A Review of the USA Standard Gear Spartan Locker for my 99 XJ's Dana 30 HP

As I recently installed a Dana 35 Spartan Locker from USA Standard Gear in my 1999 Jeep Cherokee (XJ), I thought it would be helpful to share my experience with others considering this product. After replacing the diff fluid, taking it on a few hundred miles of freeway driving, and putting it through its paces on a fire road, here's what I found.

First impressions are that the locker is easy to install - it took me around two hours to complete the job. The instructions were clear and concise, making it a breeze for a DIY enthusiast like myself. Once installed, I was eager to put it through its paces and see how it performed.

The first thing I noticed was that the locker was virtually silent while in operation. Even when turning or cornering, the only sound I could hear was the tires gripping the road - no whining or grinding noises from the locker itself. This is exactly what I had been hoping for, as I plan to use my Jeep primarily off-road.

To help break-in the locker and lubricate it properly, I took it on a fire road and put it in 4-low mode. The locker worked flawlessly, engaging seamlessly when needed and disengaging just as smoothly. After driving on the fire road for a while, I returned to a parking lot and drove in circles forward and backward for a few minutes to further help lubricate the locker.

As an added precaution, be aware that it may take around 10 miles of driving before the locker fully settles into its new home. During this time, you may notice it engaging and disengaging in 2-wheel drive mode. This is completely normal and shouldn't cause any concern.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with my USA Standard Gear Spartan Locker and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and quiet locker solution. With its durable construction, ease of installation, and excellent performance, this product is an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts on a budget.

Dana 35 spartan locker reviews