Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Spartan Locker Clicking

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Shooterjr

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Installed a Spartan locker in the front Dana 30 a few months back. It clicks and clinks like I knew it would, but does it ever go away? It’s more annoying than I thought it would be. I have heard it gets better over time, but would love some feedback from other who run these.

It works as advertised for sure though. Easy to install and my Jeep pulls through and over everything now.
 
When you are steering straight... the clicks should not be there....
When you start to turn you will hear the clicking due to the ratcheting affect as one tire turns faster than the other, but should disappear once the turn is completed.
IF you are hearing the clicks ALL the time; then one of the springs may become dislodged and fell out into the gear lube below.
You may need to pull the cover, do an inspection and look for a missing spring in the gear lube collection container.

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Clicking/ratcheting through turns is normal for a front lunchbox locker. The only lunchbox locker I'm aware of that does not click/ratchet through turns (at least not so I can hear it) is the No-Slip lunchbox Locker made by Powertrax.
 
It works better in 4low it seems. I don’t worry about the noises in 4wd though. Just wondering if the noises subside after a while or not.

I looked everywhere for months for the Powertrax No Slip for the Dana 30 but no stock anywhere.
 
My spartan was always clickity clackity in my YJ. On rare occasions it would lock for a split second on turns and want to pull the steering wheel out of your hand. That was fun.
 
Jerry Bransford said:
It'd act even worse on the street once he shifts into 4Hi or 4Lo. No clicking through turns but the Jeep would crow-hop through turns and give really jerky steering feedback.
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I only ask because my Aussie in 2wd ratchets in even gentle turns. In 4wd off road it is constantly popping and banging in turns. Only well behaved when going straight.

I set it up right in the middle of the tolerances given (.149-.170 and mine measured .160 with gauge blocks.) I'm going to try new thrust washers and get on the tight side my tolerance. May try a hardend cross pin as well. If all else fails then the carrier may be worn.

Sorry to hijack this thread just something I've been dealing with and pondering over the last few weeks
 
Jerry Bransford said:
Something is wrong with your Aussie to be popping and banging in turns when offroad if you are in 4Hi or 4Lo.
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I agree. Just have to go down the rabbit hole. My gut tells me my carrier is worn. I'll take pics and video this weekend if I tear into it
 
If I'm correct, the bored hole the cross pin goes through can wallow out or become cracked. This would allow slop in the engagement of the locker. Similar to excess backlash. At least that is my understanding.
 
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reviving this old thread here since I'm kinda going through the same thing. Just installed a powertrax brand locker. I havent had a chance to see what its like in 4wd yet but in 2wd making a right hand turn it tends to clunk more than expected. Turning to the left I can barely hear any clicking.

The outer pieces that the axle shafts slot into seemed to have a bit more play than expected, and we ( mechanic friend and myself) didnt add the thrust washers that sat between the spider gears and the carrier. Also, the little piece of key stock the kit comes with to check tolerance seemed to be too thick, which once again seemed quite odd.
 
thedustyboot said:
reviving this old thread here since I'm kinda going through the same thing. Just installed a powertrax brand locker. I havent had a chance to see what its like in 4wd yet but in 2wd making a right hand turn it tends to clunk more than expected. Turning to the left I can barely hear any clicking.

The outer pieces that the axle shafts slot into seemed to have a bit more play than expected, and we ( mechanic friend and myself) didnt add the thrust washers that sat between the spider gears and the carrier. Also, the little piece of key stock the kit comes with to check tolerance seemed to be too thick, which once again seemed quite odd.
Click to expand...

Call the manufacturer
 
I just did a powertrax no slip a couple weeks ago, if you're referring to the small piece of bar maybe an inch long, it's a GO/NO-GO gauge. It should fit in one way and not fit when turned 90 degrees.
 
Foxhound67 said:
I just did a powertrax no slip a couple weeks ago, if you're referring to the small piece of bar maybe an inch long, it's a GO/NO-GO gauge. It should fit in one way and not fit when turned 90 degrees.
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Yup that's the piece. the thinner side wouldn't quite fit either. but only by a few thousandths of an inch
 
thedustyboot said:
Yup that's the piece. the thinner side wouldn't quite fit either. but only by a few thousandths of an inch
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Did you clean the area inside the carrier where they seat? When dealing in thousands a small bit of grit could be enough
 
Foxhound67 said:
Did you clean the area inside the carrier where they seat? When dealing in thousands a small bit of grit could be enough
Click to expand...

I just replied to a similar thread just now, and after reading it I'm starting to think that the clearance inside the carrier for the outer couplers should have been addressed with a Dremel. The locker wouldn't spin inside the carrier and had to be lifted slightly in order to rotate and get the springs in
 
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I just read that too. When I did mine it rotated freely so that very well could be the issue
 
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