Cheap Locker for a 8.8 in a TJ?

[gonejeepin]

I am looking for a cheap locker for my Jeep with an 8.8 rearend. I really can not afford a selectable locker right now. I was thinking of a full spool, Aussie lunchbox or welding it. I know the welding may be the cheapest but I am worried about the reliability of it? What would you guys suggest? I have an Aussie in the front already and have been happy with it. It just seem like the spool would be stronger and more dependable? I am running 35s and 488 gears with a four banger. The rear in it is out of a Explorer with the limited slip. I do drive it on the street sometime but not that often. Thanks!

[kb9qdi]

Originally Posted by gonejeepin

I am looking for a cheap locker for my Jeep with an 8.8 rearend. I really can not afford a selectable locker right now. I was thinking of a full spool, Aussie lunchbox or welding it. I know the welding may be the cheapest but I am worried about the reliability of it? What would you guys suggest? I have an Aussie in the front already and have been happy with it. It just seem like the spool would be stronger and more dependable? I am running 35s and 488 gears with a four banger. The rear in it is out of a Explorer with the limited slip. I do drive it on the street sometime but not that often. Thanks!

I'm running 35's now with an Aussie/8.8 and 4.88's in my TJ and love it. Great Lunchbox for the money. You'll like it.

[KennyTJ]

Hey Danny! You can get a mini-spool for $99. is stronger than a lunchbox and should be great for a trail only rig.

http://www.performanceoffroadcenter....roducts_id=431

A full spool requires a gear set-up, and welding it up (if it is a LS carrier) is very difficult.

[sarge]

I welded mine (LS) and had no problems beating the crap out of it with 36's .

[gonejeepin]

Originally Posted by KennyTJ

Hey Danny! You can get a mini-spool for $99. is stronger than a lunchbox and should be great for a trail only rig.

http://www.performanceoffroadcenter....roducts_id=431

A full spool requires a gear set-up, and welding it up (if it is a LS carrier) is very difficult.

Kenny, I was wondering about welding the LS. I could get a used open carrier and get it welded up. With the Mini won't I need C-clip eliminators?
Thanks! Danny

Originally Posted by sarge

I welded mine (LS) and had no problems beating the crap out of it with 36's .

Thanks Sarge, Who did the welding on yours or did you do it yourself? I do not have a welder or the skills to weld:confused: so what is a fair price to get one welded.

[blazerbrad]

The only reliability issues with a welded diff is if it was not done correctly, and it's not exactly rocket science either. I have seen several fail and they were all simply from not having near enough weld. A guy in our club ran a welded 8.8 in his YJ (including daily driving duty) with 34's for a couple of years with no issues.

[eighty3bronco]

Originally Posted by gonejeepin

Kenny, I was wondering about welding the LS. I could get a used open carrier and get it welded up. With the Mini won't I need C-clip eliminators?
Thanks! Danny

you should not have to get a c-clip eliminator with a mini spool. I had one for my Fullsize Bronco and there were provisions for the c-clip machined into the mini spool.