dana 44 spool
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: redding, ca.
dana 44 spool
Does any one make a spool locker for the dana 44 ifs? If so has any one tried this route and how well did it work. I have open diffs now and want more traction while 4 wheeling but I don't want to mess with 800$ worth of parts.
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
dana 44 spool
Why would a spool be less appropriate just because the axle is independent? The driveline torque has nothing to do with how the suspension works.
I've thought about adding one to my truck because I have manual-locking hubs. That would guarnatee me SOME front propulsion, even if one tire has no grip, and if I wanted to drive on ice without affecting steering, I could just lock one hub for 3WD. No problem!
I've thought about adding one to my truck because I have manual-locking hubs. That would guarnatee me SOME front propulsion, even if one tire has no grip, and if I wanted to drive on ice without affecting steering, I could just lock one hub for 3WD. No problem!
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
dana 44 spool
Well it seems to me if a spool or even a locker was installed on a TTB front end, the passenger side axle shaft would be at a higher risk of being snapped. From what I understood the passenger side axle shaft on TTB front ends is a weak link. Is this true? Steve83 I see your point on the manual hub idea and it makes sense to me too. With a spool in front and a locker in the rear you could pretty much render the truck unstoppable. But it seems more than normal amounts of stress and torque would be put on the axle than it would be able to handle.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Neenah, Wisconsin
dana 44 spool
Yep...its the independent passanger side axle shaft that is the weak link here. Solid dana 44's have much stronger axles, still not ideal with a spool, but the ifs version won't last long at all.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
dana 44 spool
how would a regular locker work up front? would it be ok for the most part? what about driving on snow and ice? would it be better in the front or the rear? i have alredy desided i need a locker of some sort (no limited slip) also i don't have a lot of money either. how would my truck handle with a locker up front or one out back, which is better? also are power trax or lock rights any good? they look to be easy to install and cheap. oh yea, i have a 77 f150 4x4 with a d44 up front with manual locking hubs, and 9" out back, short bed reg cab.
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
dana 44 spool
I am running the Power Trax No-Slip in the rear on my 84 F150 4wd. It has the 8.8 rear with 3.08 gears. I love it, it works nice and smooth on the street and outstanding off road; even in 2wd. When I lock her down in 4 low, shes just like a tractor! The locker was not too expensive (460 dollars-tax included) and very easy to install. It only took me about half an hour to 45 minutes to install with common hand tools. It's a pretty tough piece however I would not recommend the No-Slip for serious off roading, or applications with over 33 inch tires. It is definately a worth while investment for moderate off roading.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
dana 44 spool
I have heard of people running them with 35s and no problems to speak of. I personally would not recommend it nor would I do it myself. For 35s I would run a Detroit Locker, Detroit Truetrac, Auburn Posi unit. I have heard good things about the ARB air lockers, it can be switched from a LS to a locker in the push of a button. If you don't plan to run the truck on the street you could install a full spool, won't have to worry about getting stuck or "peg-legging" with that! A basic rule of thumb I follow is the bigger the tires the heavier duty differential you will need, also lower gears.