Installing lunchbox locker in front diff

It's still going to cause the front driveshaft to spin even in 2wd when going down the highway. The only way to get rid of that is by going to manual hubs.

 

yes but what issues would that cause?

 

Unessicary wear and tear on your transfer case? Shitty drivability on pavement?

Think about it dude....go out in your truck, put it in 4HI and drive around town for a day like that. It's going to suck ass. Regardless of your ADD switch or not. Didn't you say you have a lunchbox in the rear as well?

 

so I have front diff laying around with 4.88s and an Aussie in it. I plan on putting it in once I have the funds to regear the rear.

So I'm not sure I follow the extra wear and tear. I get that the drive shaft will be turning because of the locker but what is it really wearing in the transfer case if it is not engaged? How would it be comparable to driving in 4hi when no power is put to the front? To me it sound like the diff would still be allowing the wheels to spin independent of each other.

 

The front diff is disconnected from transfer case when in 2wd. The driveshaft does not spin when moving. With the locker installed in will spin the driveshaft maybe causing some wear on ujoints but it will drive the same.

 

This is incorrect. The whole idea of a lunchbox locker is that it is disengaged unless power is going through it. What you are saying is true of a spool, not a true locker.

Unless 4wd is engaged the locker will act like an open diff.

 

Theres not enough resistance to make it unlock. If there was youd be driving the truck with a constant CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK. Ive talked with a couple people on here with add and a lunchbox and they said it couldnt be heard in 2wd.

 

Capetaco has one in his 1st gen. Truck drives normally in 2wd. Every once in a while you hear it, but not all the time. He's not on much anymore, you could shoot him a pm and ask specific questions.

@capetaco

 

Lunchbox lockers are actually always locked unless there's enough force to unlock them, just look at a picture of one, the springs in the center are constantly pressing the teeth into each other so unless there's enough force to overcome the springs then its locked. That being said in 2 wheel it should drive perfectly normal even with the driveshaft spinning, only extra wear would be that of bearings and u joints turning more than they normally would.

you going to do the install yourself? If so maybe document it if you could. Me and a buddy have been thinkin about doin it but have never been inside of a clamshell diff so dont know what to expect. I did however install a lock rite in my rear diff about 3 weeks ago and it was a piece of cake.

 

You should look into a LSD diff for the front. Like the eaton http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/review/product/list/id/5307/
Lunch box lockers are good if you have manual locking hubs. You can lock only 1 of your hubs and have a lot better steering. Then if you get in a pinch or need extra traction you can lock the other hub.

 

Now for some time to put it in.






All that fuss over this.

 

yup. As far as install goes i believe the only difficult part is having to remove ring gear same as installing one in the 8.4 rear. Gona have to order one of my own soon

 

I finally got it in the diff yesterday and the diff in last night. Initial thoughts are what was to be expected. It's locked and behaves that way. It'll ratchet when coasting and turning and will bind up when turning and cruising or accelerating.

I took a few pics and will throw together some sort of DIY or something if anyone cares. As usual, hit some snags and overcame them with money and determination. I've been up since 5am yesterday and it's 6pm now. But I got a lot done. Lunchbox in, resealed oil pan, jacked up 5100s, rotated tires, greased up, installed a winch and some home brew welding lead wiring.

 

I'd still be interested in pics and info on opening up the front diff if your up for doin the write up when you got some free time.

 

It's not too much, but I did document a few issues that I encountered.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aussie-locker-lunchbox-locker-cliff-notes.386676/