Lunchbox locker issue?

[Cajuncrawler]

So, i just test drove my 1999 TJ after rebuilding the front differential and replacing all bushings, tie rod ends, adjustable track bar, restoring factory pitman and track bar mount, new ball joints and axle u joints. I also installed a spartan locker.
Good news is driving straight it’s wonderful. Bump steer and death wobble are gone and its tight and quiet.
But, on sharp turns (70 a 90 degree) I am getting substantial clunking. As if something is holding it from turning then it releases suddenly. I lifted the front off the ground and it turns fine without catching. I inspected after driving several miles and no sign of wear or rubbing.
Could it be the locker? It does kind of feel like driving on pavement in 4 low.
Also, the front drive shaft is removed currently.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Lunchbox lockers will make a clicking or ratcheting sound when turning. It's the nature of how they work.

 

[Bigfoot-NM]

What weight oil are you using in your front diff ?

 

[Cajuncrawler]

What weight oil are you using in your front diff ?

80- 90

 

[Cajuncrawler]

Lunchbox lockers will make a clicking or ratcheting sound when turning. It's the nature of how they work.

This is definitely more than a click. It enough to jerk the front end in a ratchet movement

 

[97JadeTJ]

I put Spartan locker in my Dana 30 and I hated it… When turning through parking lots, at slow speed it would bind up and release and sound like a ujoint breaking… I had a gentleman come up to me in a parking lot and tell me my front end was falling apart… Scared old people and children in the parking lot at Walmart!… A lot of people love them, but I wasn’t one of them… …. Here’s everything you want to know…

https://www.google.com/search?q=spa...HWSXB4YQrQIoBHoECBIQBQ&biw=1128&bih=738&dpr=2

 

[JMT]

This is definitely more than a click. It enough to jerk the front end in a ratchet movement

Bust it open and see what’s going on. Clicking, ratcheting is normal, but jerking is not.

 

[Cajuncrawler]

“Binding and releasing” “sounds like unjoints breaking” that is a good description.
Guess I will have to open it up. Ugh.
The assembly was quite simple. Not sure how I could have messed it up.

 

[Bigfoot-NM]

80- 90

A few years ago I installed a Torq locker in my Dana 30 and it did the same thing. I used 80w90. I contacted the manufacturer and they recommended 85w140 conventional. I used this oil and it stopped the locker from banging on tight slow turns.

Not saying it will work for you but it might be worth a try.

 

[97JadeTJ]

“Binding and releasing” “sounds like unjoints breaking” that is a good description.
Guess I will have to open it up. Ugh.
The assembly was quite simple. Not sure how I could have messed it up.

You probably didn’t mess anything up… They’re cheap, their effective and they’re easy to install, but for a daily driver, you’re gonna have to be able to deal with the ratcheting, binding, and popping… I also found out they dont preform well in snow when in 4wd… I don’t know if that matters to you…ymmv

 

[JMT]

“Binding and releasing” “sounds like unjoints breaking” that is a good description.
Guess I will have to open it up. Ugh.
The assembly was quite simple. Not sure how I could have messed it up.

Yeah, it always sucks to have to go “back in.” The 85w-140 will keep the gear teeth from meshing so tightly. Usually recommended for those who tow with their rig. Maybe it will help, but you’ll be in there anyway, so checking things over is the way through.

 

[97JadeTJ]

This is the one that I’ve heard good things about and it supposed to be quiet…

https://www.amazon.com/Powertrax-9204302700-No-Slip-Traction-System/dp/B00IVQPMGC?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Claybirdd]

Mine did the same thing with an Aussie locker until I changed to 85 -140 and broke it in. Now it's smooth with just clicking.

 

[Cajuncrawler]

Thanks for all the feedback

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Not all lunchbox lockers are poorly behaved when installed into the front axle. At least one is even undetectable when in 2wd, that's the No-Slip lunchbox locker from Powertrax. I know of no others that are like that. Ratcheting and clicking during slow-speed turns when in 2wd is a common trait for the others though. I had a No-Slip in my previous TJ and I literally could not tell it was there, and it was silent in turns, until I shifted into 4Hi or 4Lo.