detriot locker binding too much?

[muddin77]

A year and a half ago I had a set of detroit lockers installed in my 1977 blazer ( Dana 44 front and 12 bolt rear 4:56 gear). I have not used it in just under a year. I recently changed the oil and went to run the front in 4 wheel drive, once I locked the hubs and put in 4 high the front binded to a point it would stop the truck at idle. It sounds like a loud pop and bind. This happens in a straight line with 4 wheel engaged and with hubs locked and when the transfer case is in 2 wheel as well. I know people say that lockers will pop, but this sounds and feels wrong to the point it gives goose bumps. Any advice or insight would be appreciated.
-Dan

 

[muddin77]

it does not bind in any certain spot. But like i say it binds to the point I dont want to give it gas. does it maybe need another break in period from being n/o all summer?

 

[Badger]

Did you ever rotate the ring and pinion while it sat for this year? Did you look at the gears to make sure they weren't rusted? Sounds like a problem with it to be so bound up as to not let you even drive.

 

[muddin77]

I took off the cover, everything looked good from what I could see. I have never taken one of them apart and I dont know much about the internals. I let it pop a few times and the pop was good enough to shake snow off the front tire. I drove in drive and reverse about 2 blocks both ways on snow/ frozen dirt. I think I am going to have to take the cover off and let the tires turn to see if I can see more. Intrested tho if anyone has had similar issues.

 

[I Lean]

Did it work in 4WD before the detroits? Were the 4.56's installed at the same time? It sounds like mismatched gears front to rear.

 

[muddin77]

yeah last year it was all installed. Ran great for 4 months. Talking with a buddy the pinion gear may be out on it.

 

[iamsparticus]

If teh contact of the pinion to ring is too loose then yes it would pop like that, but if it sat there for a year some thing could of siezed then broke in the locker but unlikley check how far the pinion is in and the back lash, pinion nut may be loose

 

[muddin77]

WOW!! complete over look! The axle u-joint was done for. I dont know if it was dark out or what made me over look it but thank god it is not the locker. Thanks to all that replied!

 

[cheepin]

Nice.Easy,cheap fix!

 

[muddin77]

yes! you can only imagine how happy I was. Now I just have to find an open garage to do it. The truck doesnt fit in a regular garage. I have been using the on-base hobby shop that has tall bay doors, but they are having work done and dont have a date to when the will have it open.