Dana 80 Limited Slip Upgrades?

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

My rear axle could use some major service and I'm contemplating whether to rebuild the clutch pack or toss it in favor of something more effective. Mine really chatters and pops, even with Amsoil syn lube and twice the friction modifier I ever put in my previous trucks. I think after 370k it could stand a little servicing.



I know there are a few options out there but not sure what a good reliable HD choice would be for our Dana 80. One thing though, this needs to be done on a reasonable budget.



Maybe I should explain how I would like it to function and you could suggest options. I don't need a full locker, neither do I need fully open diff on the highway. So basically a limited slip that will kick in and grab more when spinning or there is a significant difference in wheel speed. I needs to be something without harsh engagement, preferably one that goes about its business virtually undetected other than making the truck go when it should.



Of all the trucks I've owned I liked the AAM axle in my '03 by far the best. That thing worked right. It engaged well even when the passenger side rear was on a slick surface. It was very smooth and required no modifier. . . I'd switch to one of those in a heartbeat if cost wasn't an issue.



Anyway what would you suggest?



Thanks, Vaughn

 

[Wiredawg]

Recommend performing a search in the forums. I remember there is a way to change the order of clutches of the Dana unit that makes it stouter. Sorry I can't remember more about it, but could be the way to go if you can find it.



Wiredawg

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Interesting. Thanks Wiredawg. Vaughn

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Pssst Vaughn...





https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60604

 

[Hohn]

Vaughn--



While the Track-Lok can be restacked or had extra clutches added, I think a Powr-lok would be the way to go.



From what I understand, the P-lok has 4 side gears vs the track-lok's 2 gears.



Since I hate my stock LSD as well, I've done a little digging on this and the track-lok is the red headed stepchild of diffs. When you tighten it up, it loses any hint of progressive action-- it either slips or it doesn't. Thus, you have to choose between Spool or Open diff performance, which defeats the whole purpose of an LSD, doesn't it?



The P-lok has a ramping mechanism which can increase clutch pack preload. This makes it more progressive. The amount of torque tranfer is related to the speed differential between the two axles. The faster one axle tries to go relative to the other, the more torque is transferred to it.



After LOTS of reading on here and DTR (DDstruel is ver knowledgeable on this), and calls to Randy's Ring & Pinion and Reider Racing, I've concluded that a re-stack of the track-lok is a band-aid measure at best. The P-lok is the way to go if you can swing it.



Just how I see it.



jlh

 

[Straight6Jeff]

The restack is definitley a band aid in the trac-lok, as every time you go around a corner, you are wearing out the clutches. And if the reclutch is too tight, you will end up with a spool, or an extremely tight lsd. I can't speak about the 70 carrier, but the 80 carrier trac loc has 4 side gears also, but it does not have the v-cut shaft like the powr-lok.

 

[Hohn]

AH-- that's right. I remember now that the D80 application has 4 side gears in both models. The P-lok has the ramping effect that helps traction.



Thanks, S6J



jlh

 

[JJW_ND]

Much tighter LSD in older trucks

Vaughn..... our older trucks had a much tighter LSD then the later models. In my personal truck (96) I add TWO bottles of Mopar LSD additive to Amsoil 75/90. My past work truck (2001) we changed the fluid and added ONE bottle and it was too much.



I have 260K on mine and it is still tight as ever.



jjw

ND

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hohn and Toolman, thanks for your input.



JJW maybe I should just try more LSD additive before resorting to drastic measures. . .



Vaughn