Looking to turn my 78 F250 into a offroad/wood truck for some fun, however i need to look at lockers. So far torsen/truetracs seem simple. What would be the best site for getting lockers for a Dana-44 front and Dana 60 rear as a combo if they do such?

 

The Torsen and Truetrac are two different companies and units. While the Torsen is a good one for light loads (unless they've changed it over the years?) the Eaton/Detroit Truetrac is the way to go.
How is your truck built? Or going to be built? Tire size, engine power, right foot tendencies? I think they're up to most tasks from what I hear, but you never know once something gets pounded hard if the smaller bits will be the downfall or not.

Still a limited-slip, and not a locker, they've got pretty aggressive lockup ability. Like any limited-slip diff though, you can get a wheel to spin sometimes. If that happens, just load the brakes a bit to fool it into locking up.

Do you do your own diff work, or will you have a shop set them up for you?

Good luck. Seem like a good unit for both axles and should get you where you want to go. And all without any special lubricants or replaceable clutches as a bonus!

Paul

 

I was thinking of having a shop do them or something, im mechanically inclined however time is hard to get lately to do some stuff. The main goal would be having a decent 4x4 that wont get stuck easily in the woods. The wheels would most likely be some sort of 35 inch aggressive tire nothing crazy.

 

The main goal would be having a decent 4x4 that wont get stuck easily in the woods.


If you go by yourself, you better get a winch. Unless you do it old school like I did for a few years. I took a chain hoist and 60 or so feet of chain. Get stuck chain to a tree and start pulling chain hoist. Worked. But my Warn ended up being a lot more user friendly.

 

My brother has a Truetrac in his F150. He is very happy with it. For the 9inch at least, Eaton recommends no more than a 33 inch tire according to the paperwork that came with the carrier. The heavier Dana axles probably don't have that recommendation.

 

when I had the 79 Bronco, it was a truetrac up front with a detroit locker in the rear.
5.13/5.14 gears and 44 swampers. unless it sat on the frame it didnt get stuck... yet when the front end had power and locked up the steering was only straight.
it is amazing what a good locker in the rearend can do just by its self


Fert

 

I have an NOS Gleason Torsen for a D60. Bought it for an F250 in 1988 and never got around to putting it in...

Chose the Torsen based on reviews at the time. There were no select-able lockers available and they were supposed to have the best characteristics on snow and ice.

I no longer have a truck it will go in so PM me if you want to talk.

 

A tight LS or locker in the rear will be a pretty amazing improvement, If you aren't regearing install a rear option and see and if you want more install a front later. Also, I have a locker, in the rear, it is hard to get stuck and even harder on tires, my brother has a good LS and his is easy on tires and also hard to get stuck.

 

When I had my mechanic go thru the axles on my truck....I had him put a locker in the back as it was a open diff. He had 3 used lockers that he would guarantee and that I could have one for $75! So he installed that in the rear and I picked up a Dana limited slip for the front Dana 44 that I got off of EBay for $125 for my '77 F150. Both work awesome and for the cost invested to say the least I'm a happy camper!

Later, Shortbox4x4

 

I have yet to be in trouble that requires a front traction aid, I get into some pretty rough jeep trails, and snow and mud, but the rear locker is extremely helpful.