Two speed rear axle?

[Runaway]

Does anyone know if the Dana 70/80 axles can be fitted as a two-speed axle. This would give the opportunity to split gears instead of adding an addtional transmission. Plus I think it would be a simpler addition, IMHO?
Just wondering?

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99 QC/LB,ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, VDO (boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars and Grille Guard, Delta tool box, CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel, K&N, BD/VB,and Exhaust Brake(disabled). 54405 miles (1/12/01)
Ordered "01" ETH/DEE 12/11/00 Due date:2/10/01
00 28' Jayco 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher

 

[illflem]

I don't think your current rear end could be upgraded to a two speed,you would have to start over with one that already has a two speed. It would probably be much cheaper to go with a under/over drive from one of many manufactures. I've liked the looks of the US gear unit,but have been able to get by without one even with very heavy loads even though it would be nice at times.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[RobG]

My USGear Overdrive fits between the transmission and the transfer case, so it works in both 2wd and 4wd.

Easy to shift, and works like a charm.

Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate 4. 10 USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, Edge EZ, SPA Guages, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, much more.

 

[Runaway]

I've driven turcks, medium duty and 18-wheeler with multiple speed differentials and very seldom had a problems with them. My favorite was my "71" Freightliner with a 903 Cummins, bolted behind it was a 5-speed main and 3-speed differentials. Downshifting was just a flip of a button when in high gear when pulling hills. I feel putting another transmission in the driveline just complicates things more. Just a thought.

 

[C Schomer]

I started driving straight trucks with 2 sp axles when I was 13 and shifted them fine. The carrier has planetary gears in it to get the 2 speeds and an actuator shifts it. I've worked on Eaton and Timkens. Eaton had the best one - shifted way smoother than the Timkens. I think it's GV that copied the Eaton spool gear design. I've never seen a pickup size 2 sp. diff. That would be good! The 2sp carrier is so massive, I doubt if one could be built strong enough with the size constraints of our axles. If you found a 2 sp axle, the ring and pinion ratio would be way low cause they're for bigger, slower trucks with high rubber. I've already given that idea a lot of thought! Craig

[This message has been edited by C Schomer (edited 02-11-2001). ]

 

[Koa Man]

I've owned a couple of med. duty trucks, (F700, 27500 GVW) with a 5 spd. and hi-low rear axle. They are a pain in the behind to shift. Unless you do it just right the rear axle doesn't shift properly and you get a grinding noise. Do they work good when new??? I don't know since I bought these trucks used. Maybe the previous owner had already screwed them up. I would much prefer a 7 or 9 speed transmission. If any of the Big 3 would offer that I'm sure it would be a big seller. GM way way underestimated the number of Camaros that would be ordered with the 6 speed.

 

[Mag]

You could try something like a Gear Vendor Overdrive unit. I have one on an 87 G. M. C 3/4 ton 4x4 with a 6. 2l diesel. It bolts on to the back of the transfer case and you have to shorten the driveshaft. I've got over 200K on this setup and have only put $90 into the Gear Vendor unit in repairs. It uses a shifter mounted switch to shift between direct and overdrive and has a 4x4 lockout feature so you don't try putting the rear diff into overdrive while the front diff is still in direct . Email me if you want any more info.
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2001 3500 4x4 Q. C 6spd H. O Patriot Blue 3. 54 l. s. d
Greig

[This message has been edited by Mag (edited 02-11-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by Mag (edited 02-11-2001). ]

 

[My 6 Eats V8's Old File]

hey guys why couldn't we narrow a 2 1/2 ton rear end? Then what is the highest gears you can get in something of that size or would you have to get gears made too?

 

[bholcomb]

Dana has a 19k lb. rear end that is a 3. 55/4. 83 ratio. http://truck. eaton.com/na/spec_products/product_features_specs/axle/product_profiles/2speed_axle.htm . This unit would probably be way too big though.

I looked through my old Chevy overhaul manual and found a 15k 2sp unit. The carrier is about 14" diameter if the guy working on it isn't a giant (scaled his hands to the differential). My truck's differential is about 12 3/4" from top to bottom. That would only be a 5/8" loss of ground clearance. There is no reference to the make of the unit though.

Brian

 

[My 6 Eats V8's Old File]

man that sounds like the best of all worlds for tow type people. I'd like to have one with 3. 55 and a 2. 73 or so, highway cruisen. #ad

 

[illflem]

Having a two speed diff would be excellent,but I think if there is one that would fit in there without lots of mods that the folks that make under/overdrives would've figured it out already and be selling them to us. All the ones I've owned or dealt with are way too big and are geared for larger tires,that would slow you down some.

 

[Koa Man]

A friend of mine took the axle off a 16K GVW Ford F600 and put it on his F350 flatbed. He is running the 20 inch rims that came with the F600 axle. It actually fit quite nicely although that rearend sure looks big on his truck. It was not a 2 spd axle however and I don't know if Ford or anyone esle made a 2 spd axle for that small a truck.

 

[Runaway]

Well it was just a thought anyway, who, knows, maybe someday. Thanks for the input guys.