Welded Spiders

I'm thinking of welding the spider gears together in my Diggerjeep. How much more tire wear can I expect? I flat tow it to go off-road. I can't afford a locker for the Dana 70 and a spool for this rear is just as much as a locker.

 

is this a street driven rig ?,will it be street driven in the rain/snow? parking lots are a killer when fully locked and alot of stress,there is alot of front end plowing so you have to take the turn slow.in my opinion --- it's not out of the question--- just realize the good and bad.
edit: oops this is the digger jeep ,,,,I would then say leave it stock ,sell it and get another jeep .

 

Having driven a 5 with a welded rear. I will say it was not fun at all. Personally I would if you must have a rear locker save up for something that can be disengaged.

 

I agree. There should be somebody that wants the Digger for what it is. Welded spiders have a VERY limited application and benefit, IMO. A locked axle is going to create problems even during flat towing. It will probably push in corners.

 

Even flat towing you’re not going to like a welded rear.
Didn’t some Dana 70’s come stock with a Power Lok LSD? I would think that’s the way to go if you can find a bone yard unit.

 

that digger is rare enough that you could sell it to a collector and buy a jeep with the mods you want already installed.

 

Where might I find a collector that would make me an offer on the Diggerjeep?

By the way, this is for sale on Craig's list if anyone is interested.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/2021380648.html

 

I like it. Where are you located? PM sent.

 

:iagree: leave stock, sell it to a collector, buy a CJ5, which are plentiful and have lots of offroad parts available.

 

IMO if you weld it together, it will break. not because of your welding skills, but with the dual wheels on the back there is going to be a tremendous amount of stress when you go around a corner. something is going to give and skidding dual wheels on hard dry pavement your bound to break something internal, dana 70 or not. I'd follow Corveepers advice and check the boneyards first, doing it right the first time will save you more money in the end.

 

Other side of the coin. I welded the D60 in the rear of my 5,500lb Ramcharger. Daily-drove that sucker for a couple years and tens of thousands of miles with the diff like that and 35-37- and 38-inch tires. It was my only vehicle and I commuted in it 1,200 miles a WEEK from San Diego to LA, did hardcore trails, and so on. Only took the welded diff out when I converted the D60 from 30- to 35-spline. Put a 35-spline spool in and never looked back. My Dodge was way heavier than a Jeep and I bet the 38s on beadlocks weigh as much as a dualie setup on a CJ. Plus, D60 diff is a lot smaller than a D70 inside.

My flattie runs a spool in the Ford 9-inch with 35s. I'd never have a different diff in the rear. There have been other rigs I've owned that I've welded the gears in. Just can't stop to think of 'em all.

Heck, I welded the spiders in my '73 Commando's D44 rear just yesterday.

Spool/welded in the rear is all right in my book. Chirps not much more than an auto locker with nowhere near the handling drawbacks. There's no free lunch unless you're spending the $$$ for an ARB, ECTED, E-Locker, Ox, etc. If you want low-buck traction it's an acceptable alternative to me.

 

I've decided against welding the spiders in the rear of my Diggerjeep. I realized after all of your comments that steering would be very difficult. Since the jeep has dual wheels on the back, the situation would be worse than a conventional jeep. The jeep has a 80" wheelbase, and the outer sidewalls on the duals are 72" apart, which makes the jeep footprint almost square. With dual wheels on the back, and single wheels on the front, I would have at least twice as much traction trying to go in a strait line when I wanted to turn with the front.

I'm still planning on welding the front gears, since I have lockout hubs on the front and can freewheel when I don't need 4wd (6wd).

Thanks for the help and comments.

 

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

If you are going to buy one locker put it up front.
Weld the rear. it's a jeep. They dont have any "on road" manners anyway.
I assume that by wanting locked front and rear axles this probabaly isn't your 1000 mile a day commuter.

You may never notice a welded rear in normal daily driving. I don't.
You will Always regret welding your front.

Just my 2 cents.

Donnie