2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Anyone running a locker or posi in front axle?

[SRath]

I'm looking for information and feedback from anyone who actually is or has tried running a fulltime locker or posi unit in their front Dana 60 in a daily driver 2nd gen Dodge Ram.



I'm reasonably sure an on-demand ARB or OX or Electric Detroit locker would probably work just fine, but due to the cost of those units, I am more interested in a simpler and less expensive fulltime unit.



I'm guessing ANY fulltime locker, such as the legendary Detroit Locker (mechanical), would probably be too harsh (maybe I'm wrong?), so I would like to know if there are any good limited slip/posi units that would work well instead?



Are there any such units that will allow relatively buck-free steering and cornering when in 4wd?



The weak factory posi (limited slip, whatever you want to call it) in my rear D80 needs some serious help. I don't know if rebuilding the clutch packs or whatever it uses would be worth the time and expense. Maybe I'll try that D70 Detroit Locker into a Dana 80 axle conversion I've read a little about on here. Seems dumb to me that Detroit does not offer a Dana 80 model to fit our 3. 54 gears and axle splines, but that's another thread... .



Is there maybe some benefit after all to the miserable CAD design of our front axle? I wonder if combining a posi/limited slip or possibly even a locker (like a Detroit) with one of the Posi-Lock actuators that replaces the vacuum control unit for the CAD might be a streetable combination?



I'm about to redo my entire steering and suspension and figure now would be a good time to install one if it is a viable and worthwhile option.

 

[MVieira]

SRath, I wouldn't recommend a Detroit locker or limited-slip with the CAD system. The CAD unlocks one axle and relies on spider gears only spinning inside the diff. If you used one of the selectable lockers that would work but watch out for some of the electric lockers, a lot of them are a limited slip until you hit the switch and then they lock one side gear. The Ox locker or ARB lockers will probably do what you are asking, they act like an open diff. when unlocked. Another option is convert your front end over to a locking hub and floating axle system. Dyna-trac & EMU offroad both make nice kits. I chose the Dyna-trac and I did the 35 spline inner axle upgrade and I then installed a Tru-trac LS in the front. As a side note, I had Detroit lockers in both axles on my Jeep and one day I drove around the neighbor hood with the hubs locked and I almost hit several parked cars. I had to let off the gas and fight the steering around turns. Off road it was great, alot of trips on the Rubicon, Barret lake, & the Dusy trails proved it but there were times I had to unlock one of my hubs to get it to make a tight turn. I think the ultimate set up is a Detroit locker in the rear and a selectable (ARB, Ox, or Elect. locker) in the front. That's my $. 08 worth.

Regards, Mike

 

[MarshallB]

if your keeping the CAD then it really dont matter only on side is rotating untill you engage 4wd and if your running 4wd on dry pavement you get what you deserve. dont! its not made to do that. its not a all wheel drive system that allows slip front to rear and side to side. use 4wd when you need it and youll be fine with whatever you choose. ive not had any issues with my f/r detroit setup in rain or snow and when its dry the rear is only jerky when i try to do circles.

 

[frankram]

I had front and rear ARB Air Lockers put on in 2002! No problems!

It is really nice knowing that all 4 tires are spinning. Clemson 4 wheel drive

in Clemson S. C. did the install.

 

[JDKammin]

Check the OFFROAD 4x4 FABRICATION CUSTOM LIFT AXLE SWAP ALL OFFROAD PRODUCTS website and look at the hub conversion kits. If you bought this kit and added a one piece axle shaft to the right side, you could install a locker in the front, as the kit will give you lockout hubs. Off the top of my head, you will have about $1250 plus the price of a locker, depending on year of the truck. I have heard of people gaining some fuel mileage with this kit.

 

[paulb]

I run an ARB in the front, but I have a late 02 and it doesn't have a CAD.



Paul

 

[SRath]

Very cool conversion, but oh so pricey! Maybe using an older Ford driverside drop D60 and cutting and rewelding all the dodge bracketry onto it would be cheaper? I wonder if anyone's done that?

 

[Bunyan]

what? that sounds great. your better off doing whats suggested above. it takes lots of skills to perform what you just asked. if you go this route you will most likley spend much more and end up with what you have now. do as suggested above spend the money and you will be very pleased.