current gearing is 3.07, which even isn't the greatest for my 28s and also I already have my 4.5" lift and 32s

 

Hello. I hope someone is still looking at this thread. I finally got my quote back for regearing. It should be about $1300. I'll be gearing it to 4.56.
My question is, does that change the way the lunchbox locker is installed. I've heard that once you go to 4.56 you have to take out the ring gear to gt the locker in?

 

Hi Nildnas, the best situation would be to install the locker during the regearing process, but if you choose to install the locker afterwards, the thicker ring gear will be in the way of the cross pin. Our recommendation in these situations is to grind down the toe of the gear tooth interfering with the cross pin. This is the quickest way to remove the cross pin and is a common practice with our installers.

 

All of my ARBs over the years have been awesome. If you route your lines properly, you'll never have an issue with them. (not ripping your fuel lines/brake lines apart are you?) I did finally ruin the copper line on the inside of mine (Along with all the bearings) a few weeks ago but that was not it's fault and has not ever happened to me before.

Selectable is definitely the way to go if you can spend the cash. LSDs/autos are terrible on ice... people say you can learn how to drive with them yada-yada- I find them terrifying lol. I would never get one that is always locked for any reason (Had a welded diff in a previous XJ- no fun and destroyed tires).

Any of the big brands will do you well-

Rear locker will help you more than a front when going up hill and the majority of your XJs weight is on it's rear axle. For me, that is really the only time I need a locker (going up something) other than snow/mud and either will work fine for that. Neither is a bad choice.

 

understood. then a regear and lock all at once would be the best bet for you.

Totally understand the pro's of selectables on ice. I live in Texas so that decision was an easy one for me.

 

Very informative response. Thanks a ton!