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Spartan locker pooping...


Hagan

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Spartan locker popping...

So I installed a Spartan locker on my 8.8 31 spline axle. It locks great. But it doesn't unlock worth crap. I will be going around a corner around 15mph with the clutch in and coasting out of gear and the locker will pop really loud. Its not my first auto locker but this is my first locker that has been so loud and obnoxious. I actually think it embarrassing. It will do it on gravel or the pavement. It seems like when the axle is cold it doesn't do it but once I start driving it gets worse. I just performed the spin test and in my opinion it failed. I have to spin the tire as fast as possible. And the passenger side spins until it stops but the drivers side spins and catches every time. At this point I'm not really sure what to do. I was hoping the locker would break in and the problem would go away. But after 500 miles I'm getting tired of it. Anyone have any ideas?
 
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did you follow all the instructions when installing it?
when i heard of this problem it was something to do w/ the trust washers or something... i don't remember exactly. let me see if i can remember where i read about that issue w/ the spartan before, but it was some kind of spacing issue. the locker was to tight.

what gear oil are you using? i've heard one person say using super thick stuff can causes it... idk for sure tho.
 

Hagan

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Yeah your not supposed to use the thrust washers on the sides. And I did not use them. I followed the instructions as best as I could...but honestly there isn't much to installing an auto locker.

I'm using 80w-90 gear oil. I will have to check and see if its synthetic/semi synthetic or what.

I was supposed to check the spacing of something on the locker installed but I can't remember what it was or the specs.
 

Hahnsb2

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You're not using a notched cross-pin, are you?
 

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If it has 5.13's in it then there is a notched crosspin.
 

brinker88

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Not unless he trimmed one or 2 of his ring gear teeth like I did. Either way, they should be quiet.

I ran into a problem with my Aussie when shimming it. I had to make custom shims for it because it wasnt to spec. They have to be within the directions specs or it wont work for shit.
 

Hagan

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I'm not using a notched cross-pin. I trimmed the ring gear to fit the cross-pin.

I think your right Brinker the locker has to be in spec. I'm not sure what I'd do if it wasn't because there isn't supposed to be any shims. I guess I could try to flip the sides around. I need to figure out what the specs are supposed to be and where to measure them.
 

Hagan

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I'm not using a notched cross-pin. I trimmed the ring gear to fit the cross-pin.

I think your right Brinker the locker has to be in spec. I'm not sure what I'd do if it wasn't because there isn't supposed to be any shims. I guess I could try to flip the sides around. I need to figure out what the specs are supposed to be and where to measure them.
 

brinker88

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Call the company. They will give you the specs. If you need special shims, go to a big rig suspension shop or truck stop and ask for king pin shims. Take the locker piece with you so you can match the inner diameter up with it.

FWIW, the directions for the Aussie said that some 8.8 carriers will require different size shims depending on what year axle you have and/or what gear ratio even tho there are no carrier breaks. I DID need a thinner shim than the stock one.

I cant even hear the locker engaging/disengaging tho but if I go around a corner and punch it it locks up (no big BANG either) and chirps the tire, usually scaring the hell outa people :D
 
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The Spartan and Aussie are different animals. Both lunchbox lockers but install differently.
 

brinker88

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Yea, Im just pointing out the simularities. You HAVE to check clearances.
 

Hagan

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Just realized I somehow spelled the popping wrong on the title lol.

Anyway, I'm having problems with it everywhere. In parking lots are the worst. I will give it gas and turn sharp and it pops.

Who is the company that makes Spartan???
 

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Hagan

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I just got on Yukons site and read the instruction manual and it says the measurement should be between .145 and .170in between the drivers. It says to measure the distance between the two drivers fully installed...so my question is where do I take the measurement?

I'm going to pop the cover in a couple hours so we'll see what happens.
 

brinker88

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Measure the center gap.
 

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