Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Rear diff. question (Locker)

[BFC]

Alright i did a search, read about 100 pages of threads and I'm still not sure of the answer to this question:



Can one put a Detroit Locker(or other) in a Dana 80 with 3. 55 gears? (see sig for truck)



TIA



Glenn

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Gleen, lockrite sells one for the dana 80 that replaces the spider gears only, you can install it with normal hand tools as you don't have to pull the ring and pinion. If you want to wait I should have my dana 70 version in a week or so and I'll give you some feed back.



Jim

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Glen,

Detroit makes a locker for a Dana 80 with 4. 10 gears. If the '80 has a 3. 54 ratio, you must buy a locker for a Dana 70 heavy duty and machine the ring gear holes for the larger '80 bolts. The '70HD has the larger carrier bearings like the '80. HTH's Larry



I noticed that your sig. showed an auto trans, did you convert a Dana 80?

 

[BFC]

I was under the impression that all 3500 had Dana 80's back there? It was late last nite when I posted and didn't check in the manual as to what I have on my truck. Are you telling me that I have a 70? Time to dig out the manual or go out in the drive way!



Thanks for the offer Jim, please keep me posted. Any and all sugestion and info welcome boys. As always TIA.



Glenn

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Glen,

I guess that I need to get my eyes realigned , I read 2500 when you have a 3500. Sorry, Dana 80, you are correct. Larry

 

[rspinks]

FWIW if I had an open diff I would get a Lockrite like JF. Save some $, easy install/removal, works just like a detroit locker but doesn't offer the strength increase.

 

[JTroiano]

I thought that the Lockrite has a tiny little pin that can fall out under hard use and then the whole thing falls apart?? Does anybody know? Its raining again and I can't stop the right rear from spinning. I would rather be going sideways with both tires spinning. It gets a little scary at sixty on the highway.

Jon T

 

[Midnite]

I've heard from a number of sources that the Detroit is smoother than the Lockrite.



Mike

 

[Hohn]

detroit locker

The Detroit locker is an excellent unit, and very strong. There ARE some drawbacks, though:



1) It has the loud CLICK as it engages and disengages around turns-- probably not an issue with a CTD.



2) When it clicks and transitions from open diff to locked, it tends to unsettle the vehicle. You can feel a lurch when it switches over. This is normally fine, but can be VERY dangerous in icy weather if you aren't careful-- it might put you in the ditch. .



My 0. 02



Hohn

 

[BFC]

Buddy as powertrax lock right that he'll sell me cheap, 250$. I think I'll give it a try. It's a #2810 so it should fit my truck. I have one more thing to check out before. thanks for all the input.



Glenn

 

[fredflinstone]

BFC,

Let us know what you think of it once it's installed. I to have been contemplating doing the same thing but have been afraid the drawbacks of a locker might make me unhappy. I would love to hear from someone who has tried one and if it affects towing much?

Seth

 

[tarussell]

I had a Detroit Locker in my K-3500 GMC for years and loved it. There are some driving characteristics that are different, but it is worth it for the strength and traction. I know of several ( 3 ) people who have tried the Lockrite in there tow vehicles and they keep on replacing them or have since changed to a Detroit or a clutch type differential.

I have a factory Trac-Lok in my truck at the moment but I have a Detroit Locker waiting to go in when it wears out. I bought this truck because it has some heavy duty parts on it and I want my additions to be up-grades, that is why I am using the Detroit and not the Lockrite. Just my opinion, Thomas

 

[tarussell]

I forgot to answer the towing effect question, sorry.

From my experience the Detroit had good manners while towing, I guess it was because of the weight keeping things in check. I would hear it clunking but the truck could not jump and slip with the added weight.

When the truck was empty and after turning a corner when the locker would re-engage it would make a LOUD clunk , just like you hit the drive shaft with a hammer. From my experience that would only happen on a Stick shift truck and the auto's would keep some pressure on the locker so it would not engage as hard after a turn .

By the way I know of people who have used the Detroit for over fifteen years and all is well. It is very durable. They are not for everyone, but if you want to put it in and not have to work on it again- than put it in. Thomas



Disclaimer: I am not connected w/ NoSpin I am just very impressed with how tuff and effective they are.

 

[emjay]

Lockers

The biggest drawback with using a lockrite or powertrax or similar locker in the rear is that when you go around corners, the inside wheel gets all the torque because the outside wheel is turning faster, and therefore is spinning free. Since the inside is traveling a shorter distance, this has the effect of higher gear ratio on turns. You may not notice much of an effect with an auto trans, though. The locker also tends to power one wheel at a time, so it may seem that the truck sort of wanders as power switches from one wheel to the other, especially under heavy acceleration on low-traction surfaces.

 

[Okie-Go]

I have a loc-rite and really like it. It is super nice in hay fields or pulling a load of wood on a trailer trying to get back to the paved road.

 

[emjay]

Don't get me wrong - I am a big fan of lock-right and powertrax. I have one in the front axle of my Jeep -- haven't got stuck yet. I can't use 4WD on pavement due to handling problems, but I never do that anyway (that's what the truck is for )



I bought my brother-in-law a powertrax for christmas because I grow imaptient waiting for him to get un-stuck on the trail. Last time out - he didn't get stuck once! Money well spent in my mind!



He had to get used to cornering on the street, though, that's why I mentioned it.