I think we are talking two different things.
1.) Installing the dash controlled vacuum locking diff, a la syncro.
2.) Installing a racheting locking diff that has no on-off control.

From what I heard, option #1 is a fairly common option done by people - but I have never met anyone who had done so.
Option #2 is not reccomended as not only is it noisy, but this type of differential causes handling eccentricities during some situations.

Todd
'88 Westy

Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE> wrote:
> Hi,

I've ridden in Robert Lilley's van when he had a locking diff from Weddle
installed.  Unfortunately, it bucked a little bit in parking lots when
making very tight turns.  I think he opted to go without it when he
switched to the SA 5 spd. transmission.  I don't know the details, but my
point is that an option is available . . .

Michael
----------
> From: Michael Ramer
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Milestone reached and Traction question
> Date: Friday, June 01, 2001 1:00 PM
>

Does anyone have experience with this suggested modification below? I've
always thought that with the locking differential, some aggressive tread,
and
the weight of the engine over the rear wheels, one could get a 2WD to
perform
very well off-road. Of course the only real difference in 4WD vs. 2WD is
the
distance one has to walk after it gets stuck- inevitable. Ask me how I
know.

Regards, Mikey

87 Westy 2WD (for sale)

87 Nissan 4WD (over 300,000k and still going strong!)