2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission what lockers are you running

[LVJUNIOR]

what do you guys recommend for lockers. I need to put lockers in my 1998 front and rear. I would like a selectable locker in the rear (prefer electric or cable) and a selectable or posi up front.

 

[griggsd]

I've run ARB air lockers front/rear for the past 120K miles (Dana 80/60, 3:55) with no problems at all. They are pricier (approx $1k/axle completed) than some good alternatives (detroit, etc) and for that you gain selectability & on-board air. If you go this route, I'd recommend a stronger compressor and 2-5 gal underbed air-tank because you'll use that. On installation, I put the solenoids on the radiator end of the passenger side battery shelf (stays dry/clean, relatively simple access)

 

[DIESELWRKS]

didnt' think they had drop in lockers for dana 80's thought you had to do some machining. good to know

 

[JohnBoy5]

Detroit and i love it. that thing is strong!!!

 

[griggsd]

No machining was required for my D 80/60 installs, ARB needed me to confirm spline count and gear ratio prior to ordering. Once ordered, the install was pretty straight forward.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I have never done a gear install. how hard is it? Should I pay the pros for this.

My local drivetrain shop called eaton and ARB and they both told him that they don't make a locker for the Dana 60 with the central axle disconnecct. I would do a Detroit locker if it were a more dedicated trail rig but this thing tows and drives in snow and ice as well and I have heard nothing good about driving a detroit on ice or towing. I have an onboard air compressor with a 7 gallon tank that would work with the ARB. I would much rather put an electric locker in the rear or even better an ox locker but I can't find anything for the dana 70 but an ARB

 

[JohnBoy5]

I have never done a gear install. how hard is it? Should I pay the pros for this.
My local drivetrain shop called eaton and ARB and they both told him that they don't make a locker for the Dana 60 with the central axle disconnecct. I would do a Detroit locker if it were a more dedicated trail rig but this thing tows and drives in snow and ice as well and I have heard nothing good about driving a detroit on ice or towing. I have an onboard air compressor with a 7 gallon tank that would work with the ARB. I would much rather put an electric locker in the rear or even better an ox locker but I can't find anything for the dana 70 but an ARB

My truck is a 2wd and ONLY stree driven. the locker has good manners on the road i think. I had a power trax locker and broke it. richmond gear told me it would hold the torque and well lets just say it didnt. i did tell them about my mods. when it broke i had to go back to the open diff and i was in a similar boat as you trying to pick something. i also wanted the arb until i drove my truck with the open diff again. when i had that in there i had no use for the open diff. if you are worried about the detroit locker being too aggressive look in to the eaton true track also. very strong unit and i know a guy that has it in his chevy and it works great!

The other reason i chose against the arb was because there is so many little moving parts to wear and break. i kind of wanted a put it in and forget it deal.

as for putting it in. do you have a set of dial indicators and a magnetic base?

one tip i can give you that no one gave me was buy an extra set of bearing for the carrier have the center machined out some where the slide on and off the carrier easy but are a little snug. use these bearing for setting the shims up and then after you get that set put the other set of bearing in your oven at like 400 degrees F for 30 min and then put them on the carrier. your abs ring will also be on the carrier and you can tap it off with a very small hammer (just little lite taps will get it). then heat it to get it on the new carrier.


are you changing gear sets also?

EDIT: here are some nice videos of how these 2 units i was talking about work

YouTube - Exploded View - Inside the Eaton NoSpin Differential

YouTube - Exploded View - Inside the Eaton TrueTrac Differential

the one i have is the eaton no spin. (its also called the detroit locker)

i also forgot to mention i pull a 30 ft gooseneck deck over with lots of weight on it pretty often and its pretty smooth.

look up randys ring and pinion on the internet and give them a call. they are pretty smart on this stuff.