...checking the backlash. There's a fair amount of in and out in order to get the right combination of shims and the ridiculously huge carrier doesn't seem to get any lighter, toting it back and forth between the bench.
...installed.
On this particular axle, you have the option to drill the bulkhead fitting on the LHS of the diff, so that the copper line doesn't have to cross the ring gear.
After a little press-break action, the bracket is starting to take shape.
The frame side of the bracket gets added, with some hardware tacked in place. This bracket bolts up to existing holes in the frame. We don't like to add holes to a rig if we don't have to.
With regard to air plumbing, we've found a rear bumper mounted air chuck to be super handy on pickups. You can still reach anywhere on your own truck with a single, conventional air hose, and you can also reach just about anywhere on a trailer that your towing. The same thing goes for reaching other people's rigs.
Since this model is bare bones, there's a very ergonomic, blank panel just to the right of the steering column.
Why does it take so long to install air lockers? ...because even after you pull both axles completely apart and get all the mechanicals back together, you have to run wiring everywhere.
The compressor will actuate off of one of the factory upfitter switches. The lockers are wired to be electrically dependent on the compressor being on, so that you can't accidentally turn on the front locker(with residual air in the lines) while running down the road at speed.
...putting together some Deutsch connectors, wiring and heatshrink to make the locker and compressor controls. This will pass through the cab corner, via a cord-grip. A couple of extra dead wires will make wiring future accessories much easier.
...installed.
Everything appears stock with the trim tucked back into place.
