2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Dana 80 / Locker?

[DIESELWRKS]

Just want to ask if anyone knows if anyone makes a locker for a dana 80 I have the limited slip rear. I know Detroit locker cant get one. but dont know about others.



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TURN-OVER BALL, RIDE RITE AIR BAGS. FASS 95 W/DONALDSON FUEL FILTER, VULCAN DRAW-STRAW, VULCAN 3/8 FUEL LINE AND FITTINGS, FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE, DSS 03 TRAC-BAR DSS BOX SUPPORT 17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 305/70/17 PRO-COMP X-AT'S COUPLE OF STUPID STICKERS AND DE-BADGED FOR FUEL MILEAGE. :-laf

 

[EKlem]

Powertrax makes a locker that can be put in one. I had an open diff and put one in. It was a little harsh and my use changed so I took it out. The unit showed no signs of wear when I took it out after 15k but the rear tires showed extra wear. Not the ideal locker but it works.

 

[BILLVO]

What ratio do you have. It is easier to find lockers for 4. 10 and lower than 3. 54 and higher. If your current LS unit is 3. 54 and you decide to put a locker in it Get a hold of me I will take a D80 3. 54 LS unit off your hands.

 

[MarshallB]

billvo, maybe im misreading your post but detroit does make a locker i have one in mine and love it! for the most part if you drive with common sense it has good street manners! p. s. i have one in my d60 in front. ive had VERY good luck with them.

 

[zstroken]

For the detroit on the 3. 54 I think you use a D70HD unit and drill the ring gear holes larger. I have a limited slip from a d80 3. 54 that needs some new spiders I would let go of.

 

[GOT-Torque]

ARB makes a locker for the D80. You can get one for around $750 and sell your limited slip for around $250 if in good condition. Thats what I did anyway. Works excellent...

 

[wildmanben]

For the detroit on the 3. 54 I think you use a D70HD unit and drill the ring gear holes larger.

Is this confirmed? I am in the same boat. 3. 54s and want a Detroit. Was told that a 4. 10 unit would fit if I moved the spacers. Or so I am told. .

 

[MarshallB]

i have a detroit in my d80 i didnt have to drill out any bolt holes or use any spacers!

 

[SRath]

I have the D80 with 3. 54 gears and a factory posi in my Dodge and I really miss the Detroit locker I had in my Chevy. It was way better than any posi!



I was really surprised how easily my Dodge can get stuck even with a so-called posi rear... Just get one wheel on each axle slightly in the air and its all over. The two wheels that are in the air are the only ones that will turn. That is normal for an open differential and the posi does nothing to help in that situation, though I thought it was supposed to. That was my hard-learned experience anyway.



If anyone can ascertain if a Detroit is available for a D80 with 3. 54 gearing, even if it is a modified D70 unit, I would be interested, too. There seems to be some conflicting info here...



MarxhallB, where did you get your lockers and how does the Detroit(?) work in that front axle for normal 4 wheeling (which includes turning)?



I have often wondered if a Detroit would work as long as you also used a Posi-Lok instead of the vacuum CAD. You would have to disengage the CAD for normal 4 wheel drive use and only engage it when going straight was all you wanted, wouldn't you? And then it would only be the driver's side wheel that ever got any power and wouldn't that only put power to the ground when it was going no faster than the rear wheels (i. e. : when turning left or going straight)?



My understanding of how a Detroit works is that it will allow the outside wheel on turn to go faster than than the inside, but drives both sides at the same speed regardless. Like putting a ratchet on a bolt head and turning continuously at a constant speed in one direction, then having someone start turning the nut on the other side in the same direction but faster for a few moments; the ratchet will continue turning at it's constant speed but will just "click" until the speed is the same again.

 

[wildmanben]

From what I have been reading, you just have to machine the holes bigger. Everything else will fit. Or get a 4. 10 unit and put both the spacers on the passenger side.

 

[wildmanben]

So which one would be stronger? Or are they about the same thing? The D70HD unit is about $100 cheaper.

 

[MarshallB]

i purchased both of mine from randys ring and pinion. 35 spline front 37 spline for the d80 ( once i figured out that the scs axles were 37 and not 35 spline) they were nice enough to let me send it back. i also put the dynatrac front hub kit on at that time. the lockers are not that bad on the street. tight turns they buck just a little and i mean slightly and in the mud O MY GOD! there great. last winter i just locked the pass side in on the front and if i REALLY needed it i just step out and get the closest one to lock in. when hooking the sled with the dynatrac kit i do have to watch how much traction i get and weight i hang on the front because i have busted about 5 lockouts and dont want to put the drive flanges on that dynatrac made for me. ive had a few mustangs and lightnings with spools and aftermarket lockers and i guess its the weight of our trucks that make them behave a little better on the street. because on them they drove me nuts! but you wont be dissipointed with them even if you have to wait. the strength of the units is the same but if your drilling or spacing your weakening the part wether it be ring gear or the locker.

 

[SRath]

The downside of a front locker on the street (aside from the bucking) is the same thing that makes them great off-road: Both wheels always spin. If you hit a patch of ice and both front wheels spin, you will instantly lose steering control.



This is the reason that lockers are "low center seeking". This means they will always be quick to react to the slightest sideslope, even the crown of the road, if you break traction. With an open front differential, one wheel, though not providing any forward impetus, will roll neutrally and still provide as much steering as possible while resisting sliding sideways. A spinning wheel with no traction can move with equal ease in any direction. This tendency isn't so bad in the rear axle as long as you can steer with the front, but you should always keep it mind when driving on ice.



Have you experienced any increase in these tendencies, MarshallB, since installing lockers on both ends?

 

[MarshallB]

when its bad out such as last winter i just lock in one hub and when i need it i will engage the transfer case. rain or snow i havent noticed what you have referred to at all.

 

[jkern]

if you have the LSD already, just re-stack the clutch plates. doesn't cost anything except new oil and about 2 hours in the shop. i did mine over a year ago and it is almost as tight as a locker... only downside that i have is seen is increased tire wear and a little noisy turning tight on pavement. do a search about it on the tdr, you will find multiple threads.