Hi Folks, Cora from Torq-Masters here, hope I can clear things up, there's a lot of rumor and misinformation about Aussie and Lokka out there.
The Aussie Locker has always been owned by Torq-Masters, we introduced the Aussie in 2003. There would be no Aussie Locker if not for Torq-Masters, the Aussie name has never been licensed or rebranded - but it was sold when Torq-Masters was sold in 2014. We are focusing more on the Torq-Masters parent company name now that we are introducing new products such as the TORQ Locker and soon a line of made in USA axle shafts. From 2003 to 2012 we outsourced the Aussie Locker manufacturing to Australia, the same machine shop made lockers for a few companies including Lokka. For a number of reasons we chose to move manufacturing to the USA in 2012. After loosing our large account, said machine shop added some intentionally misleading and flat out false comments to their product page about Aussie Locker to try to gain customers based on the reputation Aussie Locker and Torq-Masters has built. We have perused legal action against these false statements.
So what's the difference?
Warranty: AL = 2 year manufacturing defects, no restrictions. LL = 3 year, driving on pavement voids warranty with rear locker and manual transmission, or front locker and non lock-out hubs aka your XJ Dana 30. The LL full warranty is not on their website, only in the install manual after you purchase the unit. The full AL warranty is on our website.
Quality: Slapping a Made in USA sticker on a unit is not just a way to upcharge folks, it's a quality indicator. The Aussie and TORQ locker are the highest quality auto lockers on the market made from the highest quality steel, we can say this with confidence because we've tested our competitors. The Aussie and TORQ are the only auto lockers made 100% in the USA using 100% USA made 9310 alloy steel, in an ISO certified facility (note, ISO certification is not to be taken lightly, not many companies are manufacturing in ISO certified facilities). Take a look around at other companies, look to see if they list the steel grade used, where their parts are made, ISO certifications, or if they list any of this information at all. Heat treating is also super important, if the heat treat is not even, you will get stress risers where the gears can crack and cause catastrophic damage within the differential (no auto lockers have collateral damage clauses in their warranty). The Aussie and TORQ are held to a super tight heat treat tolerance for Rockwell hardness, our heat treat facility holds within one unit of HRC across the part. We have not seen this consistency of heat treat from any overseas facilities in the locker market.
Check out the most recent issue of CRAWL magazine for a factory tour of Torq-Masters, the article has some cool shots from heat treat too.
Customer Service: Customer Service is a top priority for Torq-Masters, owned and operated by Offroaders, we've been in your shoes, and we know what it's like to be blown off by a company when you need help on nights and weekends. We go the extra mile. If you have an issue with Lokka, their only contact info is the 'Contact Us' section of the website, no phone or email listed.
Bottom Line:
There are plenty of folks that have run all the different auto locker brands out there, some with success, some without. They are not all apples to apples. Like many things in life (especially machined goods) you get what you pay for.
