Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Welding the front end

[FUL POWER]

I was wondering, i want the front end to be like a locker but right now i dont want to spend the money for a ARB locker. Do anyone know when welding the front end, will it be strong enough. I have heard by some peole that wnet you weld the spider gears, they are not strong enough and will break. Need some help...

 

[BILLVO]

I would recommend a spool over welding. It is cheap and can be easily installed and removed. You will probably not be happy with a full locked front end. will handle horribly and steering will be about impossible under hard acceleration. The best overall performance in front would be a selectable locker whether it be air or electric. or second best would be a limited slip clutch type carrier assembly.



Why do you want to do a solid lock in front diff?

 

[FUL POWER]

I think that i will give you better traction while truck pulling

 

[fj40charles]

You will have a very difficult time turning the wheels with "locked" front axle. Spool is a better option than welding the spider gears. A spool for a Dana 60 axle is pretty cheap compared to a selectable locker such as ARB.



Having a locked front axle may not be an issue for a trailer queen, but I certainly would not want to drive it on the street.

 

[BILLVO]

I think that i will give you better traction while truck pulling

Is it a daily driver or a pulling truck only? If it is still a daily driver and you require the use of 4X4 for normal driving you will not be able to turn without fighting driveline bind and if it is going straight and spinning it will run you sideways real bad due to torque. If you want it to be a daily driver yet a selectable locker is way to go when locked in it is fully locked when disengaged still works like an open diff.