what axle's do i have?

[tobaccogrower]

looking about adding lockers (true trac in the rear and e locker in front). I've googled and searched but cant get a definite answer. 32 spline, 35 spline? dana 70 or 60. some sites even list I may have a corporate rear. just hoping I could get a direct answer before I order. cant believe a truck wouldn't come with limited slip!

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm sure it'll be a 60 in the front and a 70 in the back. No eye deer about spline count.

 

[Ozymandias]

I would consider a TrueTrac in Front Axle too, I use this setup and its amazing how easy the Truck goes through difficult road conditions.
A fix and forget Locker, no Air, no Electricity, no extra holes in Pumpkin.

 

[Simplysmn]

Yes you have a 60 front 4500 lb axle and. a 70 rear Maybe even look into a spool for the front that way when your Locked it's a true Lock and when just driving down the road it's fine .

 

[tobaccogrower]

How hard is it to install the true tracks? I've never workeded on a rear end except for fluid change. Is it somthing the normal joe with normal tools can do?

True trac in the front huh. I really like simplicity of it

 

[Ozymandias]

It is not so hard at all because you don't disturb the Pinion, so there is one fix point to hold on.
All you need is a dial to check the backlash.
For parts you need a full install set with bearings and shims. That's all.

Truetrac (aka. Torsen style) is something of the best for Frontaxles because it sends the power to the wheel with more grip, even in corners with different wheel speeds - and without any binding.
Other style differentials are either open (no traction) or locked (no cornering) both is nit what mist of us want to.

-Ozy

 

[coueta]

If these axles are in a daily driver and you haven't had an axle torn apart for more than an oil change, it might be best to consider having a shop do the work. If it's not your daily, then you have the luxury of some down time to read, research, find tools, etc.

If you're in snowy country you might consider leaving the front differential open or manually selectable. I installed trac-lok clutch-type limited slip front and rear in a D60/Ford 10.25 equipped F350, when the truck was on ice or compacted snow, it had very unpredictable steering compared to an open front axle. I would be climbing logging trails on ice and every time I rolled into the throttle the whole truck would slide towards the edge of the mountain. Rocky, muddy terrain is less of an issue.

If the truck is a manual transmission, the drive line lash that a locker adds might be really annoying. I put a Detroit Locker in a D80 in an old F-450 and the lash drives me absolutely crazy when driving it in the city.

Might consider starting with the rear axle. A True-trac is an outstanding, modern design similar if not the same as you'd find in a newer truck, they have smooth engagement and are fairly durable. A clutch-type limited slip is kind of hit and miss, they can range from a soft engagement that makes you wonder why you installed anything at all to a very positive engagement, these were the standard for OE limited slip in the 90's. A selectable locker gets complicated but gives you control over what that axle is doing, they cost more and add more equipment to the truck. An automatic locker, such as the Detroit Locker are noisy, harsh, positively locked, steering compromised, tire wearing, bullet-proof, and effective.

Not an easy decision.

Best of luck!

 

[Ozymandias]

Hi

please don't mix clutch type LS with torsen LS - a torsen LS is always open and direct only the force to the wheel with better traction.
a clutch type LS is always locked and need force to break up the connection between the left and right wheel.
that is for sure not what you want in a steering axle on ice roads.

Alfa Romeo uses a Torsen Style Diff in their FWD Sportscars, also some other manufacturer with high horsepower FWDs.

-Ozy

 

[photowrite]

Good posts.

Though in a 4th not a 1st gen., I've been toying with idea of adding a Truetrac to my front diff.

Even spoke with the mfg about one at the SEMA Show. One caution was that they don't like axle-disconnect systems, so I'd need to make another modification to eliminate that 'feature'. Of course this is not a concern on a 1st gen with a Dana 60 and manual locking hubs up front.

 

[tobaccogrower]

thanks guys. think im going to try to score a trutrac tomorrow on cyber Monday. still don't know how many spline I have though.

 

[coueta]

thanks guys. think im going to try to score a trutrac tomorrow on cyber Monday. still don't know how many spline I have though.

Rear = Dana 70/U... 32 spline for single-wheel trucks.

Front = Dana 60... 35 spline at the differential and 30 at the lockouts.

(from the factory, of course... with how old these things are it's usually best to check with your eyes before committing to a $600 piece of iron)

Good luck, you'll enjoy the Truetrac!

-Tony

 

[tobaccogrower]

it seems like the trutrac is not available for the dana 70. only the 70hd. now what? Grrrrrr.....

 

[coueta]

it seems like the trutrac is not available for the dana 70. only the 70hd. now what? Grrrrrr.....

Trac-loc or Power-loc are available. Both are clutch type limited slip. The power-loc is a bit more robust. There are good discussions about these units amongst the Jeep forums.

Detroit Locker is, too but they have a list of shortcomings.

 

[tobaccogrower]

what would you recommend? this is my farm truck here in Connecticut. does not see a lot of pavement. I do use it to plow and that is my primary reason for adding limited slip. that, and the truck gets stuck in wet grass!

 

[Ozymandias]

How you use your Truck you could install a Lunchboxlocker in the Rear and a Truetrac in Front.
I use this setup in my Grand Cherokee since years and as a Dailydriver.
The only Downside for me is the "klonck" when shifting to Reverse. There is no "Klonck" in 4WD.

On the other Hand, the Front Truetrac will help you a lot, most of the Time the Truck has more weight on the Front except you load it heavy.

 

[coueta]

what would you recommend? this is my farm truck here in Connecticut. does not see a lot of pavement. I do use it to plow and that is my primary reason for adding limited slip. that, and the truck gets stuck in wet grass!

Automatic or manual trans? Can you put up with some noise?

 

[tobaccogrower]

auto. what kind of noise?

 

[Ozymandias]

With an AutoTrans you can use a Detroit/Luchbox Locker, with a Manual they are annoying.

This to Lockers together TrueTrac&Detroit gives you the most possible Traction ever.

 

[coueta]

If you don't mind the noise and it spends more time off pavement you'll appreciate the traction of a locker. If you would rather have something smoother with better road manners, a Power-loc might be a wiser choice.

The Detroit Locker will compliment a plow.

And yes... with a manual (my dumptruck) they're really annoying... but no complaints of traction.

 

[tobaccogrower]

I can't find any lunchbox lockers for sale. Where do I buy one. Google only brings up articles on them