Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Limited-Slip Rears

[Murphy67]

I need to consider a limited slip differential. It doesn't seem as though there's much talk about the rear ends on these trucks. Mine is a 94 2500 4x2. I believe these trucks are using a Dana 70. It that right? Anyone done the change, costs incurred?

 

[Sled Puller]

Murphy,

There is a shop in Greensburg that specializes in Danas, and is very reasonable. Greensburg Machine & Driveline, 724-837-8233. Ask for Mark.

There are several different aftermarket units that will bolt in, but some aren't worth a whole lot. He could tell you the best route.



A full blown Detroit Locker is only about $500, so some of the cheaper LS units should be less than that.



Your other route would be find an entire Rear and swap it.

 

[Murphy67]

Thanks Sled Puller,



I am considering the Limited slip vs the Detroit cause sometimes the Detroits are a bit too aggressive and can get ya in trouble.



I'll keep the info in mind, as this is not such a priority as it is a wish list item.



Do you know if this is a Dana 70?



Murphy67

 

[Extreme1]

2500 auto trans = Dana 70

2500 man trans = Dana 80

3500 = Dana 80



I bought a used carrier here in the classifieds and installed it myself. It is pretty straight forward, you will need to borrow a pair of set up bearings (I did from Joe D. )



The gear ratio on the carrier must match the ratio in the truck, they're different depending on the ratio.



There is a pretty good description of differential service in an older issue of the TDR. (24?) I highly recommend you buy ALL the back issues for info on your "classic" truck.

 

[Murphy67]

good advice

Yeah? how do I buy back issues?



Amen to "Being your own warranty station" I agree 100%.



Thanks

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I just rebuilt (more or less) the Dana 70 in my truck at 165k. I was getting a deep rumbling up through the bed. I thought I'd get lucky by changing all 4 rear wheel bearings first, but still had it. I pulled the carrier, and found one bearing & race worn, rough, spalled, & totally worn out. The other one looked grey, and was pebbled from the metal particles in the oil. I pulled the pinion next, and found greyed, dented, pebbled components there too. The pan magnet was encrusted with flakes. I cleaned all that stuff out, & flushed everything, and put it back together. I dyed the ring gear, and with all the original shims in the original places, the contact was pretty good, little if any wear on the ring gear & pinion. This is the only component of the truck I've ever ran "100% ****** Synthetic 75-90 wt. " in, and I didn't change for 100k. I think fron now on I'll use regular old cheap 90wt, & change it every 30k or so. All 4 bearings in the rear end are a bear to pull/press. Take it to a machine shop & let them do it.

 

[Sled Puller]

Do you think it was the oils fault, or leaving it in for 100,000 miles?

Do you tow? Are you BOMBed? All things have to be considered when extending a drain interval.



Dodge tells us to leave the 5 speed oil in forever, "lifetime" they call it. Not in my truck.



I change my diffs once a year, regardless of mileage, regardless of type of oil. It is clean when it goes in, clean when it comes out.

 

[Timinator]

Originally posted by Sled Puller

Dodge tells us to leave the 5 speed oil in forever, "lifetime" they call it.

It really is a lifetime fill. If you leave it in long enough without changing it, the lifetime of your transmission will expire. Then simply purchase another from Dodge and ask for another lifetime fill.

 

[Sled Puller]

Exactly!



Some lives are shorter than others.

 

[Blakers]

I've got a brand new Detroit Locker sitting on my workbench, but my factory limited slip works so well I haven't had need to install it yet. Kinda scares me to do the installation with all the adjusting, etc needed. I wish they were adjustable like a 9-inch Ford. I wonder what I would have to pay to have someone put it in for me?



Blake

 

[Glen Pratt]

Murph, These are the limited slips/lockers available for the Dana 70: Lockright, Detroit locker, Truetrac, Auburn Limited slip, and the ARB Air Locker. You can also purchase a Dana Power-Lok(Dana 70) or Trac-lok (Dana 80), which is the stock limited slip option from the factory. The Power-lok is stronger, but the Trac-lok is available for the Dana 70. Trac-tech just came out with the Elec-trac electric locker. Normal operation is a limited-slip, hit the switch it electrically locks up (full locker), Unfortunately, it's only available for the Dana 44 at this time. Just a few of your options. -Glen

 

[Midnite]

I had a local 4x4 shop install a power-lok in the Dana 70 in my '92, and I absolutely love it. I had been thinking about a Detroit locker, but I don't really offroad my truck at all, so it seemed a little overkill.



Mike