Detroit C-Locker for Toyota 8"
I noticed all the rear main seals were leaking differential oil. So I replaced them,
and dropped in a locker while I was at it. I also wanted to see what all the hype
was about with this locker thing and all. I mean I know what a locker is and how it
works, but is it really worth it?Requirements:
A little bit of research alwayz helps. Four Wheel Parts wanted $1000 to set my truck
up with a C-Locker, and $1200 for an EZ-Locker (drop in style where you reuse spider
gear housing). The EZ-Locker only runs $250, however, FWP wanted $950 to set it up.
I later found that the cross pin that holds the spider gears into place is being
blocked by the ring gears. The cross pin must come out to remove your old spider
gears so the EZ-Locker can be installed. Making life impossible for the average
person to drop in, not so EZ after all.
I later found out that the whole third member comes out, such as a DROF 9” rear
end. After many phone calls to various locker dealers I concluded that Drivetrain
Direct had the best deal. For $600 (after core charge) I received a whole third
member which includes the third member itself, new gears, Timken bearings, and most
important a Detroit C-Locker. Install:
After deciding the best bang for my buck, and multiple trips to Toyota of Carlsbad,
Kev and I stared ripping stuff apart. Since we were already replacing all the rear
seals, the axles must come out, drum brakes and all. Now about the whole ordeal,
the fact that replacing the third member was just tooooo (that’s five o’s) damn
easy. Scary easy. Twelve (I think) 10mm bolts and a rubber mallet, and the whole
third member falls right out. No having to monkey with having to set the pinion
depth, cuz its already been done.
With a new paper gasket, drop in the new third member, and tightening of the bolts,
you are done. Yes it is that easy! In go the nicely cleaned axles, and tighten
four 14mm bolts behind the drums.
Worst part, having to clean the axle shaft of 10-year-old axle grease. Horrible
Horrible smell! Also, if your going to replace the rear shoes for the brakes,
cuz mine were nicely coated with grease, make sure you have the correct size shoes.
Four wheel drive shoes are big. Auto Zone gave us the wrong ones. Also, buy the
stupid spring tool. If tools make your life easier, buy the freaking tool. Using
a screwdriver, and lots o muscle is very painful. Overall Impression:
After the install, we just had to test it, screw breaking in the new gears. Once
a locker has been install, your driving habit must change. I didn’t think I would
get used to the noise of the locker engaging while on-road. I was a little afraid
of it, but after testing it off-road for the first time, I loved it! Problems/Regrets?
Not re-gearing to 4:56 or even 4:88. I guess if re-gearing is the only regret I
have, I must be damn happy.
Once you let out the clutch, everything decides to engage, reeking havoc on leaf
spring bushings and the driveshaft. Future problems I foresee would be the fact
that the tires will wear twice as fast. Which will just give Sweaty more work to do,
having to rotate tires every 3 to 4 months. We all know how Sweaty feels about work (I
am against it!).
Chirping tires every turn is the only thing that makes me really really really
(that’s 3 really’s) nervous. Cops like pulling people over for exhibition of
speed, only I am doing 10 miles an hour in neutral. It’s kinda cool being able
to do a third gear chip without trying. At least when you explain to the cop
that you have a locker in the rear they are sympathetic cuz they have a Jeep or
what not with a locker as well. Moreover, U-turns are impossible without the
rear end hoppin around. Conclusion:
Awesome on and off-road, go anywhere, traction. Friendly customer service from
Drivetrain Direct. Totally worth it! A definite must for hard-core off-roaders.
DD forgot the third member gasket. Their customer service not only said sorry,
they reimbursed the money, and still sent me the gasket sealer. Way Cool. |