Topic: gears lockes cont... the quest for 33's

[callenst]

Need help,

I have been doing a bunch of research and think i have two options.

1- Superior super dana 35 kit, and detroit locker, 4.88 gears, or

2- Heavy duty replacement shafts 27spline, ox locker, 4.88s and a truss.  

I am trying to save money, I know famous last words...  
How does the detroit locker handle in the snow?  
I am also worried about breaking a 30 spline shaft and having to replace at a greater cost.

What do you guys think?  
On a side note, just spent the last week driving my 4 banger throuhout AZ.  Hitting up trails in Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff.  Goodtimes, my 4 banger with open diffs a rancho lift and 32's was out performing many other heavily modified rigs out there.   And it was getting all around AZ.   Its always a trill as you guys can relate to draft a big rig, down shift to 4th , sling out and pass them up hill at 8000ft elevation.   I think we desearve more credit for our highway driving skills with a such a lack of power and an aerodynamic handicap.  

Trevor

[callenst]

I guess an Ox locker and a truss would have to be custom because of the diff cover.

TC

[BlackYJ]

If you are worried about how a Detroit will handle, I believe ARB now makes a 30 spline locker for the D35 for the Super kit.  Even with the Super 35 kit, I would still think about trussing the axle.  The tubes are thin and twisting is one of the reasons so many axles break.

[Jeffy]

Honestly, I'd save up and get some beefier axles.  Or at least swap out the D35c.  A housing 44 housing would cost about as much as a Super 35 would.  You're regearing anyway so it won't matter what gears are in the housing.  Same goes for the locker.  Then you'd get a stronger axle that you won't have to baby.

Another option would be to go with a Toyota 8", Ford 8.8", Ford 9", Isuzu D44, SJ D44, Scout D44, etc.  If you want to save some money, use a Lock-right.

Another option would be to look for prebuilt axles.  Not from a company but from someone who's looking to upgrade.  You can find some good deals on sets.

The cheapest option would be to get some HD 27 spline shafts and use your old ones as spares.  Then add a locker and gears.  Honestly, I'd go with a slavaged axle though.

Oh and I'm really good at the draft/slingshot maneuver.  

[callenst]

Where do I find HD axle shafts?   Any comments on the Detroit/snow?

TC

[Jeffy]

Most companies like Superior, Yukon, etc...  make HD shafts.  I believe they're something like 19% stronger then the stock.

I haven't really driven in deep snow, but the slushy stuff hasn't really been a problem.  I tend to keep the speeds down also.  My front isn't locked but has a True-trac so it behaves well.

[Ryan00TJ]

I picked up my S35 with the Detroit for $675 new.  That's far cheaper than any D44 or even 8.8 i've ever seen.  I've been daily driving and offroading it since the install in 2002 and it's never missed a beat.  I honestly don't think the 4 crapper has enough power to break the S35.  

Superior says they've only had a few rigs break their S35 shafts and they called them "competition rigs".   I would bet the average weekend wheeler would never even come close to breaking a S35 especially with a 4 banger and 33" tires.  

I like having the Detroit in the rear.  When new it takes getting used too, you'll learn to drive the Jeep differently to avoid the charachteristics of a auto locker.  In the snow it's not bad at all, it actually provides alot more stable and reliable traction over a open diff.  Too much throttle in slick conditions will result in a 180 or 360 spin if you keep the hammer down.  

Drive slow and responsible and it's bread and butter my friend.

[callenst]

where did you get you s35/detroit?

[Ryan00TJ]

Got mine from a group buy at DC4WD.  That's a 2002 price so I don't know what it would be like now.

[jagular7]

I just broke a right rear axle on the TJ. Didn't think how I drove to bump up the ledge would have broken it. My spotter didn't hear it break, but everyone else did..... This is strike 1. I've got 4.88's and Lockright in it.

I've got another run this coming weekend, so a free stock replacement is going in. I only hope the axle seal is fine at the bearing/tube, the LR and wheel cylinder is also fine.

[Jeffy]

Good ol' stick saves the day again!

[wildman4x4nut]

Where do I find HD axle shafts?   Any comments on the Detroit/snow?

TC

I have been running some type of auto locker in the rear of rigs for about 10 years now. I have a Detroit in the rear of my TJ and I don't mind it back there in the snow or when on ice. Yes if you drive stupid you will pay for it. Driving with an auto locker just takes a little time to get use to it. You get off the gas going around corners and you don't tromp on it. Pulling into parking spots are fun.

I have been running a Warn FF kit, Detroit locker & 4.88 gears for 2 years and have not broken anything. I just put a Superior axle truss on my axle this past spring.