Warn locking hub clicking, front end not locking

bigbluezj94 · 12-25-2009, 10:14 PM

I swapped in a hp d44 from a 79 f250. When I got the axle, it already had warn premium lockin hubs on it. Upon dissassembly and inspection all looked good so I ran them. I've got a Detroit EZ lunchbox locker in the front as well. First run everything was fine. No noise, locker pulled me over everything, ect. Since then, I've gone out twice more and every time I have gotten loud clicking/clunking from the front end. It does it when just enough torque is applied. Locker seems to b working and turning both tires but then it will click/pop/clunk and will give. Originally I thought it was the locker that I took a chance buying because it was only 100 bux but it worked fine the first day. Idk what could have went wrong. The other thing tht I'm leaning towards is the hubs. I am thinking they are not engaging fully and slipping under load. Does anyone have anything? I'm going to dissassemble and look over everything tomorrow.

**Virmagicus** · 12-25-2009, 10:28 PM

Usually one will be clicking & it would be the opposite side that is the problem. Repack and pray that they will last another week

**GraKee99** · 12-25-2009, 10:30 PM

To along with Jeff, could get a rebuild kit and that would make everything would be new and in spec.

bigbluezj94 · 12-25-2009, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virmagicus

Usually one will be clicking & it would be the opposite side that is the problem. Repack and pray that they will last another week

u are not help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraKee99

To along with Jeff, could get a rebuild kit and that would make everything would be new and in spec.

service kit only includes seals and gaskets and hardware. I don't see this helping.

**ratmonkey** · 12-26-2009, 06:21 AM

could have broken the fuse on one of the hubs.

bigbluezj94 · 12-26-2009, 10:39 PM

i tore into the hubs today and all looked good. did some research and heard of numerous other folks with the same issues as me in the front end with the detroit EZ locker. The thing is garbage. Started into the case in between helping my buddy build his rig. Its getting welded this weekend

davets · 12-27-2009, 07:48 PM

Don't weld it just yet. I've got Lock-Rites (similar design to yours) in my CJ and they will clunk and bang when they load and unload while turning. The front is a constant rhytmic, clunk clunk clunk as I turn at full lock. That is normal as long as it doesn't totally disengage. My rear will make more of a banging noise if I'm turning at low speeds and I either get on or off the gas sharply. It doesn't do it all the time but it does happen. This is normal. What you want to check is the distance between the 2 geared halves of the locker. If it is too much then the halves can't fully engage. If too close they won't slide passed each other on turns. Check online for installation instructions and see if that is addressed. If the distance is too large, like your seems to be then you can shim it to proper spec. I really like mine and have been in use on my CJ for 15 yrs. Also, if this was a used locker check to see if the teeth surfaces are worn on the drive sides. The edges can start to round off. This can happen over time. If they are worn, pull the 2 halves and swap them from side to side. This will give you new edges and it will work fine for a very long time. Good luck.

bigbluezj94 · 12-27-2009, 08:23 PM

i run a lockright in the rear right now and ive ran an aussie in the front before the swap as well as in the back of my old xj. I know how they are supposed to work. this one is not working. ive read reviews of this happening to other people with the same locker. not an aussie or a lockright though. the company gives no guidelines in respect to distance between the two gears and they will not offer any sort of customer service as they are discontinued, and for a reason im sure. my locker isnt just making noises, its not working.

davets · 12-27-2009, 09:07 PM

If its not working and you can't get a spec or help about any type of adjustment then it really leaves you no choice then. Too bad. My impression of Detroit has always been a good one although I have no experience with them. Do you have to remove the Detroit and replace the spiders in order to weld it. My Lock-Rite seems like it would poor metal to weld.

bigbluezj94 · 12-27-2009, 09:38 PM

ive heard of people welding the locker together to make it like mini spool but i already have some spider gears and i dont want to weld it inside the carrier so i might as well pull it all out and just weld the spiders.