EZ-Locker/Lockright/Quic Loc ......Lessons

[pauly383]

Well I learned something today ( its long , but good note ):

My locker was good for 3 months, an occasional bang, but allright. Pretty much suddenly around the week before Memorial day the trouble began. It started locking/unlocking really violently, very often. Without even going around corners, taking off from stoplights would do it. Marv looked at it with me, all seemed well. Put it back together , same thing all over again.

Pull my locker out for inspection, thrust washers seem thin. Drivers side was even burnt in a few spots, and wavy. So I order some from Ratech, they sent spider thrust washers , the small ones ...UGH ! Call DTS , they send me the right ones , cheap. Dealership wanted to sell a set of many sizes for like 40 bucks, and I paid $4.22 for mine.

Ok so its back together , with only new thrust washers.........and it WORKS !!!! Much better than it was after the first day I owned it.

So to anyone putting a lunchbox locker in, REPLACE the thrust washers. That little bit of material is enough to let the springs push out enough to keep it locked . And also like Marv told me , always use a new Pinion Shaft . /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Hmm...I've never done either of those....but the one in my DD does act up once in a while.

Maybe I'll take your advice. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[pauly383]

It sounds strange, but I aint fooling, just took up enough slack so when the springs push out they aren't extended too far and loose, which I assume caused it not to stay locked /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif

 

[Thunder]

Almost Every post I reply to on lunchbox lockers I recomend replacing the Thrust washers and pinion shaft when installing them. I dont think many take my advise and learn the hard way.
Also you should check the clearances everytime you change the gear oil. A locker puts a lot of stress on the thrust washers and will wear them.
PS dont buy a Detroit EZ locker =junk

 

[pauly383]

[ QUOTE ]
PS dont buy a Detroit EZ locker =junk


[/ QUOTE ]

Too late, my Qenuine Gear Quic Loc is actually made by the same people who make the Detroit. Outside of needing new thrust washers , no other problems thus far. We'll see how it goes, I don't plan on changing axles anytime soon /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif

 

[Executioner]

Most don't understand the precision tolenaces that go
into a used high mileage diff(carrier/case). And overall
tire diameter can cause alot of wear and tear.

 

[pauly383]

I believe it. Guy at DTS said same thing ( and based on what the truck I pulled my 12 bolt looked like I believe him ) . That previous owner probably never watched tires , or pressures , or even had a spare on too often, just totally worked those spiders and side gears. It works better than it did when I first installed it, so maybe I will replace them once a year or so. /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif