Still got the Detroit?
You up for modding another set of hubs to run 6 studs?
It's all your fault.![]()

Watching intently.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Still got the Detroit?
You up for modding another set of hubs to run 6 studs?
It's all your fault.![]()
Jesse will get it right, even if he screws up he will make it right ASAP. He messed up on my last flange order but it was all cleared up in a day or so.
I still worry about what the shock loading from the Detroits is doing to the axles in my 60. You might want to think hard about that one. Aside from the bang when they unload and the odd behavior on the street I am unimpressed with how they work on loose side hill situations.
How does it work on loose side hill situations? I would think it would stay locked, no?
I wouldn't worry about the axles in a 14 bolt if I were Drew. I've never seen a 14 bolt axle broken and I've seen some under 6000# buggies with 600+ horsepower jumping rocks. Three pinion bearings make them the s***.
Of course you are right, I keep thinking in terms of Land Cruiser axles. The 14 bolt can take the abuse.I am totally NOT worried about breaking the thing. Everything about it is rigid. Massive center, 3pinion support bearings with one under the head to prevent deflection, huge rigid steel tubes 1/2 inch thick, 1.5 inch inner axles, it is a beefy unit. It was way over built for the 3/4 ton applications it was used in. In the dual axle config it was used up to 2 ton rated chassis.
That's why the idea of a detroit is semi attractive. I would not use a detroit in a Cruiser axle on big tires because of the shock loading and I have seen a bunch of broken axles in this set up.
On loose side hill with the axle locked once the tires lose traction the rear end slides sideways. With an open diff one the un-powered wheel "anchors" the axle. I've experiemced this my self and watch a number of trucks with auto lockers do the same thing.
I think I'd rather not go anywhere than be sliding sideways downhill.The alternative when unlocked is that one tire spins and you don't go anywhere...
I think I'd rather not go anywhere than be sliding sideways downhill.![]()
Is the shock loading any different in a detroit versus a lock-rite or aussie? I, and many others, have had success using the lunchbox lockers in cruiser axles with large tires for years...
That's when you turn the front uphill and stand on it.![]()
Detriots can lock very violently, very different from the lunchbox lockers. Lunchbox lockers wear out, and rely on the strength of stock carrier. Breaking an axle with a Detriot may break the Detroit as well. I would rather have a detriot in the front of my truck...
Sputnik, my two main riding buds have cucv 14bolts with detroits and they beat the living dookie out of them with no problems, i don't think you've got anything to worry about
They unlock just as violently, if not worse. This happens a lot if the rig is a daily driver. That is what worries me about them, the constant shock loading. My fear is eventually it will stress the axles enough that they fail, probably at the worst possible time.Detriots can lock very violently, very different from the lunchbox lockers. Lunchbox lockers wear out, and rely on the strength of stock carrier. Breaking an axle with a Detriot may break the Detroit as well. I would rather have a detriot in the front of my truck...
Having been to Jacksonville Alabama to wheel Choccoloco - this makes absolute sense. You folks have some insanely beautiful buggies wheeling up there - and horsepower definitely rules!
I like the cheapness of the 14 bolt and the overall strength.
How expensive to built up a 14 bolt front axle?
Cs 1000.00
outers with axle kit 1100.00
Brake rotors and calipers?
Spindles?
Bearings?
Then you need a lath or mill to adapt everything, so shop time?
Rob