The LockRight is a device designed for installation within vehicle axles to enhance capabilities. Installation procedures vary depending on the axle type, with some requiring approximately one hour and others taking around two and a half hours. This article details the installation process, preliminary steps, component inspection, and final checks based on provided documentation. The documentation covers integral carrier axles, including Spicer, Jeep AMC 20, GM 10-, 12-, and 14 bolt, Ford 7.5-inch and 8.8-inch, and Toyota Land Cruiser axles, with and without C-clips.
Preliminary Steps
Prior to LockRight installation, several preparatory steps are generally required. These steps, as outlined in the documentation, include blocking the vehicle, ensuring the transmission is in neutral, and loosening wheel lug nuts. The vehicle must then be jacked up and securely supported by jack stands. Following this, the tires should be removed, and brake lines and emergency brake cables disconnected. Finally, one or both axles should be pulled out several inches to allow access for installation. It is important to consult the vehicle’s shop manual for detailed instructions specific to the model.
Axle Type Determination
Determining the axle type is a crucial initial step. The process begins by draining the differential oil and removing the cover. If the axle is a C-Clip design, the installation procedure differs, allowing for direct progression to Section 2 of the installation instructions. If it is not a C-Clip design, further inspection is required.
Disassembly of the Differential Case
The disassembly process differs based on whether the axle incorporates C-clips or a thin ring gear. For C-Clip designs or those with thin ring gears, the differential case can remain in the vehicle, and only partial axle shaft removal is necessary. The procedure involves removing the pinion shaft retaining pin, the pinion shaft itself, and, for C-Clip differentials, “bumping” each tire inward to free the C-clips. For installations where the differential case is removed, the ring gear must also be removed, potentially requiring a brass mallet. The ring gear should be marked to ensure correct re-installation orientation.
Inspection of Components
Thorough inspection of all components is essential before assembly. The differential case should be cleaned and inspected for chips, cracks, or other damage. Bearings should also be inspected, and replaced if necessary, though replacement may necessitate resetting ring and pinion backlash and bearing pre-load using a dial indicator as described in the shop manual. The pinion shaft should be examined for grooves or galling, and replaced if its condition is not excellent. Side gear thrust washers are also critical; they must be inspected for wear or cracks, and replaced if necessary, matching the thickness of the original washers. The thrust block, if used, should have smooth, ungalled ends.
Preparing the Parts for Assembly
Before assembling the LockRight components, several preparation steps are required. The teeth of the couplers and drivers, the center holes of the drivers, and both sides of the thrust washers should be coated with medium grease. A small amount of grease should also be placed in each of the window holes in each driver. Shear pins should be inserted into each window hole, flush with the surface. Spacers should be placed into the center of each driver, with the wide end facing the teeth if asymmetrical. Thrust washers, with grease applied, should be pressed onto the back of each coupler. Finally, a small spring should be inserted into each of the large springs, with a little grease added to the coils to hold them together.
Assembly of the LockRight Parts
The assembly process involves installing the couplers and washers into the differential case. First, a coupler and washer assembly is installed at the ring gear end of the case, over the axle splines if the installation is being performed in the vehicle. The second coupler and washer assembly is then placed into the other end of the case. For C-Clip differentials, a C-Clip is placed into the groove of the ring gear side axle shaft, and the tire is sharply pulled outward to seat the clip. The other axle shaft is then carefully pushed into the second coupler splines until it is even with the coupler surface. If the differential case was removed, the axle shaft thrust block can be installed at this stage.
Final Checks and Testing
After assembly, the ring gear side axle should be checked to ensure it is seated correctly. If the differential case was removed from the vehicle, backlash and pre-load settings should be verified. Rocking the ring gear back and forth can confirm if the backlash remains unchanged. If not, it must be reset using a dial indicator as described in the shop manual. The ring gear should be rotated one revolution to ensure nothing is binding.
A preliminary test involves rotating the tires back and forth with the transmission in neutral and the drive shaft free. The drivers should randomly unlock and “click” as the tires move. It is noted that the tires will not lock together, which is a characteristic feature of the LockRight. Both sets of teeth should engage and disengage. The distance between the halves of the LockRight, between the two drivers, should be approximately 5/32-inch (0.156-inch or 3.86-mm) as a final check. The clicking sound will be louder with the cover removed and without gear oil present.
Operation and Safety
The documentation emphasizes operating the vehicle safely and responsibly after installation, given the increased capabilities provided by the LockRight.
Conclusion
The LockRight installation process involves careful disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the differential case. The procedure varies depending on the axle type, with C-Clip axles allowing for in-vehicle installation. Thorough component inspection and proper assembly are crucial for correct operation. Final checks, including verifying backlash and pre-load and performing a preliminary test, ensure the LockRight is functioning as intended. Safe and responsible operation of the vehicle is paramount after installation.