dana 44 rear axle which locker to use.

Which locker would be the best to use for my 75 cj5 with the 304 v8 and a 3 speed tranny. I drive only on gravel roads and n the woods to hunt. Lots of hills to climb and creeks and logs to cross.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Sounds like for your intended use a drop-in or "lunchbox locker" would be good enough. Aussie Locker would probably be the least expensive way to go. I notice that the Lockright lockers are getting up pretty close (within $150) of a Detroit full case locker which is probably the strongest of the automatic lockers. I'm sure others will chime in here.

 

Have an Aussie in my '75 - love it.

 

If you can affford it then go full Detroit. Otherwise a lunch box will work.

 

If I use a lunch box locker like the aussie do I have to remove the ring and pinion gear.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

http://www.offroadlockers.com/display/Manual_d.pdf

 

You will probably have to remove the ring gear for any lunchbox locker install. With most d44 gear ratios the ring gear is thick enough to make it impossible to remove the cross shaft without removing the gear. If you are careful, you will not have to reset the gear pattern when you re-install because you will be using the same carrier and gear. If you watch your torque specs and make sure all the bolts end up in the same places they came from during dissassembly, you will be good to go.

The pinion can stay in place for all lunchbox installs.


I would reccomend the aussie or the powertrax from personal experience. I'm not as happy with the lockright.

 

Here's a FYI on the D44. Make sure you have an open carrier. If it's a Trac-Loc carrier you are severely limited as to aftermarket lockers. The only lunchbox that will work is the Powertrax No-Slip which is pretty pricey.

 

I'm pretty sure its open because its just got 4 spider gears, one on each side on the ends of the axle shafts and one on each end of the center pin.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Good question, I was contemplating the same thing.

 

Linked from jeepforum.com:



Open on the left, Trac-Lock on the right.

 

Thanks Tim. That was going to be hard to 'splain.

 

What is the difference between the two other than the shape.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Trac-Lock is a limited slip differential. A popular factory option.

 

Look for the clutch packs at the outer ends between the spiders and the bearings.

 

Ill have to get my son to send me a pick of mine tomorrow to be certain which one I have. I'm not at home to look at it but I want to orde the parts now so ill hav them when I do get home.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Just installed a Spartan and a Lock Right last weekend.
The Spartan (Yukon) was about $35 cheaper, came with all the new parts needed (center pin, roll pin, and spring retainer pins for installation) and easier instructions with better pictures for installation. This was for a D44 and did require removing the ring gear.

The Lock Rights instructions weren't as clear and had bad pictures. The LR also reused the side thrust washers and center pin. This was installed in a GM12 bolt and was done inside the diff.

Neither was hard to install but the Spartan was easier.

FYI:
I sent this guy a PM ( http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=639133 ) on PBB just to get a quote. His quote beat everyone elses prices and after talking with a local supplier, it was at or below his cost.

 

I havent heard much about the spartan, but yukon gear seems to make pretty good stuff.


I can, however, say stay away from the Detroit-EZ-locker. The one I had was a PITA to install and didn't fit right.

 

If it were me I'd go to a full Detroit.. The Aussie lockers and lock rights are easy to install and relativly cheaper, but IMO the Detroit is stronger and locks up 100%. A lot of guys have Aussie's and Lockrights around here, and I have seen a few grenade when pushed too hard. Other than that they seem to do well..

 

I got the pics of mine and it looks like it is the tracklock. Is this a good ls or should i go ahead and install a locker? I am leaning towards the assuie.