Aussie Locker: First Impression

[natewoz]

Overview I recently purchased an Aussie Locker for my 8.8 rear axle from Torq Masters Technology, www.offroadlockers.com. At approximately $250 shipped, the price seemed reasonable enough. I figured since this is a brand new locker for F150 applications, I'd post my experience with it on the board and share the news. First off for those who are new to lockers, the Aussie Locker is a "lunch-box" type locker, that installs inside of your existing open differential case which does not require you to have the differential set up. Visually it looks very similar to the other lunch box lockers such as the EZ-Locker, Quick Lock, or Lock Right lockers. Install Installation was fairly straightforward, If you can do drum brakes, you should have the skills to put one of these in; I pulled it off in a college dorm parking lot. The instructions were detailed, but seemed over-worded at some points. A good exploded diagram would have been nice, the PDA on the internet has one but my hard copy did not. The only thing I had problems with was installing the springs. I had the misfortune of loosing one spring when it launched itself across the parking lot while trying to press it into its seat. A new set of springs and pins was $20. I’d recommend draping a tarp of old sheet over the side of the truck to catch errant springs. Performance On the road the locker is nearly invisible. It makes the steering feel a little squirmy at first, but you get used to it within a few dozen miles. As long as you don’t romp the gas around sharp turns, there is barely any wheel hop or tire chirp. Sound wise, the Aussie Locker is virtually silent. After a few dozen miles of driving, the locker seems to break itself in like new shoes, and is very smooth. I cannot hear it over the sound of the truck, and my exhaust is very mild. Off-road, the locker has performed well so far. I unfortunately have not had the opportunity to push it to its limits yet, but it has seen some decent trail time so far. Mud performance is very positive. I backed the truck in 2wd into a very large puddle up to about a foot deep into the mud. It got me out in 2wd with the same effort it used to in 4x4. It also has performed admirably while crossing 1-2’ deep ditches, giving me the traction to get through when one of the rear tires was nearly off the ground. When driving at higher speeds 30-40mph on loose or soft soil, the rear end has a tendency to fishtail a little bit when one wheel gets significantly firmer traction than the other. Slow down and put it in 4x4, and you will minimize this effect. I have yet to test it in snow, since it is May. Customer Service Torq Masters has about the best customer service I have ever witnessed. They answered my questions on nights and weekends, and most were answered within an hour or so. When I needed a new spring, they responded to my emails on a Thursday evening at about 8pm, and sent out the new parts the next morning. Summary I would recommend this locker to anyone who is looking to improve their truck’s traction. The price was good, the install fairly simple, and the performance and customer service was great. It is defiantly a winner in my book.

[proeliator]

Nice review

[Momudder720]

With performance and customer service like that, sure would be nice is they expanded and made REAL lockers for the bigger stuff...