Locking Differential

What would it take to install locking differentials into a 1986 CJ7 4.2 258ci. I have no clue at this time gear ratios or spline counts or any or that. Just wondering if its doable myself, maybe an install party, or is it a take it into the shop job. Just looking into it.

gilly_as and myself did the install of my front locker. I went with POWERTRAX, it was a really simple install. It was done in a day taking our time to do things. Now if you want selectable that might be a bit more difficult. I got my rear Eaton Elocker installed when I did my gears at a local shop so I don’t really know what it takes. I am really happy with both of my lockers.

hmmmm, I like that. Dont really want fancy stuff. Just dont want to get stuck again for 4 1/2 hours, (Tyler can probably show you the pics). If I had locking differs I would have probably been able to drive right out. Would like to do it before the PINS campout but I would have to do it myself to afford it by then. Just checking to see if it can be done outside of a shop. Is the rear just as easy as the front. Do I have to do both or is the front good enough. I really dont know much about it.

Yeah need to ask him for pics or maybe he can post them here. Sorry I wasn’t able to help, I was at work.

Lockers are a plus at the beach but not really necessary, I drove for a while without lockers. Plus you will have us right there in case you need us.

To answer your question: No you don’t have to do both; you can do the front first and later on do the rear or vise versa

Well I was fine till I got stupid and thats purely what it was, stupidity on my part, I dont plan on doing that much. However, I would like to get it done cause it is fun at times to be stupid. I would post it however I havnt figured out how to post yet. Either way, both front and back are doable yourself? not necessary to take it to a garage?

We have driven our TJ all the way down PINS and back many times by ourselves. So it is not an absolute before we go. Ours does not have lockers and won't this next time either. Airing down the tires and driving right are more important on sand.

Yeah, i went quite a ways this last time. I'm not worried about making it, i know i will. Just something I'd like to get done and looking into it to see that it can be done "do it yourself" or if i have to take it in.

You dont really need a shop to install it just have an install party with the SA group. I am sure many of them know how to. Or just get a friend to help you.

Much appreciation, thanks for the advise. See ya'll at PINS if not sooner.

I have the Aussie Locker in the front Dana 30 and a Detroit Tru Trac locker in back Dana 44. The Aussie is very simple to install and should take all of about 25 minutes to install, it's the tear down of the brakes, axles, carrier removal, gear removal and rebuild that will take about 4-5 hours.

Im gonna do it sometime soon. When im ready ill figure out which way I wana go. When I'm ready I'll post an install party and see if I can get anyone to come help.