Wondering if most of you guys breaking D44 have lockers in the front? Wouldnt a limited slip like a true trac or powerlock be easier on the axles? Yeah I know you give up traction compared to a locker but for us guys wanting to run 36+ tires, wouldnt this help the breakage problem? Any thoughts?
Chad

My 44 front survived just fine under my mud racer, but it was OPEN. And I was only running 38X12.50's. Still, not bad considering I used to sidestep the clutch at 5,500 R's <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">


TEX

I just busted an inner axle on my 44 front with a Powerlock. (35's and a v-6)

I have a modified PowerLok (extra clutch plates)in the D44 under my EB. It has F150 axles with 297 u-joints. I run 36" SX's and have never had an axle related problem. I like the PowerLok up front but I will admit that there are time when I cuss the SOB. It tends to give up (unlock) just when you need it most.

If $$$ was not a problem, I'd go with an ARB up front. My daughter has one in her 82 Toy and she has never popped a birf. Lord knows, she trys <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0">

i would prefer to take a nap covered in honey laying on a ant hill than give up my front locker.

I'm not sure that it would reduce breakage. The gauranteed result of running a LS, is that it will slip right when it could make the difference in making it up an obstacle or not. That could then result in trying again, which could result in trying HARDER, which could result in more gas, which could result in MORE breakage. Unless of course you don't mind taking a strap more often, or running trails which don't require you to take a strap, which would most likely be trails that don't require a locker in the front in the first place.

Uhhhh, what were we talkin' about?

[ 10-29-2001: Message edited by: Ryan ]

I am thinking more like it might slip before the axle breaks or becuase of the clutches it would act more as a "cushion" to the stress rather than a sudden lock, and then "snap".

I should have stated, this isnt a rock dedicated rig like most of the rigs here. Sure it will see rock duty, but more time will be spent in mud, sand, snow, and fire roads. Being able to turn at high speeds is a must. Will a detroit let me do that?

To the guy who broke a shaft with the powerlock, what axles were they? How old were the ujoints?
Chad

Originally posted by camo:
<STRONG>i would prefer to take a nap covered in honey laying on a ant hill than give up my front locker.</STRONG>

thats about what I was thinking, no go buy some extra axles. <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

My experience is that anybody who goes to the trouble to shoe horn a 460 into an EB likes to use that 460, in which case you better start saving for front end parts. Unless you're talking about something else.

Pete

I would never recommend choosing a LS over a locker just to avoid breakage, it's the wrong approach IMHO.

If you're concerned about breakage, you need to either upgrade, carry spares, or modify your right foot input style - whichever suits you better.

My front D30 survives well with Detroit and Moser shafts with 1/2 ton knuckles-out pushing 36" TSLs - but that's because I drive it like it is what it is. That's my choice - and I LOVE the front locker...but if I want to get crazy with the loud pedal - I have to upgrade or carry spares, simple as that.

One thing's for sure, go for a LS instead of locker and you'll be hating yourself at some point.

And yes, the detroit will allow high speed steering, albeit different from an open.

Originally posted by camo:
<STRONG>i would prefer to take a nap covered in honey laying on a ant hill than give up my front locker.</STRONG>


This I would like to see!! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I just broke my long inner with 36s and a trutrac. Spares are cheap. My buddy just broke his new Mo$er's after only two runs(Cleanup,eg68). Cheap Stock spares for the F150 make not hammering it a <IMG SRC="smilies/rainbow.gif" border="0"> cop out for being a <IMG SRC="smilies/crybaby2.gif" border="0"> Get some

D44's Rule! <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

don't waste your money on a true-trac. I did... biggest waste of $500 EVER. save a couple of more pennies and get the ARB up front if you're that worried about breaking. Otherwise just leave the thing open. Something will still break... but not as often.

Everyone knows locker+297x=click click <IMG SRC="smilies/nuke.gif" border="0">

aaron

[ 10-29-2001: Message edited by: Danger Ranger ]

Ive got a full spool in my front dana 44, havent broke anything yet and im running 38.5 TSL's. Also only running a 6-banger with an auto.

Originally posted by Rockbuggy:
<STRONG>Ive got a full spool in my front dana 44, havent broke anything yet and im running 38.5 TSL's. Also only running a 6-banger with an auto.</STRONG>

how's steering with that comobo

<IMG SRC="smilies/question.gif" border="0">

or do you leave one hub open?

thx alfred

Not to bad at all actually... I am adding a hydro assist steering setup though. Thats my current project right now. Not so much becuase of the spool but that and 38.5" tires together. <IMG SRC="smilies/smokin.gif" border="0">

DangerRanger if you spent $500 on a trutrac you got hosed. I like mine, the only time it has unlocked was when the axle seals were bad and the inner workings of the LS had a bunch of dirt on them, I don't think that's good <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> I'm happy with it though, someday I'd love to throw in an ARB

Originally posted by Stonyford on jackstands:
<STRONG>DangerRanger if you spent $500 on a trutrac you got hosed. I like mine, the only time it has unlocked was when the axle seals were bad and the inner workings of the LS had a bunch of dirt on them, I don't think that's good <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> I'm happy with it though, someday I'd love to throw in an ARB</STRONG>

if you bought a True-trac you got hosed... Touche

aaron

Im running a freshly built front D44 with an ARB, Warn axles, and 35" BFG's. Did parts of Fordyce two weekends ago with no breakage. The ARB is wonderfull when it comes time to unlock for steering purposes or what ever. I spent 580.00 thru reider racing for the ARB, which was the cheapest I could find.

Been running 15/38.5x15 Gumbo mudders for the last year on my open front D44 with no breakage yet other than a bent axle and a bent tie rod.