Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Adding limited-slip

[rmcnamee]

Hello,

My 1997 has 3. 54s (3. 55s) without a rear limited-slip (D70). Has anyone installed one in their truck? Any brand recommendations?



Thanks

Ryan

 

[HAnderson]

limited slip

If any one has done this . Let us know as I have a yk2 with 355s that i went to add the Limited slip to Howard

 

[DonFitzwater]

Call Randy's Ring and Pinion in California. These guys know there stuff and can answer any questions that you can throw at em.

 

[HAnderson]

whats there no. Howard

 

[rmcnamee]

I've thought about calling "Randys", but I was hoping to find a good used OEM unit. The only down side to that route is you get no warranty and have no idea of what kind of wear/abuse the unit has had. I'll have to call Randys later today and get a price.



Thanks

Ryan

 

[BPonci]

Check into a lockrite diff locker. Randys has them and they install in just over an hour.

 

[HAnderson]

limitred slip

What is Randys phone no please. Thank you Howard

 

[LOtero]

Randys r&p are good people dealt with them befor and got nothing but compliments for them. they know there stuff. as for teh lock right imo its too rough for everyday driving. mine liked to grab a lot in my scout so it went to the front and spooled the rear seems smoother that way

 

[Dual EE]

No more peg leg

I just had a Dana Power Loc installed about a month ago. I got mine from "The rear End Shop" in Santa Rosa, CA. It comes w/a 1 year warranty.

I believe Reider Racing sells them to, but w/only a 90 warranty.



So far no complaints.

 

[B KIRK]

Ryan, Howard, according to your signatures, you both should have Dana 70's. Best non-locking, (Detroit Locker), application would be a OEM Powerlock, (Powr-Lok), type. The good thing is the same carrier can be used for 3:55 & 4:10, unlike an 80 that requires a different carrier for each ratio. Dodge uses a 32 spline application, vrs. 35 for most other brands. They are pretty easy to find on eBay, if you were to go that route. Some good sellers that have "Stores", and offer buyer protection. If you have a problem, you are covered. Not a warranty, just makes sure what you get works.

HERE'S one at the moment for a Dodge, with new clutches installed. Right in your state Ryan.

Randy's R & P # 1-800-298-9541



Brad

 

[HAnderson]

Brad thanks for the info. Howard

 

[T-Bone]

I second what B Kirk says. I had a Dana 70 open and installed a used factory lsd carrier. I picked up the used carrier for $100 and had a rear end shop install it. With new clutches it was another $250 to install. Some of the best money I’ve spent on the truck so far. I had heard there are some trade offs with the locker type set ups. Not sure if they are true or not, just made me leery. The factory lsd has excellent street manners and you can have it set up to suit you (tight or loose). I’m not a hard core 4x4 guy. I was just looking to be able to back up my driveway in the snow without 4x4. Now, that is not a problem. It’s also nice to be able to put down two black lines when the need arises…



T-Bone

 

[rmcnamee]

Thanks Kirk (and everyone else) for the info... . I checked out the Power-Lok on Ebay (in NJ) and the price isn't too bad. However, Dodgeram.org lists the Dana 70 as having 35-spline axles, but the seller says the Dodges came with 32-spline axles. Which is right?



Thanks

Ryan

 

[Nate]

I also have 3. 55 open diff in my D70.



If I'd install something, I'd looking into an Auburn limited slip, or a Detroit True Trac.



A lockright or full blown Detroit would be harsh for just road use. Great for the trail though.

 

[CEdwards]

I'm a little confused. What is the difference between a locker and limited slip? My automatic has the factory limited slip and I love it. I live and work out in the mud and drive dirt roads everyday and have managed to make it all these years with 2wd. Now my 5 speed I bought is open and I've been considering adding a limited slip to it, but don't fully understand what I need. I would like it to work just as well as my factory one.

 

[B KIRK]

A locker usually uses "teeth" with pressure applied by large springs to engage each side. When not under power, the springs will allow the teeth to disengage from each other, (like while making a turn). This causes a racheting action which you can hear and feel.

If under acceleration, the teeth engage tightly and won't disengage from each other. This is great for off road, but is sometimes bad manners on dry pavement. When turning under load, the axles are locked. One wheel has to travel more than the other. This action will eat rear tires.



A limited slip usually uses clutches to put power to each wheel. Dodge uses a trac-lok, or a powr-lok. The trac-lok uses a series of clutches, (10 each side in a Dana 80), to engage each axle. They don't work to good the way the clutches are stacked. You have to get it just right with clutchs, and limited slip additive. To tight, you get chatter. To loose, limited power to both wheels.



The powr-lok uses the spider gears on a ramp. That means, the more power put to it, the more pressure the spiders put on the clutches. This is the better set-up. It actually doesn't lock, but is hard to get one side loose.



Ryan, your truck has 32 splines.



Pictures explain better.



Detroit Locker:

#ad




Powr-Lok diagram:

#ad




Brad

 

[BigPapa]

I really haven't looked into this much, but my question is what about an air or electric locker? I would think that it would give you the best of both worlds. Would the cost of one of these be much more than the pwor-lock? I've been stuck on wet grass so anything would be better than what I have now.



Scott

 

[CEdwards]

I'm with bigpapa. I really like things that allow me to make the decision when I have it locked or want it unlocked. That being said I am still happy with the performance of the factory limited slip. I would guess that some of the people that complain about theirs not working well would be the ones that are off roading and catching enough traction with one tire to make it slip. On my application of mud and wet grass it performs well because both tires can slip easier. I have got myself out of some pretty unbeleivable situations with the two wheel drive. It always throws two rooster tails of mud every time. Thanks for the explanation B KIRK.

 

[EBansberg]

you're looking about twice the price for a selectable locker. They are nice though. I'm looking to put one in the front with the factory lsd in the rear. With the 2wd and no off roading I would go the limited slip route. It'll do just what you want it to for the right price.