front "lunchbox" lockers?

[Mark T]

I already installed a detroit in my BB 9" with 31 spline axles, now I want to tackle the front. I was thinking about putting in an "aussie locker" in my dana 44, and then putting in new HD axles. I was watching a You-Tube brodcast of an older bronco whos lock-right was malfunctioning, which is making me question my decision. I just would like to hear about other peoples experiences, plus about my idea of not replacing the new axles at the same time my odds of them getting destroyed? If I was rich it would be an OX, ARB, or elecratrac and this post would not exist. Thanks to anyone who likes to share their real ideas.

 

[Mark T]

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[Yardape]

It all comes down to you, and how deep your wallet is. The cheaper you go the more frequent your repairs will be. I am not saying you should have the money if you want to wheel, just saying no matter what you will have to come up with the cash one way or another if you want to wheel. If you want quality and reliablity, you have no choice but fork it over. If you cheap out you will be replacing parts practically everytime you wheel. Axles are where you should focus your attention first, thats my opinion but if you lock up the front and you dont have good axles, they will snap like nothing. If you get good axles, you can get away with a spool, or even welding the spidergears. There are alot of nay sayers about welding but I have had success, a friend of mine had a low 12 second Maverick with a welded 8inch diff. He raced it for three full seasons, I bought the pumpkin off him and have had it in my daily driven Comet now for 9 years with no problems. The Comet has been parked for the last 2 years but was driven hard for 7 years. I fry the tires at every opportunity and that rear end just laughs it off. If you weld it, make sure you get enough heat, those spiders are very hard, and its even harder to get a deep penetrating weld. Heat it up with a torch to a light cherry red and you should be good, and watch your axles snap like toothpicks. If you are easy on the skinny pedal you might be fine, unlock one hub when you can for tight corners and such.

 

[Broncoholics]

If you want strength why not spool the rear which is cheaper and less moving parts. Only good for off road or you will wear tires on the pavement. I like detroits up front cause they're strong. Keep away from the LocRite.

The pins inside break easily.

The ARB, and OX are good choices if you have the funds but the air lines will eventually give you problems and the OX could need adjusting, what if the cable breaks? I like less moving parts for less failure down the road.

 

[Mark T]

Thanks for the replies: Even though I have read an "expert" say that a lockright would suffice for low budget builders in the front I think that I will split hairs between cheap (lock-right), and expensive (air or ox), and go with another Detroit. I do have to agree that new axle shafts in the front are a must and I will be replacing them when I tackle my Detroit, now only if I could learn to install it myself . I wish I wouldn't have to ask so many questions but I am finding out that to achieve an economical solid trail runner (I live by the Rocky Mountains) that asking questions is very necessary. Like always I keep on learning.........