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Aussie locker front 97 2.5L 5speed

4K views 20 replies 8 participants last post by  Mike82 
#1 ·
I have questions about buying this product. I have a 97 2.5l 5 speed wrangler. I want to do the front aussie locker ..what is the one I need ? What's my front diff ? Stuff like that so I don't order the wrong one ..I'm taking it to a pro shop to have installed .so I need to know what part to take them. And is it a good product for the $250 price tag..
 
#2 ·
Aussie locker is very popular among the lunchbox lockers and from others who have more experience than I, it is possibly the best as far as noise and road manners. In other words, you should be happy with it.

You have a lp d30 (low pinion Dana 30) axle unless a new one has been swapped under.
 
#3 ·
I have the Aussie locker in my Dana 30 and I love it. It isn't too loud on the road and it makes a whole big difference when you're on the rocks.
 
#5 ·
What size tires do you run? Is it a daily driver?

If it is a daily driver I wouldn't lock the rear with an automatic locker. Also if you lock your dana 30 with the Aussie I would be cautious about the stock shafts. 33s you might be able to get away with it if you are very careful. 35s I would look into chromoly shafts such as revolution gear and axle.
 
#11 ·
Aussie and Lockright are so similar in design and operation you couldn't tell them apart on the trail or street. Some say the Aussie is somehow a little easier to install but I doubt the difference there is significant. However, Cora at Aussie is a regular contributor here so based on that as the tipping point, I'd go for the Aussie if it were me.
 
#12 ·
That's who i called the other day and ordered front and rear. Thanks again for the number..now the next question is whether I install them or take it to the pros at 4 wheels.. if i take it to them I might as well do my gears at the same time but that's another 1,300 I don't want to part with ..or do it my self and take a chance of something Going wrong then have to tow it to them anyways .never did gears before .I built the whole jeep but it's all bolt on parts nothing that would destroy axles if done wrong
 
#15 ·
I also agree about not locking the D35. Just go with the D30. Install is actually pretty simple for any lunchbox locker. I personally went with the Spartan on my previous axle, before I did complete axle swaps with selectable lockers.

I used the following superb write-up for installing my Spartan. Depending on which locker you go with, substitute the manufacturer's recommendations for actual locker assembly (if not Aussie):

Aussie Locker - Dana 30 Front Axle Installation Write-Up
 
#16 ·
And, with a lunchbox locker, you're not setting up gears. You're simply removing the carrier, inserting the lunchbox locker in place of the spider gears, and re-inserting the carrier. The write-up I mentioned above has explicit instructions for marking and ensuring your ring gear is installed in the same position on the carrier. It also instructs you on how to reinstall the bearing caps on the proper side and proper orientation.
 
#19 ·
HI Folks!

Couple questions going on in this thread:

Install Questions - All you will need is gear oil, gasket maker, and feeler gauges and a dial caliper. Here's a good video install from our friend The Vermont Jeep Girl installing a Dana 35 - in her living room. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uulvxgLoMHg

Dana 35 - The Dana 35 has a bad wrap, but we actually sell tons of these. IMO, running a locker in a Dana 35 with 33" tires is fine, but like with any rig, I would carry spare shafts. We have friends with Dana 35's and 35" tires on stock shafts that rock crawl too. With stock axle assemblies, as long as you don't drive like a rock bouncer, you can have plenty of years of fun.

Lokka - Their website is intentionally misleading to try to steal our customers by using our Trademarked name, Aussie Locker without our permission. Lokka and Aussie Locker are two very different lockers, made to different specifications, made by 2 different companies, out of different materials and have very different warranties. If you want to know more, please feel free to give us a call. It important to us to protect our American jobs and the reputation we have for unequal customer service and quality.
 
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