Semi float 3rd member on a full floater

[Spook50]

Will it mate up? I'm considering going the full floater route this spring when I get back from overseas (decided against the full width axle conversion), but what I'd like to do since the 3rd member has to be ordered separately is use the 3rd member from my current rear axle until I can get the full float 3rd member and piece together a cable locker (yeah that's right) and rig up an actuator.

 

[Isotel]

Semi Float 3rd should work fine with FF shafts

but not the other way around

 

[Spike Strip]

Your SF 3rd will work fine with the FF and the other way around... IF you have (or get) a cable locker, you need axles with a longer spline. You can get your standard FF axles machined (very $$, I understand) or you can find axles for the locker.

All of the above was such a PITA, that I went with an ARB air locker for a FF axle (RD33, a little stronger than the SF locker). And of course, the advantage of an air locker is you now have onboard air supply.

If you can get the WHOLE cable locker drum to drum, including 3rd, then go for it. Piecing it together is next to impossible, and very very very expensive, even if you can find the parts. I bugged Marv Specter for a year and even he couldn't find any. I called C. Dan to see what was available NEW from Toyota - anywhere - and after about 45 mins on the phone, he concluded nothing was available anymore. There are people who mod an 80 series e-locker into an FJ60 axle, but Dan said there were some possible issues with that should you break an axle off at the splines... Can't remember exactly what he said.

In any case, factoring cost, time, and ease of installation and availability of service parts, the ARB was the way to go for me.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I believe the only difference is the SF third has a provision to put the c-clips in where the FF third does not.

One thing of note, cable locked thirds have machined spider housings as opposed to cast housings like all other thirds. Strength might be an issue there.

 

[REKCUT]

I believe the only difference is the SF third has a provision to put the c-clips in where the FF third does not.

One thing of note, cable locked thirds have machined spider housings as opposed to cast housings like all other thirds. Strength might be an issue there.

I forgot that you put that on your sig line.

 

[Spike Strip]

I believe the only difference is the SF third has a provision to put the c-clips in where the FF third does not.

If you're talking about the ARB locker, the SF (RD124) has 3 pinion gears, the FF (RD 33) has four -- because you don't need the opening for the C-clips. Also, when you install the ARB RD33, you upgrade to 50mm side bearings (like the 80 series), instead of the 45mm bearings.

Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters gave me all the info when I bought from him.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I forgot that you put that on your sig line.

When we went to go pick up the truck that I did that in, the seller said he cracked up while he was reading those two threads. Good times, good times.

If you're talking about the ARB locker, the SF (RD124) has 3 pinion gears, the FF (RD 33) has four -- because you don't need the opening for the C-clips. Also, when you install the ARB RD33, you upgrade to 50mm side bearings (like the 80 series), instead of the 45mm bearings.

Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters gave me all the info when I bought from him.

Im talking about part 11 in the pic below. In stock US 60 thirds, that part is cast, while in cable locked 60 thirds, that part is two machined parts bolted together instead. The machined part is much stronger, but I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes when making a non cable locked axle a cable locked axle with the original third.

Follow that? I'm not sure I did. ;p

 

[brian]

teh front axle is a FF. you can swap rears front to back.
just an fyi.

 

[Spook50]

teh front axle is a FF. you can swap rears front to back.
just an fyi.

Hey good point.

Kickass, time to start saving my pennies

 

[Tinker]

Spoo -
It's better to put a used front 3rd (rather than a used rear) in the back because they don't see much use.

BTW my TSM transfer case disc park brake works & is almost done (need longer bolts for the "tie downs").

 

[Spook50]

Spoo -
It's better to put a used front 3rd (rather than a used rear) in the back because they don't see much use.

BTW my TSM transfer case disc park brake works & is almost done (need longer bolts for the "tie downs").

I was going to pop an email off to you and see if you'd had much luck on it. Glad to hear it's almost ready. As it stands, I'll probably order it when I get back from overseas in spring and set it up then. My buddy who takes care of my truck for me when I'm gone never sets the parking brake anyway, so no worries. How were you able to get the cable set up? I'm wondering if I'll still be able to use my shortened cable or if I'll have to get a new cable and housing to attach to the lever.

As far as the 3rd member goes, I'm going to try to get my hands on a rear unit, rebuild it with new gears and work on piecing together the parts needed to get a cable locker set up, and I'll run my SF 3rd in the meantime. I have an idea of how I'll set up the actuator cables, so the real roadblock will be taking the time and spending the money to get all the parts needed for the mechanism. I have a feeling I'll be spending alot of time on the phone with Steve-O (from MAF) and Marv Specter. Though at least it'll be easier than finding a Toyota PTO gearbox