Hello Guest

Sidekick-Lockers-front alum.casing

  • 89 Replies
  • 20762 Views

0 Members and 12 Guests are viewing this topic.

*

GRVIT

Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #45 on: February 01, 2004, 06:04:53 AM »

After 2 weeks of driving I have to tell that I m very happy that I took the decision to put a locker(Detroit EZ) in the rear axle.Now I can understand the advise people in here gave me before installing it.The truck got better (70%) in offroad driving.Its really difficult to get stuck now....Have to adjust a little more my driving style when driving on normal streets though....
Now that I know whats going on when there's a locker in the rear axle,I have questions about the front axle.I m thinking of installing the same locker in the front axle too.What behavior should I expect when driving in 4WD ? How can I control the locker if for example its still locked and I want to unlock it (for example in extremely mud terrain where, if I m correct,its cannot be easily unlocked) ?

*

Offline wildgoody

  • *
  • 8134
  • 67
  • Gender: Male
  • Turbocharged 150HP 1.6L 8V 93MPH 1/4 mile
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #46 on: February 01, 2004, 06:12:43 AM »
Unless you get and ARB Air Locker, you cannot
"unlock" your Diff  The EZ locker is fully automatic,
it locks when there is slippage, but allows the faster
turning "non-driving" tire to go "free" when cornering
on the street, which helps save broken axles.

Hope this helps,
Darrin
Real Trucks Are Built, Not Bought,
And Chrome Don't Get Ya Home.  

An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.

*

GRVIT

Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #47 on: February 01, 2004, 06:25:53 AM »
Quote
Unless you get and ARB Air Locker, you cannot
"unlock" your Diff  The EZ locker is fully automatic,
it locks when there is slippage, but allows the faster
turning "non-driving" tire to go "free" when cornering
on the street, which helps save broken axles.

Hope this helps,
Darrin

Thanks.I know that I can't unlock it ,at least not with something like pushing a button,but I think there are some driving tips when offroading that help to control the locker's behavior...
I know that the ARB can be fully controlled with the use of a button,but I think that I cant have my mind to remember to lock-unlock it.In a dificult muddy terrain with c continuous close turns,I would have to press that button more than 10 times in a min.The ARB does not permit wheel differentiation at all,while auto lockers do.I m not saying that its not good,but maybe its not for me.

*

Offline lil_Truck

  • 1148
  • 0
  • Gender: Male
  • Eric Gardner
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #48 on: February 01, 2004, 07:59:18 AM »
You know that you can't drive your truck unless you turn the key??  Also I hope you have an automatic because remembering to push in the clutch before you shift can be tricky some times??  Also I'm wondering are you able to use a turn signal and turn at the same time ???  ???  ???

;D Just having some fun with ya  ;D

I have ARB's and the switch thing is a cop out.  Only a couple times did I really forget.  It's no different that for getting to put you truck in 4wd.  How often does that happen?  Some times I now leave them open just to spice things up.  ;)

Most of the time when I hit the trail I turn the rear on and leave it on.  Then when a hard obsticle comes up I lock the front, make it through and then turn it off.  It stears like it's on the street for the most part.

As for stearing with the locker, locked in the mud.  It actually stears easyer.  When mines locked it's locked.  And when I'm in mud or snow there's no resistance so the wheels slide and you don't know.
e-mail: liltruck|removethispart|@comcast.net
96 Tracker
6" Calimini Lift with custom Frame
32 MTR's Warn 8000i
Front/Rear ARB's Many New Mods soon.

*

Offline brlj

  • 512
  • 1
  • Gender: Male
  • 6" Lift w/ 33x12.50 TSL Radials, Exoskeleton
    • Bills 93 Tracker
Re: Lockers-sidekick
« Reply #49 on: February 01, 2004, 10:46:24 AM »
Yep 2 of the 3 bolt holes were busted!! I did that solid pinion mount and it kept the housing from moving. I went to Coal Creek in Tennessee and didnt notice it was busted until I got there. I used 2-1"x1/8" pieces of strap and bolted the pinion down to the crossmember. Wheeled 3 days like that. If you dont have your pinion mount beefed up do it before it breaks.

Later,
Bill


Quote

with one bolt holding the 3-bolt mount ???   :o :o....
I m starting to think that the cracking of the passenger's side casing mount and maybe the cracking of the 3rd member at the middle has something to do with how strong is the 3rd member mount on the crossmember. :-/


*

Offline Mikerpm4x4

  • 2875
  • 12
  • Gender: Male
  • Redline... all the time!
    • www.rpm4x4.com
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #50 on: February 01, 2004, 02:14:23 PM »
Kerry, I thought you were going to do a sas on that thing?

Mike
If your not living life to the fullest then your not living at all.

You wont really know if your wrong till your upsidedown

*

Offline Mikerpm4x4

  • 2875
  • 12
  • Gender: Male
  • Redline... all the time!
    • www.rpm4x4.com
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #51 on: February 01, 2004, 02:44:35 PM »
Ohhh.  :) Im starting a second rig also. Im debating on doing a sas rig just to be able to really compare, just for my own curiosity. Im starting this spring.

mike
If your not living life to the fullest then your not living at all.

You wont really know if your wrong till your upsidedown

*

GRVIT

Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #52 on: February 01, 2004, 04:26:00 PM »
Quote

As for stearing with the locker, locked in the mud.  It actually stears easyer.  When mines locked it's locked.  And when I'm in mud or snow there's no resistance so the wheels slide and you don't know.

So if I got it right,if someone does most of his offroading in mud terrain(my case)and has already a locker auto  or ARB in the rear axle ,its not a good idea to install an auto locker in the front axle,since in most cases due to no resistance ,the front  wheels will be spinning,he wont have steering control and the truck will move sideways.An automatic  front locker works good on rocks though as I see it.
So ,the best solution for driving in mud terrain would be an ARB in the front axle (easy to unlock-steering control) or at least an LSD?
I m saying this having in mind the sensitivity of the sidekick's front axle-IFS system.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2004, 04:31:03 PM by GRVIT »

*

Offline lil_Truck

  • 1148
  • 0
  • Gender: Male
  • Eric Gardner
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #53 on: February 02, 2004, 12:47:36 AM »
I've never had a mechanical locker in my truck.  I was refering to the abiliy to steer.  When I'm on dry dirt it is almost imposible to steer.  When I hit the mud or snow the tires slip enough that it turns easy.

Depending on the mud conditions, ruts and all, some times I have the wheels cranked and I just go straight.  I imagin its the same for other lockers.

I've never been in a situaction where I wish I had mech. lockers and all the time liking the ability to decide "On or Off".

Usally it comes down to money, time and ability for most people.  They are more expensive.  They take more time to set up.  Lastly they are harder to set up.

But any locker that works is better than none.  :P
« Last Edit: February 02, 2004, 12:49:05 AM by lil_Truck »
e-mail: liltruck|removethispart|@comcast.net
96 Tracker
6" Calimini Lift with custom Frame
32 MTR's Warn 8000i
Front/Rear ARB's Many New Mods soon.

*

GRVIT

Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #54 on: February 02, 2004, 04:24:48 AM »
thank you all .Especially lil_truck,Kerry.That was the answers I was looking for.Now I understand completely.Most possibly I m going for the Calmini  LSD in the front axle.I m also thinking about the ARB but since I m not that experienced in off road driving(at least not as most of you are) ,there's a great chance that I ll cause damage to the CV's.The LSD is more safe I guess and its better than an open differential.With the rear locker,I think the overall final result will be satisfying in all types of terrain.
« Last Edit: February 02, 2004, 04:33:51 AM by GRVIT »

*

Offline ebewley

  • 6558
  • 64
  • Gender: Male
  • ZUKIWORLD Online, Editor
    • ZUKIWORLD online
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #55 on: February 02, 2004, 05:02:15 AM »
Quote
Ohhh.  :) Im starting a second rig also. Im debating on doing a sas rig just to be able to really compare, just for my own curiosity. Im starting this spring.

mike


AH HA! I knew it.... Those guys over at PBB must have changed your mind, right? :)

-Eric
Eric L. Bewley                               
Editor, ZUKIWORLD Online                   

Suzuki 4x4 Owners Association - Please Join  The ZUKIWORLD ORDER Today!
About ZUKIWORLD Online: We are an enthusiast web site dedicated to the promotion of the Suzuki Automobile as the best and most capable vehicle on the planet. We offer product reviews, Tech tips, DIY, Travel and Adventure, Forum, Technical information, Life Style, and so much more!

*

Offline Mikerpm4x4

  • 2875
  • 12
  • Gender: Male
  • Redline... all the time!
    • www.rpm4x4.com
Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #56 on: February 02, 2004, 01:15:34 PM »
Quote


AH HA! I knew it.... Those guys over at PBB must have changed your mind, right? :)

-Eric



Dont count on it. I actually think my IFS car will do better but Id just like to know for sure that Im not just a stubborn ass who cant admit he's wrong. ;D If it truly works better so be it. I just dont belive the hype.

Mike
If your not living life to the fullest then your not living at all.

You wont really know if your wrong till your upsidedown

*

GRVIT

Re: Sidekick-Lockers- front aluminium casing
« Reply #57 on: February 09, 2004, 12:40:03 AM »
Need your help ,please.
Its been almost a  month now since I installed a Detroit EZ locker in the rear axle.The locker was operating  good
at least as the Tractech manual was describing.During the last 10 days, I did some continouus and relatively hard off road driving,at least 3 hours a day.The last 3 days  ,I noticed that the locker-sidegear doesnt unlock easily from the passenger's side rear wheel when turning ,especially on reverse.I think it is something like Tractech describes in the installation manual as "scuff".Also some vibration coming from the rear diff when starting from stop.I took the truck to my mechanic,and after some checking(without opening the casing)  he said that it seems that the ring and pinion backlash has increased.And that I should ask tractech if this is normal.He thinks that the backlash must be re-adjusted,that is to be more "tight".
Notes:
1.The assembly-installation of the locker-differential was done according to the manufacturers service manual.
2.The ring and pinion are Calmini's 5,83:1.Those were installed and adjusted according to Richmond's installation manual.
3.Before installing the locker didnt have any similar problem with the backlash.
4.U joint is ok.checked.
Can you give me your opinion on this ? What should I do?

*

Offline wildgoody

  • *
  • 8134
  • 67
  • Gender: Male
  • Turbocharged 150HP 1.6L 8V 93MPH 1/4 mile
Re: Need help please!Sidekick-Lockers-frontalum.ca
« Reply #58 on: February 09, 2004, 06:14:47 AM »
The locker does not affect the backlash,
my best guess is the setting that the
gears were at has changed, as in the lock
on the ring came off and is turning  :(
or the setup was loose and now it's wearing
in some and has increased backlash.

I don't think in a month of driving gear wear
is a factor unless your gears are eating
themselvs up, which is a bad thing :o

I know the crush sleve has to be torqued
properly, and that keeps the preload on
the pinion, if this was not done right it might
be moving the pinion around, bad thing as
that eats gears fast   :(  

You also said you now have a vibration in
the driveline, which sounds like the pinion
could be loose from improper install, who did
the installation of your gears ??? You ??
if not get back there and get it fixxed before
you eat a set of $300 gears, and if you did it
then you should recheck the torque and backlash
right away, yes I know it's a PITA but it's got to
be somthing wrong and it can't stay like that.

Good luck,
Darrin

Real Trucks Are Built, Not Bought,
And Chrome Don't Get Ya Home.  

An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.

*

Offline Natebert

  • 1098
  • 0
  • Gender: Male
Re: Need help please!Sidekick-Lockers-frontalum.ca
« Reply #59 on: February 09, 2004, 07:13:39 AM »
Quote
The locker does not affect the backlash, my best guess is the setting that the
gears were at has changed, ...

... you should recheck the torque and backlash
right away, yes I know it's a PITA but it's got to
be somthing wrong and it can't stay like that.

Good luck,
Darrin



Very good advice.

~Nate