Front Aussie Locker

Introduction

A Front Aussie Locker is a popular upgrade for the Ford Ranger, Bronco II, and Explorer Dana 35 There has been some confusion as to which Aussie part number is the right locker to purchase. This page will hopefully help clarify which locker to order and provide you with tips to help you get it installed.

NOTE: Be sure to read the Aussie manuals and supplements listed at the bottom of this article.

What Is An Aussie Locker

The Aussie Locker is a fully automatic and precision manufactured automatic differential locking device that does not require any manual operation to activate. It does not require any switches, external compressors, electrical cables, air lines, or pneumatic controls. The Aussie Locker relies on a simple and highly innovative mechanical design which makes use of two distinct sets of forces, “ground driven” forces acting on a wheel when cornering (forces the outside of the wheel to turn faster) and the engine driven forces through the drivetrain. The combination of these two sets of opposing forces and the unique Aussie Locker design allow the automatic locking and unlocking of the driving gears when a vehicle turns or requires differential action.

The Aussie Locker is what some people call a ‘Lunchbox Locker’ because it fits inside of your open (non-limited slip) carrier unlike a Detroit, Auburn or ARB locker that replaces the entire carrier.

Which Locker Do I Need

The 1990-1994 Dana 35 TTB used in the Ranger, Bronco II (1990) and Explorer all take the XD-13527 Aussie Locker. According to Aussie Locker, you can confirm this buy checking the BOM number on the back of the right-side axle beam and comparing it to their chart below. The BOM or ‘DANA PN:’ is located in the top left corner of the axle label.

The Dana 35 TTB used in the 1995-1997 Ford Ranger takes the Aussie XD-13530. We know that we’ve had TRS forums members that had to use the XD-13530 in their 1996 and 1997 Ford Ranger, but we haven’t had anyone confirm that the XD-13530 fits the 1995 Ford Ranger.

NOTE: There was a discrepancy in the chart and I corrected it. Aussie listed BOM 610483 as 1995-1997 Ford Explorer but it’s in fact a 1995-1997 Ford Ranger and confirmed through the Dana Parts Catalog.

Ford Ranger / Bronco II / Explorer BOM Numbers XD13527

BOM Number	Vehicle	Axle	Axle Code
610300	1990 Ranger / Bronco	Dana 35	XD-13527
610365	1990–1992 Ranger / Bronco	Dana 35	XD-13527
610366	1990–1992 Ranger / Bronco	Dana 35	XD-13527
610410	1993–1994 Ranger / Bronco	Dana 35	XD-13527
610419	1993–1994 Ford Ranger	Dana 35	XD-13527
610436	1992–1993 Ford Ranger	Dana 35	XD-13527
610483	1995-97 1/2 Ranger w/ABS	Dana 35	XD-13527
610437	1992–1993 Ford Explorer	Dana 35S	XD-13527

 

Ford Ranger / Explorer BOM Numbers XD13530

BOM Number	Vehicle	Axle	Axle Code
610556	1998 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610581	1995–1996 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610582	1995–1996 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610585	1996 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610586	1996 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610642	1998 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610643	1998 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610644	1997 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610645	1998 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530
610652	1997 Ford Ranger	Dana 35	XD-13530
610774	1999 Ford Explorer	Dana 35	XD-13530

 

Why Isn’t The Locker Listed For 1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4×4

Some suppliers list the Aussie XD-13530 for the 1997-2000 Ford Ranger 4×4. From 1998-2000 the Ford Ranger 4×4 used PVH hubs to disconnect the front axle, but from 2001-2011 the Ford Ranger 4×4 used a live front axle. With a live front axle, the locker will try to force both front wheels to turn at the same speed. During a turn on dry pavement (where there is a large difference in the distance the inner and outer wheels travel), this resistance will fight your steering input, potentially causing the truck to push or understeer. This is likely the reason that the locker isn’t listed for the year range.

If you do want a locker in the front of your 201-2011 Ford Ranger 4×4, I would recommend that you: Convert Ford Ranger Live Axles To Manual Hubs

Confirming Fitment

You can verify which Aussie locker will fit your Dana 35 by measuring the spider gear.

• 1.557″ OD = XD-13530 Locker
• 1.617″ OD = XD-13527 Locker

Below you can see where this spider gear (side gear) measured 1.622″ meaning that it needs the XD-13527 Aussie locker.

Locker Not Fitting The Carrier

Due to the overall bigger size of the Aussie Locker compared to others and due to Casting differences of the Dana 35 differential cases, it may be necessary to grind/clearance your carrier during install. Also due to the size of the locker you will not be able to rotate the Cam gears of the locker inside of the case during the installation. For more information see: UPDATE – Dana 35 Clearancing The Carrier.pdf

NOTE: Be sure to read the PDF document. It will reference these photos, but don’t perform the work without reading the document.

Locker not fitting into carrier; will need to be clearanced.

Checking the cross-shaft (pinion shaft) to spacer clearance (.005 – .020)

Sliding the 2nd cam gear in after clearancing the carrier.

Measuring the center gap (.140 – .170).

Aussie Manuals

2022 Aussie Locker Standard Install Manual.pdf

XD-13527 Supplement Dana 35 Ford TTB.pdf

XD-13530 Supplement Dana 35.pdf

XD-13530 XD-13527 Supplement Dana 35.pdf

XD-13527 Dana 35 Model Installation Manual

UPDATE – Dana 35 Clearancing The Carrier.pdf

Aussie Locker Website

Aussie Automatic Locker – Torq-Masters

Price An Aussie Locker

Aussie Locker XD-13527

Aussie Locker XD-13530

Related Discussion / Articles

Which Aussie locker? 1997 TTB (UPDATE)

Installing A Lock-Right Front Locker

Lock Right Locker Installation #1

Installing A Front Locker

Ford 7.5 Lock-Right Install

Picking A Differential For Your Ford Ranger

Locker Comparisons – Understanding Differentials/Lockers

Differentials for Dummies

Gears and Lockers Installation

Ford Ranger 4×4 Front Axles 1983-1997

Convert 2001-2011 Ford Ranger Live Axles To Manual Hubs

1983-2011 Ford Ranger Off-Road Builders Guide