Lunchbox locker clearance

[Bryan B]

Hi guys. I'm looking to install a lunchbox locker in my front differential on my 99 Ranger, it's a Lokka locker. I had to remove the side gear thrust washer to get the recommended clearance from the center pin. That ended up making my center gap between the locker .011 wider than what is called out. That would mean I need about a .006 washer on either side gear.

So a couple of questions, do you think the .011 over spec matters? Can I find a .006 washer?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[00t444e]

How is it with both of them in?

 

[Bryan B]

How is it with both of them in?

I'm not 100% sure of your question. I don't have the washers to install, that is why my gap is a little wider than spec.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm not 100% sure of your question. I don't have the washers to install, that is why my gap is a little wider than spec.

This is a WAG. Wild Ass Guess, on my part. I have never looked at one. Going from the pic I would say that there will be slightly less spring tension pushing the lockers together, so they will disengage easier. No idea if that hurts or not.

 

[00t444e]

I'm not 100% sure of your question. I don't have the washers to install, that is why my gap is a little wider than spec.

What do you mean you don't have the washers? You use the ones that were behind the side gears.

 

[Bryan B]

What do you mean you don't have the washers? You use the ones that were behind the side gears.

Sorry, I have the existing washers, I just don't have the washers that I need to get to the recommended clearance.
If I use the existing side gear washers, I'm nearly touching the cross pin, which is to close, and the final gap between the locker is way to small, I believe it was somewhere around .145 when minimum it's supposed to be .189.

 

[00t444e]

Try it with the existing washers.

 

[Curious Hound]

Sorry, I have the existing washers, I just don't have the washers that I need to get to the recommended clearance.
If I use the existing side gear washers, I'm nearly touching the cross pin, which is to close, and the final gap between the locker is way to small, I believe it was somewhere around .145 when minimum it's supposed to be .189.

A local machine shop with a surface grinder can make your existing washers thinner or even shave just a little bit off the sides of the locker that contacts the washers. Must take off even amounts from both sides.

 

[superj]

maybe these is a master spacer kit available from jegs or summit for what you are doing? or maybe you can get just the size washers you are looking for from them?

we have a machine at work for cutting shims and spacers to the thickness we need for the gearboxes we build but i know most shops couldn't afford that kind of stuff so they would have to buy kits or single sets from somewhere

 

[Bryan B]

Thanks for the replay's. I've talked to a local shop here that can hopefully cut me the washers I need. If they decided they can't do it then maybe I will see about grinding down the existing.
I've never looked into something like this and as thin as I need the washers I'm not sure what is realistic.

 

[BlackBII]

Some quick googling found this site where you can buy thrust washers in varying thicknesses. I imagine there are few places to get them

THRUST WASHER PAIR – CUSTOM AND STOCK THICKNESS – Torq-Masters

torqmasters.com

 

[Bryan B]

Some quick googling found this site where you can buy thrust washers in varying thicknesses. I imagine there are few places to get them

THRUST WASHER PAIR – CUSTOM AND STOCK THICKNESS – Torq-Masters

torqmasters.com

I did come across this earlier and looking at their information wasn't sure they could make the thin enough washer that is was looking for, but I should probably ask and not make an assumption. Thanks for pointing this out.

 

[fastpakr]

Try it with the existing washers.

He's said multiple times that he did that and there isn't enough clearance.

 

[Bryan B]

Does anyone have any experience that would say having it .011 put of tolerance would matter? That's what it is out with no washers in at all.

 

[Curious Hound]

Does anyone have any experience that would say having it .011 put of tolerance would matter? That's what it is out with no washers in at all.

It will work. But isn't ideal. It has to do with the way the center pin pushes the side pieces apart. It would be best to get it as close as possible.

With not enough clearance, the locker will mot separate and unlock when you need it to. With too much vlearance, it will be sloppy and may promote premature wear of the cross pin. If seriously in doubt, ask the manufacturer. They should be able to explain why that clearance range is required or recommended.