The Track Finder locker combined with the 5.38 gear set is impressive. I've taken my Sporty up steep climbs with semi-loose soil that I swore required 4wd ... and made it up the trail without breaking traction - all while running in 2wd. My Sporty didn't even blink... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I went for the front locker option because of concerns about noise and locking under normal road conditions. I can effectively switch it off when not needed, though it will strain the driveshafts a bit more.

Keen to see how much climbing advantage it will give, hopefully can maintain rear traction with a bit of added flex.

Do I need to source a new pinion nut, or does the gearset come with one?

No nut with the gear set. I pillaged a couple of diff assemblies from a local bone yard. Ended up needing to scavenge a fresh pinion nut and washer from one because I tore up the set I was using while dialing in the shims on the solid spacer for preload. If you need one, buy two. Are you doing anything with your front diff or just swapping out the R&P with the stock carrier? That reminds me... I have an extra OBX LSD that fits the Sporty's front axle that I need to liquidate... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Edit: Just registered your comment on the front locker. Disregard the question about the front diff... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Stuff has arrived, I ordered the locker bare without carrier.
It's a very small $500.. but I can see the manufacturing in it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
No instructions with the locker though <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> but I have figured out how it goes together.
Are you guys running standard diff oil, or LSD/other stuff?

You can use the regular gear oils with TF lockers. Only the clutch-based LSDs require the synthetic stuff. I'd run the bargain 80W90 gear oil for the break-in period, which should be changed after 500 miles. The rear is easy to break-in, as it's always turning when the vehicle is moving. I have yet to get the 500 miles of drive time on the front axle. I've heard that some guys don't really worry about the front break-in and just change out the oil when they have a "good enough" number of miles or run-time on the front axle. If you want to run a better brand of oil after break-in, go for it. You can even go with the synthetic stuff, if you like.

As for the installation of the TF locker, I think it's pretty simple. My rear locker came pre-installed in a carrier with a fresh set of carrier bearings. So I can't give you hands-on advice. The only issue you may have is getting the proper clearance of the locker when it opens up to ratchet. That's set by the stock carrier's thrust washers, if I understand correctly. Here are 2 links to the Lock Right locker product sheets. The TF lockers are basically clones of this design. The first is the installation instructions for a Toyota 7.5" third member, which is very similar to the Sporty's third member (KIA actually used Mazda's design for the drive train... that's why the Miata & RX-7 diffs are drop-in on the front - the rear is identical, except for the ring gear flange being extended out to hold the 7.5" ring gear). This will give you a good idea of what's involved. There are also some good install videos on YouTube, if you care to look them up...

Lock Right Installation PDF

Lock Right Owner's Manual


Hope this helps! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Mate, thanks for the excellent info and documents, are real help for me and anyone else purchasing these.
Can they be posted under the "Lockers Lockers Lockers" thread too?
Cheers
Dave <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Ok, so where were you able to order this stuff from? I read through the other thread, but all the posts were from a long time ago, and neither one of the links work anymore. I just blew up my rear diff again, and now need another ring and pinion as well as a carrier, so im trying to decide if I want to chance another junkyard diff, or upgrade.

If you want to get the TF locker and/or the 5.38 R&P, PM me and I'll send you the contact info for the middle man I found on eBay. He's in Korea and can get the parts. I used him to get the rear locker with carrier. PICORP was who I used to get the R&P sets. But it seems people have had no luck contacting him lately.

I made contact with "Michael" at picorp@hanmail.net , got a reply quite quickly, was ready to go with payment etc.
Used Paypal for the transaction, no dramas, quick EMS post.

Had no problems with contacting PICORP, already got my TF and 5.38's, but they say the extended forks are no longer available - can your middle man source those?!

Thanks for the lead <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />