Dana 30 locker advice

[nondem]

So, I'm still not 100% decided on which & and how much lift I want to do but in the meantime I got the approval from the wife to spend the cash for a front locker. Before I pull the trigger I thought I should ask for advice/opinions about my plan. I am thinking of getting the US Standard Gear/Spartan locker for a 27 spline Dana 30. I see there is a generic version(Sylvan) for about $60 less on Amazon but I'm willing to pay the extra for a brand name assuming it really matters.
I read good things about pretty much all of the major brands but all the lunchbox-types sure look nearly identical. Some of them cost almost as much as more complicated/better locker designs.
I've got 3.73 gears - which I believe I read means I don't need a new carrier or anything else beyond the kit assuming I don't find any carnage when I pull it apart. I don't expect to since this jeep has pretty much never been off-road afaict.

This is a near-20 year old all original jeep w/130k miles and I'm a little concerned the seals will start leaking if I disturb them when I pull the axles out enough to install the locker. I have swapped a couple of diffs out before but don't have the skillset to set the gears up or I would go ahead and replace all of the bearings/seals while I'm in there. I think I will get one of those reusable cover gaskets though(Lubelocker etc...).

I've watched several youtubez of the install process so I think I should have no problem doing it. As I said, I'd appreciate anyone's input and advice on what to buy and how to go about this.

 

[CharlesHS]

You should consider changing the axle seals IF they are the originals and inspect the Unit bearings for play...

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'd go with the Aussie. But if you don't want your lunchbox locker to make clicking/ratcheting sounds during low speed turns, spend a bit more and get the No-Slip lunchbox locker made by Powertrax. It is silent through turns.

 

[cjindna]

Silent to the driver sitting in the Jeep, windows up, a/c on, and the sweet sounds of NPR… meanwhile the good people at HomeDepot look at you like you must be lost looking for the WalMart parking lot as you turn into that up front parking spot.

Regardless of the “noise”, the benefits outweigh the cons if you need an inexpensive traction device in the front axle.

 

[nondem]

Thanks for the info...This Jeep will be strictly for off-road...no DD. Looks like the Spartan comes w/a hardened shaft where others may not come w/the shaft at all...that's a selling point for sure because I dunno what I have till I pull it apart. Having said that - the clicking is a concern - not for the noise(who cares) but something that makes noise would seem to be wearing more than something that is quiet till it's being used? I'm prolly overthinking it. They say the noise is normal and this thing won't see 1000 miles a year. My last off-road machine(SxS) only saw 2400 miles on the clock after 4 years of use. Of course that was 100% off road.
This Jeep will see the same use patterns mostly. Off roading the woods around my house and trips to the mountains for rocks.

 

[CONJOB]

I heard some good advice the other day. “Make sure your differential is pretty much indestructible. Not an easy trail fix. Nobody wants a broken axel but it is easier to fix on the trail.

I am searching the forum for a good diff/axel/gear recipe. Found a bunch, I would like to drive some other TJs with different gearing.
Good Luck

 

[RHanna]

I installed a torq locker. Really simple setup and less parts than most. My most difficult part was pulling the carrier out. There is a trick using a wrench and twisting the driveshaft or something. I couldn’t get it to work but apparently it make it a lot easier. Just make sure you keep track of the carrier brackets and the shims if you have to reuse them for whatever locker you chose. I like the lubelocker and was fortunate that the prior owner used it. May be a good time to get a diff skid plate.

and make sure you mark the ring so it goes back exactly like it was before

 

[RHanna]

And you get used to the clicking. You get weird looks but it’s ok

 

[L J]

Having said that - the clicking is a concern - not for the noise(who cares) but something that makes noise would seem to be wearing more than something that is quiet till it's being used? I'm prolly overthinking it. They say the noise is normal and this thing won't see 1000 miles a year.

I wouldn't worry about the clicking at all. It's part of the design. I put over 100,000 miles on a rear Detroit locker in my Toyota 4x4 truck that clicked and banged.

 

[Claybirdd]

I love my Aussie locker, yeah it's noisy but when it's locked it is rock solid. Every time I pull in somewhere people think my front end is about to grenade though.

 

[nondem]

Thanks again for all of your input!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I wouldn't worry about the clicking at all. It's part of the design. I put over 100,000 miles on a rear Detroit locker in my Toyota 4x4 truck that clicked and banged.

Was that their lunchbox locker or their full-on Detroit Locker? My rear Detroit Locker was very well behaved, it only "banged" once in a very great while.

 

[L J]

Was that their lunchbox locker or their full-on Detroit Locker? My rear Detroit Locker was very well behaved, it only "banged" once in a very great while.

full

 

[AidenC]

I love my Aussie locker, yeah it's noisy but when it's locked it is rock solid. Every time I pull in somewhere people think my front end is about to grenade though.

Is the ausie locker in you Dana 30? Can you send a link