Swap rear diff into front end?
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
Swap rear diff into front end?
Can I move my existing tracloc rear carrier and gears to the front axle?
My '96 4x4 has 3.55 gears, open diff in front, tracloc in rear. Can I move the tracloc diff with existing rear ring and pinion to the front? And then put the open front diff in the rear with an aussie type locker?
My '96 4x4 has 3.55 gears, open diff in front, tracloc in rear. Can I move the tracloc diff with existing rear ring and pinion to the front? And then put the open front diff in the rear with an aussie type locker?
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
dang it, I knew that.
didn't think that thru very well.
I have an open rear carrier that I can swap into the rear and then add an aussie style locker. Seems to be a cheap upgrade for the rear.
Keeping costs in mind, and not wanting the abruptness of a locker in the front, can I source a D60 locker carrier for the front?
didn't think that thru very well.I have an open rear carrier that I can swap into the rear and then add an aussie style locker. Seems to be a cheap upgrade for the rear.
Keeping costs in mind, and not wanting the abruptness of a locker in the front, can I source a D60 locker carrier for the front?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
I do not think a D60 carrier is going to fit your D44/D50 front end. Your truck did not come with a solid D60 front axle from the factory. You have either a D44 or D50 based Twin Traction Beam. There are many factors that would dictate whether you have one or the other. It's best to check the door jamb sticker or axle tag to determine which of the two you have.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
You certainly ought to be able to find a limited slip diff for your front end (once you determine which front end you have). But if it were me, by the time I had that much time and money into it I'd put in a selectable locker, like an ARB or an OX. Limited slips wear pretty quickly and if you're looking at a rear locker and a front traction aid you probably will find that limited slips don't help as much as you want.
By the way, I had a lunch box locker (Lock-Rite) in the front of my '95 F-150. Personally I'll never have an automatic locker (or spool) in the front of anything again. It caused dangerous pulling as I went on and off ice, dangerous as in the truck would move 8 feet over before I could compensate. If you were only using 4wd at slower speeds off road it would likely be tolerable, but at higher speeds it's too spooky.
By the way, I had a lunch box locker (Lock-Rite) in the front of my '95 F-150. Personally I'll never have an automatic locker (or spool) in the front of anything again. It caused dangerous pulling as I went on and off ice, dangerous as in the truck would move 8 feet over before I could compensate. If you were only using 4wd at slower speeds off road it would likely be tolerable, but at higher speeds it's too spooky.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
I left out the important detail that I have a solid axle D60 (open diff, proper 3.55 gears) I am prepping to swap in. I'd prefer something a little softer in the front than a lunchbox or similar traction device. Would a locker carrier from a rear D60 (just looking to increase my shopping sources) fit into a front D60?
I realize all of this would require the ring and pinion set up process but the yoke seals need to be replaced anyway.
I realize all of this would require the ring and pinion set up process but the yoke seals need to be replaced anyway.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
If you plan on keeping your 3.55 gears then you need a carrier for a 4.10 and lower with 35 spline axles. Depending on what kind of carrier you source they are interchangable front to rear. Others such as a True-trac are axle location specific according to the data from here: Randy's Ring & Pinion
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
v10kev
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
3
Nov 11, 2010 06:13 PM
Mr.OverKill
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
1
Dec 23, 2007 07:20 PM
