differencial lockers

Preload not set correctly?

 

You have an air leak???? Engage the lockers, shut the truck off and listen for a leak.

 

How do you know this? Does the switch in the dash move by itself, or can you confirm that the one side is spinning and the other is not?

 

Ok, full locking diffs are only used to get unstuck. You're never supposed to engage them otherwise. If you have them locked on dry pavement and make so much as a lane change that can be enough to break them. Is there any way you may be forgetting them in the locked position and then driving on the highway? They should be air actuated to lock and spring force returns them to unlocked. I can't see how the cog would engage by accident.

 

I agree.
I think if the preload is set incorrectly, they can rub even when disengaged.
My set has be in for about 3 years and no problems. I rarely use it also.

 

Preload not set right for 3 different gear sets? Sounds fishy to me!

 

I think he may be referring to automatic lockers (Detroit lockers). They are engaged by spring tension and allowed to slip when turning. They don't hold up in off road use with heavy loads. The locking clutch teeth all shear off. I had a fleet that used them and we took them all out due to constant failure of the clutching teeth.

 

Ok, that makes more sense. Yes, absolutely junk, we never even see them anymore, I guess that is why I didn't even think of them.