Dana 50 differential options
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Dana 50 differential options
What have you guys done for diferential options in your Dana 50's? I would consider a mini spool or ez locker. I am running a Detroit locker on my 79 F350, I just lock one hub until absolutely neccessary. I use the 4wd seldom and I dont abuse it. I just want an absolute lock if I choose to. I only want a drop in unit.(mini spool or ez locker)
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It's going to be tough getting any answers on this one, I bet.
Most people don't like full-lock of a spool on the front-end because it makes turning VERY difficult.
What do you mean by "lock one hub"?
Most people don't like full-lock of a spool on the front-end because it makes turning VERY difficult.
What do you mean by "lock one hub"?
Cargo Master
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From: Lubbock
Iirc the dana 50 is basically a dana 44 center section with dana 60 outers. I would contact randy's ring and pinion. If you are using this on a heavy truck you may encounter issues. A e-locker or arb would be a better fit and give the desired spool effect but allow it to be a open diff to turn. The dana 50 was used in the f250's that had twin traction beam suspensions from like 1981-1997
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Good point.
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Lubbockguy1979, not to belabor the off-topicness, but the D44 is an 8.5" ring gear, the D50 a 9", and the D60 a 9.75". Reason I know is, I used to say the same thing about the D44/D50 and I was proven wrong
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Lubbockguy1979, not to belabor the off-topicness, but the D44 is an 8.5" ring gear, the D50 a 9", and the D60 a 9.75". Reason I know is, I used to say the same thing about the D44/D50 and I was proven wrong
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I think he is referring to using manual hub locks, and locking only one. A low budget way to get a selectable front locker.
Basically, start by lincoln locking or spooling the front diff and then install manually locking hubs.
For steering ease, lock only hub. The other hub will be freewheeling, allowing steering.
For max traction, lock both hubs.
I much prefer this over open or even typical LSD. With open or average LSD, the power goes to the wheel that spins first - the one with less traction. In other words, if either wheel goes airborne, you just loss all (or in case of LSD, pretty much all....) drive from front axle. The exact opposite of what you want.
Using this technique, the driver selects which wheel gets the power. I usually lock the driver's side, and then drive (pick lines) knowing the left is the power wheel. If I have to go over a tough obstacle where I believe I need to have power on passenger side, I lock that hub instead (or both).
Kind of annoying to have to get out and manually twist when needed, but a WHOLE lot cheaper than ARB or E-Locker!
Basically, start by lincoln locking or spooling the front diff and then install manually locking hubs.
For steering ease, lock only hub. The other hub will be freewheeling, allowing steering.
For max traction, lock both hubs.
I much prefer this over open or even typical LSD. With open or average LSD, the power goes to the wheel that spins first - the one with less traction. In other words, if either wheel goes airborne, you just loss all (or in case of LSD, pretty much all....) drive from front axle. The exact opposite of what you want.
Using this technique, the driver selects which wheel gets the power. I usually lock the driver's side, and then drive (pick lines) knowing the left is the power wheel. If I have to go over a tough obstacle where I believe I need to have power on passenger side, I lock that hub instead (or both).
Kind of annoying to have to get out and manually twist when needed, but a WHOLE lot cheaper than ARB or E-Locker!
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Hey guys, sorry for the lack of info. have a newborn that was in need of attention so I made the post quick.
1999 Superduty, F250, V10, Auto, manual transfer case with manual locking hubs.
Yes lock one hub for steering purposes. Both hubs only for short, straight, last resort option (three wheel). I have a 79 F350 with detroit lockers front and rear. Been doing the one hub principle for ~15 years.
No hard abuse intented.
I have heard rumor of being able to convert the 50 to a 60???
Thanks for the quick replies. I am being cheap....(fine line between cheap and poor) I found a Powertrax for $300, just dont know much about them. I was hoping for a mini spool for ~$100. This site offers alot of options that are not available through normal channels
1999 Superduty, F250, V10, Auto, manual transfer case with manual locking hubs.
Yes lock one hub for steering purposes. Both hubs only for short, straight, last resort option (three wheel). I have a 79 F350 with detroit lockers front and rear. Been doing the one hub principle for ~15 years.
No hard abuse intented.
I have heard rumor of being able to convert the 50 to a 60???
Thanks for the quick replies. I am being cheap....(fine line between cheap and poor) I found a Powertrax for $300, just dont know much about them. I was hoping for a mini spool for ~$100. This site offers alot of options that are not available through normal channels
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: So Cal
The Cover : dana 50/60 same
There is no way to "convert" a 50 to a 60. other than a complete axle swap.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Lubbock
Go to pirate 4x4. There are a few guys that have built a "poor mans dana 60". Btw the 79 f350 has a lot beefier axle under it. It should have a king pin high pinion 60. One of the stoutest axles in a pickup truck for the front.