On my Blazer with the front D60, I think we've figured out where the number 60 comes from: because you hit the rocks 60% of the time...
Just need bigger tires
You shouldn't 'need' a 60 unless your running something 37" and larger.
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On my Blazer with the front D60, I think we've figured out where the number 60 comes from: because you hit the rocks 60% of the time...
I wouldn't, but that is probably another discussion. Running the selectable locker in the REAR has a lot of advantages in my opinion. There are some limitations, but in a lot of cases the vehicle will turn, climb, and track better off-road.
You're still used to a locked center diff Being able to lock and unlock the center diff makes an auto locker pretty easy in the rear and a detroit is more bullet proof.
I know where you coming from, but I still say no I am interested to play with the ability to open the center diff....but on my hybrid I will basically have selectable lockers in all 3 locations.
I want the front axle to be doing more of the 'work'. The rear axle can only push. It has no ability to turn (typically). The only thing fancy that happens with a Detroit is that one tire can turn faster ( without any power delivery) than the other IF the surface has enough traction to allow it. The front axle is pulling AND can steer. The other interesting thing is that the REAR axle actually sees a far greater speed differential from tire to tire when turning VS the front. This is generally because the rear tires follow a tighter arc than the front tires....even though they are doing the turning.
The other issue I fight with a rear auto locker ( or spool ) is that when trying to climb off-camber the rear axle wants to walk down the hill. Sometimes this is nice IF you WANT the rear axle to slide down to help 'level' the chassis, but other times it is VERY annoying and dangerous when you WANT the rear axle not to fall down the hill, off the cliff, or whatever. These are situations where open/open aren't going to cut it either.
I generally refer to most of this as the 3-wheel problem. If the terrain is hard enough to require at least one locker, but having both ends locked doesn't allow the maneuverability you need.
Given the option of only having ONE selectable locker, I would stick it in the back and the automatic in the front in almost every case. I can see that this could cause some handling issues in a full time 4wd vehicle. In those cases, I would lean heavily towards running a selectable locker in both ends. I really really don't like running a rear automatic locker generally. Some people aren't bothered by it, I don't like the quirks.
Plus. If you have a rear detroit you can't play with cutting/turning/fiddle brakes on the rear axle Again....another topic....
Possibly upgrade to a Diamond or Ruffstuff custom fabricated housing, been eyeballing a 609 setup. Dana 60 outers and Ford 9" center section, only problem with a custom housing is that if your in that far then might as well fabricate a new suspension to go with it... $$$$
My front axle cracked again after expensive workshop welding using ultraviolet scanning and welding using the gas pipe welding equipment. It cost me a fortune and result is it cracked along the repair weld seam.
TLC 80 front axle not just bends but also shatters as the glass. And it is 9 out of 10 TLCs I have seen. I am really looking for custom made out of drilling pipes with wall thickness of 23mm. And laser cut pumpkin housing. There is no reason to repair what keeps just shattering.
TLCs front axles are junk IMHO
Pic is not mine, but it is soooooo common for 70-80-105s
View attachment 1313859
Toyota did not fixed the problem on 105s, it is exactly the same point same issue. What Toyota engineers could do is just replace the stamped axle with tubed style and problem would be gone as the same as easy bending.
I will post pictures next week, I will do the temporary repair until I work out what to do.
And @beno - I think the year you came last to Rubithon, Rick's axle housing cracked just like the pic above and we had to weld it up while you were "making dinner" with Alvaro.
Does this cracking on the front end have anything to do with the internal binding in the radius arm front suspension system?