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Improved washers and pins for the old LA locker?

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 12:29 pm
by HvyWL
Hi guys, newby on this site, used to visit Big Electric years ago. I've neglected my 37 for a few years now and of course there's a payment to be made for such a transgression. Just finished installing a new clutch, repairing the wire harness, and I'm redoing the brake system as of this listing. I remember reading ( some time ago ) that there was a new hardened or somehow modified washer and pin replacement for the old LA locker or maybe it was called a Lok rite. Does anyone know where I can look to see if this is true? I'm running Foot axles on the rear and according to the fellow I bought them from I'll wring off my drive shaft before I hurt the axles.

Re: Improved washers and pins for the old LA locker?

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 4:33 pm
by MSeriesRebuild
Well, I'll go ahead and be the bearer of sad news, no, while Foote axle shafts are significantly better, I see no need in worry over wringing the drive shafts. Foote shafts will break too.

Concerning the old lockers that had the shims and pins with single springs, those have been gone for years. They changed to a double spring and pin set up, no shims used on the pin ends like the old units were. They did incorporate spacer shims on each side of the center block to help the locker better accomadate a slightly bent axle shaft. These shims must be custom fitted at the time of installation by machining the center block for a custom fit. It is a much improved design, but the inclination of this type of locker causing broken axles is just as real as ever. They are now called Lock-Right, and are built by Richmond Gear in Liberty, SC. If you are changing over to the Foote axles in an effort to overcome a problem with broken shafts; sorry, the Foote shafts may tolerate the locker action somewhat longer than an NOS shaft, but they will still fatigue and give up the ghost.

Re: Improved washers and pins for the old LA locker?

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:47 am
by HvyWL
Thanks Charles, Never sad to be steered in the right direction. Sellers sometimes make claims that are a little over the top, I think it's a salesmanship thing or somethin'.

My truck is all standard, the old broken locker is on my extra differential. My broken axle was probably due to pulling so many jeeps out of mud holes, sand pits, and creek bottoms. From what I've heard, it's fairly common to twist off the long shaft at the splines if you're not carefull about how you pull. The first replacement came off an old parts truck at the local volunteer fire department and that one broke at the same point while trailriding on a fire road. The ' Foots ' came about while looking for a " new " replacement.

Thanks again Doug