I have a 1988 Samurai and want to install a locker. Most say they only fit 26 spline axles. Can I find out what I have without removing an axle.

Thanks

Wade

the locker that you want does not have side gears with it so it should not matter, stock it should have 26 in the rear and 22 in the front.

I was aware that the locker uses the stock side gears but the (Spartan) locker states for 26 spline axles. But it also says it will fit front diff. 1986 to 1989. It is a little confusing.

I was aware that the locker uses the stock side gears but the (Spartan) locker states for 26 spline axles. But it also says it will fit front diff. 1986 to 1989. It is a little confusing.

It is because the spartan reuses the stock sidegears.  So it will fit in the front or rear, since you will reuse either the front, or the rear, sidegears.
I don't think the spartan has an option where it comes with replacement sidegears (sometimes called couplers).

Thanks for all the info. I will let everyone know how the instal goes.

Wade

after 1989 the front diff has only one cross pin, not three like yours has.

Thanks,     This is a great site with lots of info.

Wade

When you get your front locker in make sure to have your front wheels as straight as possible when your getting on it hard. keep the breakage to a minimum.

after 1989 the front diff has only one cross pin, not three like yours has.

It is after 88ish.  88.5s can have either the old style or the new style carrier....depending on what leftover parts they had.  All 89s had the new style carrier.

Is breaking front end parts common with a locker installed. I don't really hardcore trail ride but just want to be prepared.

Wade

Is breaking front end parts common with a locker installed. I don't really hardcore trail ride but just want to be prepared.

Wade

It mostly depends on your driving style.  I wheel with a couple of other guys and we all run 33s (actually one of them just stepped up to 35s) with lockers front and rear.  We wheel mainly rocks/rocky trails.  None of us have broken anything in the drivetrain.  We do all now run the aftermarket chromo front axles, but a couple of us started out with the stock axles with birfield rings and I think the other guy was running stock axles without birfield rings. 
Like was said, the main thing is you don't want to back up with the wheels turned.....that is very hard on the birfields and they are easier to break, when they are at an angle (wheels turned).
I also try to keep the wheels as straight ahead as possible, when going forward, and needing to be on the gas.
You also don't want to "hop" the tires.  If you are trying to make it somewhere and the tires start hopping/bouncing, stop.  When the tires start hopping/bouncing, that puts very high stress loads on the drivetrain and can break stuff.
Bottom line is just to use some common sense when wheeling and you should be fine.

Thanks, I am in mostly mud and wet trails. Some rocks but I try not to get into bad places.

Also, when you back up try to keep the tires straight.  Especially if your backing up an incline.  Most of the broken birfs I have seen have popped while backing up and turning.