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Anyone tried a Spartan Locker?

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Category: The Garage
Forum Name: Transmission & Drivetrain
Forum Description: If it's between the engine and wheels, it goes here
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29934
Printed Date: Mar/28/2024 at 11:54am
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Topic: Anyone tried a Spartan Locker?
Posted By: tmancusi
Subject: Anyone tried a Spartan Locker?
Date Posted: Jun/06/2011 at 9:03pm
Wondering if anyone has given one of these a try? Good or bad for street/strip?

"Spartan Locker - AMC Model 20 - 29 Spline

$279.81

Quick Overview
The Spartan Locker by USA Standard Gear is a mechanical locker that replaces the spiders in a standard case. The Spartan Locker's design does not use the thrust washers and has a revolutionary spring and pin design that makes installation a snap! The couplers and drivers are made from 9310 steel, for added strength. Each Spartan Locker carries a one year warranty."

Thanks.



Replies:
Posted By: tufcj
Date Posted: Jun/07/2011 at 11:44am
I haven't used the Spartan, but I have installed Detroit EZ-Lockers and Lock-Rights. Google "Lunchbox Locker", they are used a lot in Jeeps. They all work on the same principal. They work relatively well and are pretty strong. You will get a ratcheting sound in corners and an occasional bang as they engage after a corner. They will cause a pull if tires are unequally inflated or worn, and will understeer if you power thru corners.

Bob
tufcj

-------------
69 AMX
74 Javelin AMX
67 Rogue

If you need a tool and don't buy it...
you'll eventually pay for it...
and not have it.
Henry Ford


Posted By: tmancusi
Date Posted: Jun/07/2011 at 7:42pm
Originally posted by tufcj tufcj wrote:

I haven't used the Spartan, but I have installed Detroit EZ-Lockers and Lock-Rights. Google "Lunchbox Locker", they are used a lot in Jeeps. They all work on the same principal. They work relatively well and are pretty strong. You will get a ratcheting sound in corners and an occasional bang as they engage after a corner. They will cause a pull if tires are unequally inflated or worn, and will understeer if you power thru corners.

Bob
tufcj


So probably not the best choice for a car that I'd like to be able to drive to work during summers.


Posted By: 1968AMC770Wagon
Date Posted: Jun/07/2011 at 8:13pm
Sure.  No problem driving it daily!  Just use caution and common sense.  I daily drive my lincoln locked ford ranger and have no problems.  It wont handle like a slalom car, but to be honest, does it now?

-------------
Zach Orcutt



http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x188/kyladogsetter/100_2147-1.jpg" rel="nofollow">


Posted By: tufcj
Date Posted: Jun/08/2011 at 12:43pm
Originally posted by tmancusi tmancusi wrote:

So probably not the best choice for a car that I'd like to be able to drive to work during summers.


Not a problem once you learn the quirks and learn to compensate for them. I drove my Detroit Lockered Jeep CJ on the street as a daily driver for years.

Bob
tufcj

-------------
69 AMX
74 Javelin AMX
67 Rogue

If you need a tool and don't buy it...
you'll eventually pay for it...
and not have it.
Henry Ford


Posted By: tmancusi
Date Posted: Jun/08/2011 at 6:54pm
Originally posted by tufcj tufcj wrote:

Originally posted by tmancusi tmancusi wrote:

So probably not the best choice for a car that I'd like to be able to drive to work during summers.


Not a problem once you learn the quirks and learn to compensate for them. I drove my Detroit Lockered Jeep CJ on the street as a daily driver for years.

Bob
tufcj


But would you have put one in your AMX if it had a single spin? If I got one it'd be for a '68 390 4-speed Javelin. Sounds like they get used more in Jeeps.


Posted By: Thikstik
Date Posted: Jun/08/2011 at 9:27pm
Dont fear the gov lockers, I have a Detroit TruLoc and love it.   On a turn, you can decide if you want engagement really....because  it acts open unless a bit of load  is sensed. Then it gives alittle bit of chirp at times.  The tork is sensed when you give car throttle.  Drive normally and turns are like an open dif.  I like sounding scrappy and powering out on a turn and getting the chirps. With clutch posi, theres always fighting on a turn. Pulls from a drag are great with exact tire marks tire to tire...Its great.

-------------
75 gremlin x, jeep 4.0 headed 258,
264H Cliff cam, intake,header. 390 holley. I want a 282 VAM motor!

AC/PS/PDB.

72 AMX , 304 2bbl, 3speed, now disks...probably will sell, want an automatic /AC.



Posted By: ChevelleSSLS6
Date Posted: Jun/09/2011 at 7:11pm
Lockers are least streetable when used on short wheelbase vehicles (CJ5).  If you have a longer wheelbase vehicle (Javelin) you'll be fine.  They do make a little noise and have their own quirks- just like any type of limited slip diff.

-------------
1996 Jeep XJ 4.0 3 1/2" lift, mild mods
1974 AMC Javelin 360 4sp
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900


Posted By: emyray
Date Posted: Jun/09/2011 at 7:33pm
How much work is involved on installing one of these lockers for a backyard mechanic with a $99 Craftsman tool set? Can it be done with the axle still in the car? Would it be wise to get the axle lug nuts torqued to 250 foot pound prior to installation?


-------------
Remy
1971 Javelin/AMX - show (unrestored)
1972 Javelin/AMX - go (beat to crap)
All my tools are genuine Chrome Vanadium
Ohio


Posted By: tmancusi
Date Posted: Jun/09/2011 at 8:02pm
So I already have a later model twin grip ready to install (1 piece Trac-lok, much weaker than the earlier 2 piece Powr-lok), but I don't want to install and have it crap out the first time I dump the clutch with slicks. I'm not sure, maybe it'll be fine. Have to say I'm intrigued by the lockers. Probably more durable but not sure if worth the roughly $300 more to get one. I've also got the Moser solid axles ready to install. Just don't want the diff. to be the weak spot, but as always money is a factor.

Any recommendations one way or another?


Posted By: FuzzFace2
Date Posted: Jun/09/2011 at 10:22pm
Originally posted by tufcj tufcj wrote:

Originally posted by tmancusi tmancusi wrote:

So probably not the best choice for a car that I'd like to be able to drive to work during summers.


Not a problem once you learn the quirks and learn to compensate for them. I drove my Detroit Lockered Jeep CJ on the street as a daily driver for years.

Bob
tufcj
Yep as he said. Got a Lock Right Locker in my 75 304 Gremlin. Son used this car when he first got his Lic. at 18 and never an issue.
 
Some one asked if it could be done with a $99 tool box. Only if you have the $50 tools needed to do the job Wink LOL j/k
To do my Gremlin and I am remembering back 15 years: Remove the cover, do what is needed to pull out (you do not need to remove) the right axle (think all I did was remove the brake line from the cly and the 4 bolts that holds the baking plate to the axle housing), remove cross shaft bolt then shaft, remove spider gears & replace them with the gears from the kit starting with installing the left side on the axle then it get cloudy but you get the jist of it. I did this on a lift but IIRC could be done on your back in the drive way.
 
I run a Detroit locker in my drag car and so far love it. If I ever go spool I will use it for my street car if I have to replace the Twin Grip if it has one, 70 Jav 390 4sp?
Dave ----
Dave ----


-------------
TSM = Technical Service Manual

75 Gremlin X v8 for sale
70 Javelin 360/auto drag car
70 Javelin 360/T5 Street car


Posted By: tufcj
Date Posted: Jun/10/2011 at 9:55pm
Originally posted by emyray emyray wrote:

How much work is involved on installing one of these lockers for a backyard mechanic with a $99 Craftsman tool set? Can it be done with the axle still in the car? Would it be wise to get the axle lug nuts torqued to 250 foot pound prior to installation?


As long as the cross pin that holds the spiders will clear the ring gear, it can be done in the car.  As gear ratios get lower (higher numerically), the ring gear gets thicker.  Ratios in the 2s and 3s should be OK, the 4s are iffy.  Just follow the directions to the letter, and it can be done by any average mechanic in a few hours.

The track-lock (AMC 1 piece) isn't known for it's strength or longevity.  Most are done after about 20K miles.  Problem is that the clutch pack wears against the carrier, and if it's shot, the carrier is probably out of spec too.

Bob
tufcj


-------------
69 AMX
74 Javelin AMX
67 Rogue

If you need a tool and don't buy it...
you'll eventually pay for it...
and not have it.
Henry Ford


Posted By: poormansMACHINE
Date Posted: Jun/10/2011 at 10:00pm
Originally posted by tufcj tufcj wrote:


Not a problem once you learn the quirks and learn to compensate for them. I drove my Detroit Lockered Jeep CJ on the street as a daily driver for years.

Bob
tufcj

Way back, the Detroit Locker was an option on Fords. Never heard of or had any complaints myself.
Now society is getting soft.LOL


Posted By: emyray
Date Posted: Jun/10/2011 at 10:19pm
I have a few spare Model 20's that all seem to be one leggers so possibly I will work on reconditioning one of those and installing a locker at that time.  Unfortunately my garage is barely big enough for the Javelin, much less my push mower.  I am hoping when I crack the case on the one currently installed that it is the originally installed twin grip, just burned out.  Probably a big "if" since it acts like a regular axle and I doubt the restorer would have left it behind when he snagged the go pak, 360, and 727.

-------------
Remy
1971 Javelin/AMX - show (unrestored)
1972 Javelin/AMX - go (beat to crap)
All my tools are genuine Chrome Vanadium
Ohio


Posted By: tmancusi
Date Posted: Jun/11/2011 at 1:11pm
Researching lunchbox lockers, I'm beginning to think that the Aussie brand locker may be the way to go. No HP or tire height limitations and a 2 year warranty. $274.95 and free shipping at this site:

http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddetail.php?prod=AL-XD-92912



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