Front locker for an 81 J20 D44

[Knuck]

What are my options for a Front Locker in an 81 J20 with the stock D44hd front axle? Will the Aussie Locker work? http://www.offroadlockers.com/item.php/TMcbd970/73ef/10/110005/.html

[jeeping1974]

Any lunch box locker like that as long as it is for a D44. Or you could go with a full locker like a Detroit or an actuator type locker like ARB or OX.

[Knuck]

Does the factory D44hd have the open carrier required for a lunchbox type locker?

[Jakemd98]

if it's not a limited slip (clutch type) then you will be fine for a lunch box. if it is... just rebuild the clutch packs and leave it be.

[budojeepr]

I have some friends who have used Aussie Lockers in their built Landcruisers, and love 'em.

[will e]

I tossed an Aussie in my front D44. It works great. You almost certainly have the open carrier up front.

Get a new hardened pin. They are like $15 and it's good insurance.

[Knuck]

I am leaning towards an Aussie Locker as I have seen good reports of it on here. I just want to make sure I dont get everything torn apart only to have ordered something that isnt gonna fit. I guess I should decode the axle I.D. before I do anything.

[will e]

I think all you have to worry about is the gearing. There is some point where the carrier is different.

[alwomac]

I am leaning towards an Aussie Locker as I have seen good reports of it on here. I just want to make sure I dont get everything torn apart only to have ordered something that isnt gonna fit. I guess I should decode the axle I.D. before I do anything.

Just take the cover off and see what you have. Doesn't take long at all. You just can't trust ID tags on older vehicles unless you know the history from the original owner. I bought an old Blazer one time for dirt cheap just to take it home and find out it had Detroits front and rear when I opened it up :D . I just put an Aussie in the front of my buddies JK and it was very easy. Our FSJ Dana 44 axles are similar. All you need is simple hand tools that any decent wrench should have. I had it on the road in about three hours and had never done one before. You can do a google search and find all kind of detailed install threads with pictures too if you run into a snag.

[duncanstives]

Ditto on the aussie.

I have one in the high pinion 44 I put in my waggy... Very reliable so far.

[fulsizjeep]

Get a new hardened pin. They are like $15 and it's good insurance.These pins are very hard to find for less than $20 each. I know because I bought 2 of them this Spring. I would count on paying about $30-35 (shipped) for a new Powertrax Zytanium hardened center pin for D44.

http://www.diffsonly.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=108&products_id=170495

[Knuck]

Thanks for the link Flint. Anyone run the Spartan locker they sell? Would be nice to order everything from the same place.

[Knuck]

OK, did some poking around on Randys and Spartan Locker for D44 does not list the J20 as having a compatible Diff. Are there any differences between the D44 in the J10 and J20 that would make it not work?

http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffDetails.aspx?DiffID=15&PartsLink=PartCats.aspx%3fSearchMode%3dDiff%26Type ID%3d3%26Type%3dDana+Spicer%26DiffID%3d15%26DiffNa me%3dDana+Spicer+D44

[fulsizjeep]

OK, did some poking around on Randys and Spartan Locker for D44 does not list the J20 as having a compatible Diff. Are there any differences between the D44 in the J10 and J20 that would make it not work?

http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffDetails.aspx?DiffID=15&PartsLink=PartCats.aspx%3fSearchMode%3dDiff%26Type ID%3d3%26Type%3dDana+Spicer%26DiffID%3d15%26DiffNa me%3dDana+Spicer+D44
The front D44 for a J20 uses same open carrier style and axle spline count as the D44s in all FSJs 1974-1991.

[Knuck]

Thats what I was thinking. It just seemed odd the J20 wasnt listed.

[Casey]

Lock Right is Made in SC, USA.

Just sayin... :D

and they make one for the 30 spline D44 w/trac lock case...not that your J-20 would have one, but FYI.

[Jakemd98]

I think all you have to worry about is the gearing. There is some point where the carrier is different.

carrier break is 3.92 i think... but it only matters with a full carrier. only have to worry about axle spline on a lunch box.

[Mex in the city]

I installed lockrites (lunch box type lockers) in rear (amc20) and front (D44)axles in my 83. They work great off road. Now on the road, as long as you drive in 2WD, you will hardly notice they are there. Maybe in tight corners, but it's not too bad. I even drive it with the manual locking hubs in locked position and I'm yet to see any problem.

[j20brett]

i put the aussie in my 81 j20 d44hd front about 2 years ago. Wheeled it hard and zero issues.

[TooRisky]

Little costly but I run an ARB in the front...Detroit in the rear of my D44's... I have heard great things about the Aussie, and have run a locrite in a Toy 4Runner rear with out complaint...

I guess it come's down to money and availability... Also check places like E-bay and E-Bay auto for good used one's for sale cheap...