Been using those for YEARS. Safe as can be.

 

Great, thorough write-up. This should be saved in the tech section.

Regarding the axle seals, you can use a set of jackstands to support the axles, so the weight isn't resting on the seals.

 

Bottle jacks are not as stable as jack stands. Period. I've had a truck fall off jack stands once...

Won't be using anything but jack stands myself, usually 4 of them if I'm going to be messing with the diff just to be sure.

 

Damn. I looked all over for a write-up on installing the 1620 into a v6 third member. I just installed mine wednesday. It still went pretty smooth and I am happy with how it works. I can't wait to get out and really put it to the test!

Excellent write-up, pics, and details!!! Thanks for sharing that.

 

Then you've been lucky for years.

 

I agree, but as you said even jackstands aren't "safe". Safer than a jack, yes. I plan on buying some jack stands soon. The piece of mind would probably be worth it.



So did I lol. That's why I wanted to do a write-up because I went crazy looking for a V6 install. I figured I can't be the only one.

To each his own. I've NEVER had a problem with them. Most of the time I will throw a tire or two under the body just incase so the worst case scenario *if* it jumped off the jacks is it will land on a tire. No big deal.

 

Thanks dude, this makes me want to do mine right now...too bad I don't have the damned locker.

 

it looks like you need axle seals already that looks like you have had grease seeping into the brake shoe area and thats whats all over the inside of the drum. Thats what it looks like from the pics anyway. Just a heads up my friend greasy rear shoes can be dangerous in certain situations.

 

That's what 232k miles and daily trips to the beach will do. The rear brakes don't see much action so I would imagine even if they were completely removed it wouldn't be that "dangerous". Besides, my e-brake works amazingly well.

 

Nice job of showing how to install a locker.

I'm glad everything went well. But to think that holding up a vehicle with two bottle jacks perched on two bricks is anything but unsafe is ludicrous. Are you aware of how easily a common brick can crumble?

Even without the bricks, holding up the vehicle with two screw jacks and climbing under it is (may I say this without offending) stupid.

If you can afford a locker, you can afford two jack stands.

 

Thanks mom. Did you seriously register here to make this one post? Do you drive around bitching at people for not wearing their seatbelts? Worry about yourself, not me. Thanks for your concern.

 

Holy crap!!! Nice write up and pictures!
Great job.

 

So Im not really thinkin here but, could this be done with out removing the axles? haha

 

Nope

 

Haha alright. Just throwin out idears.

 

No problem, I wasn't in the mood for flaming.

 

Justin, over all, how long did it take to do the install by yourself?

 

I took everything apart and got it ready the first day thinking the locker was going to show up in the mail that day, but it didn't. The next day it showed up and I put it all back together. I would say it probably took 3-4 hours total, maybe a bit less. I took my time and tried to pay attention. I was also messing with the rear brakes during the install, but you don't even have to touch the brakes. I bet I could do it start to finish in about 3 hours max now that I've done it.

 

Fail.

Otherwise, good write up.

 

After reading this write up, I am pretty certian I want to put in a locker in my truck. Question though, I have a 2wd Pickup 4 banger 22r. I want to put on 31 inch tires, but i need to change the gearing. Also it does seem like it would be easier to put a locker in the v6 third member. Would I be able to swap in the V6 third member to replace my 2wd third member. I want the 4.56 gearing to gain back power and better idle speed on the trails.