Converting Dana 44 LSD to Open

My '75 CJ5 has the factory narrow Dana 44 LSD rear axle w/ 3.73 ratio. I believe this is the 30 spline although I haven't opened it up to confirm. I want to lock it but will need an open carrier to do so. Will any D44 open carrier work or is there a specific open carrier I will be in need of?

 

would be best to 'open' it up and see what you have. as far as lockers go, the locker doubles as a carrier (other than a lok-rite).

 

If you still have the centered, flanged 44 in there it is 30 spline.
If you wish to keep your 3.73's you will need a 3 series 30 spline case. 3 series fits 2.54 down to 3.73 gears. 3.92 down to 5.38's is a different case due to pinion diameter requiring the ring gear flange to be closer to the center line. A 19 or 10 spline case will not work due to the side gears not interchanging. Fortunately, 3 series 30 spline cases are the most common and it pretty much doesn't matter what 44 it came out of. If you're going to put a Lockrite, Aussie Locker, etc. in I'd recommend a new case which can be had from Randy's Ring and Pinion for a reasonable price. Clearances are critical on these types of lockers and most used cases really have too much wear unless very low mileage to allow the clearance to be right. Cheap insurance. Also, well worth the extra $20 or so bucks to spring for the hardened pinion shaft if using that type of locker. Nickmil.

 

In doing more research on this subject I came across a Powertrax locker that will accommodate my limited slip carrier. Below is an excerpt of their latest "No Slip" system.

"Limited-slip/posi and centrifugally activated differentials can be as easily upgraded with a Powertrax No-Slip Traction System as can open differentials."

I plan on keeping the 3.73's and hope to keep the cost down and think this approach would be the simplest since I will not have to contract a shop to do the work for carrier replacement plus the cost of the open carrier and locker for the open carrier.

Does anyone have any experience/input/recommendations on the Powertrax No Slips?

 

The limited slip version will require you to pull the carrier and reset up the gears. I put one in my ex-durango w/ limited slip several years ago. The shop had to pull the carrier to do it. It is a nice quiet unit with good street manners.

 

I called Richmond and spoke with Tech support, makers of Powertrax. My particular application does not require removal of the carrier to install the "No Slip" version locker. The standard locker is not available for the limited slip carrier.

I also downloaded the PDF installation manual for my axle and it confirmed what Tech support told me. This appears to be something I can handle without paying big bucks for a shop to do. Time will tell though.

I think I will be leaning towards the no slip locker unless I hear horror stories.

 

It took my 5000 lb. V8 powered Durango all over the San Juans without a problem.

 

i would use the LSD carrier insteed of an open one they are alot stronger and its free, jason.