Cheap Locker for a 8.8 in a TJ?

gonejeepin · 12-25-2009, 02:59 PM

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 · 12-25-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-25-2009, 05:48 PM

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 · 12-26-2009, 09:56 AM

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

gonejeepin · 12-26-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

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

Quote:

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 · 12-31-2009, 03:21 PM

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 · 12-31-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

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.

itbrokeagain · 12-31-2009, 09:20 PM

i had a spool in mine and drove it on the street and had no problems. You will need to buy a new carrier because the mini spool wont fit in a ls carrier. A full spool is not avail. I would weld it and be done

Coppertop · 01-02-2010, 10:48 PM

I agree weld it.

Nick

Go Bengals!!WHO-DEY!!! I Believe!!

gonejeepin · 01-04-2010, 06:08 PM

Thanks guys going to need to find someone that can weld up an LS.

kyrel69 · 01-04-2010, 10:29 PM

I bet if you ask some of the guys here on the board they might do it for something cold to drink :)

12-25-2009, 02:59 PM	#1
gonejeepin www.tjhardcore.com Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dayton, Oh Posts: 27	Cheap Locker for a 8.8 in a TJ? 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!

12-31-2009, 09:20 PM	#8
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	i had a spool in mine and drove it on the street and had no problems. You will need to buy a new carrier because the mini spool wont fit in a ls carrier. A full spool is not avail. I would weld it and be done __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

01-02-2010, 10:48 PM	#9
Coppertop XJWHEELING Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Colerain Township Posts: 837	I agree weld it. Nick Go Bengals!!WHO-DEY!!! I Believe!! __________________ Just a 200 dollar cherokee that wouldn't start .. Ten years later same chrome grille ..

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12-25-2009, 05:48 PM	#3
KennyTJ The Pirate Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lebanon, Oh. Posts: 297	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.

12-26-2009, 09:56 AM	#4
sarge Pure Bacon Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trenton, Oh Posts: 1,098	I welded mine (LS) and had no problems beating the crap out of it with 36's .

12-31-2009, 03:21 PM	#6
blazerbrad - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 831 Images: 6	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.

01-04-2010, 06:08 PM	#10
gonejeepin www.tjhardcore.com Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dayton, Oh Posts: 27	Thanks guys going to need to find someone that can weld up an LS.

01-04-2010, 10:29 PM	#11
kyrel69 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Middletown, Ohio Posts: 372	I bet if you ask some of the guys here on the board they might do it for something cold to drink :)