Full-case locker or lunchbox?

[Nimrod]

In a C8.25 rear axle, is there an advantage to a full case automatic locker over a lunchbox locker? Smoother cornering on pavement, maybe? Anything else? All thoughts are welcome, but I'd be especially interested in hearing from anyone who has actually both and has a basis for comparison based on first-hand experience. Thanks!

 

[93gc40]

Depends on if the full case unit is really a locker or if it is really a LSD. Typically the full case units are smother in operation on the street.

 

[87manche]

if doing full case, do selectable.

if it's still a mechanical locker (i.e. Detroit) it will behave the same.

I'd do a full case if I had the money and I was doing a complete regear. If you're not regearing, then toss a lunchbox in. They're not that bad. Chuck some 140w oil in the diff to quiet it down a little.

 

[Nimrod]

Thanks, but I'm not considering a LSD at all.

I have a Lock Right lunchbox in my D35 now, and I have no complaint about it at all. But I'll be upgrading to a C8.25 axle next week and am trying to decide if upgrading to a Detroit full-case locker or something similar is worth the premium ($) over slapping in another lunchbox.

 

[Nimrod]

if doing full case, do selectable.

I absolutely understand the wisdom of this advice. I run an Ox in my D30 up front and love it. But a selectable is even more pricy than a Detroit automatic, and I'm trying not to go too crazy.

 

[87manche]

I absolutely understand the wisdom of this advice. I run an Ox in my D30 up front and love it. But a selectable is even more pricy than a Detroit automatic, and I'm trying not to go too crazy.

If you're not regearing then just toss another lockrite in it. the 8.25 case is plenty strong. I've got a 29 spline in the wife's with a lockrite. It does things a jeep on 30's shouldn't and it's her DD.

 

[Nimrod]

If you're not regearing then just toss another lockrite in it.

Actually, I am regearing to 4.56:1, and moving from 32 inch tires to 33s. I'm not sure I understand your point about regearing though? Are you saying that I'll risk having regrets down the road if I don't go the full Monty, so to speak, while the axle's being built?

 

[VAhasnoWAVES]

hes saying that its cheaper/easier to do a gear and case locker install at one time, then having to dive into it more than once, doing each seperately.

if you have a manual, you will love having a real locker. my rear spartan worked well and was considerably quieter than my front aussie, but i destroyed it in a year (due to driveline shock i think). i replaced it (and my 8.25) with a 9" that was already equipped with a yukon. F'in love it. much quieter and smoother in every scenerio. doesnt even chirp tires in corners unless i tell it to, if you know what i mean.

ill never buy a lunchbox again, it was that big of a difference for me. if i were to do just one auto locker, it would definitely be in the front. i dont think youd regret not going selectable as much as you would putting a lunchbox in in the rear.

 

[Rod Knee]

I have run both a powertrax no-slip and a detroit in my c8.25 and was/am happy with both of them. I currently have the detroit as I had it installed at the time I regeared to 456. As long as you keep reminding yourself its back there and drive accordingly you are fine, and I say that as someone who lives in ice/snow country. I've been on too many runs with people who have stopped on the trail to try and figure out why their selectable is not engaging to go that route. But then again, I am a disciple of the KISS principle.

 

[Rod Knee]

BTW, if you have the np242 you may not want an auto locker in front.

 

[VAhasnoWAVES]

just a thought... you have a front ox and arent geared?

if thats the case, and your currently on the wrong side of the carrier break, that sucks. itll be useless when you go 4.56.

 

[Nimrod]

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful.

Rod: I do have an NP242, and am aware of the conflict between that transfer case and a non-selectable locker. And I do use my full time 4 wheel drive now and then. In any event, my front axle is squared away, other than the regearing that it is about to undergo.

No Waves: I bought the rig from the guy who had the Ox installed. He was running 31 inch tires and the 3.55 gearing was suitable. I should have regeared when I moved up to 32 inch tires, but I didn't. Next week this will be remedied.

 

[VAhasnoWAVES]

and your going to 4.56s?

 

[Nimrod]

Yep.

 

[VAhasnoWAVES]

i feel that you are unaware that there is a carrier break, and your current ox will not work with 4.56 gears...


is this the case?

 

[Nimrod]

Yes, I am aware that I need to change the carrier case on the Ox in the front D30. I will be ordering the correct carrier case from Ox tomorrow.

I was only seeking opinions regarding the type of locker to install in the rear C8.25 axle. Thanks.

 

[Rod Knee]

also-whether you have auto or manual transmission might influence your decision...

I understand that an auto locker combined with a auto transmission is smoother than an auto locker/manual trans...

 

[souske]

Thick cut gears?

 

[Vanimal]

almost said that Sean, but i didnt see any from the usual sources for a d30.

 

[Nimrod]

I appreciate that everyone is trying to be helpful, but this thread has gone astray. I do not need any help, advise, or opinions about my D30. I am considering what locker to buy for the C8.25 rear axle. And I think I have all the guidance at this point that I need. Thanks again.