Finding a selectable rear axle locker (1996 E350 dually)

[scottwstevenson]

I've posted about my box truck previously here: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...g-overlander-dogmobile-4x4-conversion.234993/

@vintageracer had suggested I add a selectable locker to my rear axle, which sound like a stellar idea.

My axle code is 62, which, per this: https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-articles/identify-your-ford-truck-axle-from-the-door-sticker/ , tells me I've got a Dana rated at 8100lb (4.10 gearing)

Questions: Can I assume that my axle could be correctly called a Dana 80?... (I see Dana

I"m seeing here two select-a-locks for a Dana 80 with a different 4spline counts ; https://www.differentials.com/auburn-select-a-loc-locking-differential/

• AG 545033 – DANA 80, 4.10:1 & Down, 35 Spline- Open to Lock
• AG 545037 – DANA 80, 4:10 Down, 40 Spline- Open to Lock"

OTOH, I'm seeing that the first model above is only for 3.73 gearing and below - I think I'm at 4.10 per the sticker - https://www.justdifferentials.com/Auburn-Ected-Max-E-Locker-for-Dana-80-p/ag545033.htm

Hopefully spline count will settle this (or I'll call a supplier).

Questions:
1.) I'm seeing the suggestion to upgrade ring and pinions as well as the axle, e.g., here: https://www.justdifferentials.com/Auburn-Ected-Max-E-Locker-for-Dana-80-p/ag545033.htm I'm not planning "high performance" rock climbing or doing anything to really push the axle, I mainly want to be able to get out of snow, mud, etc. and be able to handle non-paved roads (where the truck fits). Would this kind of upgrade (rack and pinions, axle) be needed for my application? (If I'm getting a new axle, why not upgrade to a limited slip diff. and go an entirely different locker?... LOL)


2.) I am by no means a mechanic, but I love learning as I go. [I put a new front and rear bumper, overload springs, air bags, and aftermarket swaybar, steering stabilizer, etc. on my F350 (never had done any of this or seen any of it done.] But from the looks of these instructions, I think this is outta my league and I'm lacking in a few important tools.

https://auburngeardiffs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/AUG-24-SelectALoc-InstallManu_08_LoRez.pdf

Anyone know of a good shop who would do this in the SW Florida area (Ft. Myers/Naples)?...

TIA!!!

-S

 

[smbisig]

The first thing you should do is pull the an axle shaft and confirm the the spline count. The Dana 80 in heavy Ford applications could be 35 or 37 spline. And although this isnt technically a van, I have seen even lower spline counts in the van applications. While you are at it, might as well double check the ring and pinion gear ratio at the same time. As long as its a 35 or 37 spline, ARB offers and Air Locker, the only selectable locker route I would go.

 

[SDDiver5]

At 26 years old, It cant hurt to replace ring and pinion. My thought process is that if you're adding a locker (which I completely agree with and think is the best idea) and have to use it at some point, you'll be adding a lot of strain to the existing gears and everything inside so it would be better to not have to worry about anything. Just my thought. I regeared my truck to 4.56 and had everything replaced just in case. The last thing I want is to be stranded in the desert or the Sierras unable to move.

 

[nitro_rat]

Ford has offered selectable lockers in the Super Duty line for some time now. The option isn’t available on DRW trucks. I think there’s a reason for that. The available traction of a dual rear wheel assembly increases the likelihood of overloading the differential.

I know there are probably individuals out there who have had success with a selectable locker in a DRW application. I also know that I would probably rather be just stuck than stuck with a grenaded aftermarket locker in a box truck with an oddball rear end.

I vote limited slip for this application, Eaton TrueTrac specifically if it’s available for your application.

 

[scottwstevenson]

Sorry for the delay on replying! (Holidays!)

The first thing you should do is pull the an axle shaft and confirm the the spline count. The Dana 80 in heavy Ford applications could be 35 or 37 spline. And although this isnt technically a van, I have seen even lower spline counts in the van applications. While you are at it, might as well double check the ring and pinion gear ratio at the same time. As long as its a 35 or 37 spline, ARB offers and Air Locker, the only selectable locker route I would go.

Yes, I figured. I'll check that out as well as the ratio. THANK YOU

Have you seen other lockers fail in this kind of application?...

At 26 years old, It cant hurt to replace ring and pinion. My thought process is that if you're adding a locker (which I completely agree with and think is the best idea) and have to use it at some point, you'll be adding a lot of strain to the existing gears and everything inside so it would be better to not have to worry about anything. Just my thought. I regeared my truck to 4.56 and had everything replaced just in case. The last thing I want is to be stranded in the desert or the Sierras unable to move.

That does makes sense. The truck only has 35k miles on it however, and was fleet maintained until I got it - 3000 mi ago, and I've not done anything rough with it at all.

Ford has offered selectable lockers in the Super Duty line for some time now. The option isn’t available on DRW trucks. I think there’s a reason for that. The available traction of a dual rear wheel assembly increases the likelihood of overloading the differential.

I know there are probably individuals out there who have had success with a selectable locker in a DRW application. I also know that I would probably rather be just stuck than stuck with a grenaded aftermarket locker in a box truck with an oddball rear end.

I vote limited slip for this application, Eaton TrueTrac specifically if it’s available for your application.

LOL - Rather not be stuck at all! I'll check out the TrueTrac, as well.

I've read that as well r.e. overloading the diff on a dually. I would really not be doing any rough off-roading at all (not intentionally) but want to be prepared if I need to get out of an off the beaten path spot where weather made my way out tougher than the way in.

(I'm dig in again on issues for lockers for DRW. I suspected the reason Ford might not make them might also have to do with the fact that dually's just more for towing stability than off-roading, so there was little market for a dually locker.)

------

Thanks again, guys! I've got a contact for someone local who could do all the work noted above, so I will check with him, too, of course.

-Scott

 

[vintageracer]

Just remember that a true ARB locker is only good for going one direction. STRAIGHT! With the rear-end locked the vehicle will want to crap when you turn as both rear wheels will continue to spin at the same speed pushing you straight.

IF you think that could be a problem you might consider a Tru-Trak or other type of mechanical locking rear differential aid as they have the ability to un-lock going around a corner allowing the outer wheel in the turn to spin faster than the inner wheel.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

I have a Dana 60 front and a Dana 70 rear. Both are 35 spline.
The front has an ARB air locker and "Yes", they want to go in a straight line, which is typically fine if used in anger for short distances.
The rear has a standard Dana LSD which I have found to be effective, simple and reliable.
Dif lock in the rear and LSD in the front would probably be a better choice.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Atl-atl]

If you havent figured this out yet, call Chris at UJoint Offroad. Guy knows more about the axles that came in Econolines than the people at Ford.

 

[scottwstevenson]

If you havent figured this out yet, call Chris at UJoint Offroad. Guy knows more about the axles that came in Econolines than the people at Ford.

THANK YOU! I have no doubt about Chris' knowledge!

Still running down some leads here locally, or well, trying to someone to call me back... LOL. (I've been out of town and had to take my truck - various reasons - so have neglected this upgrade to the van.)

Yes, Ujoint is who I would absolutely go with for a 4x4 conversion, but I imagine it might be worth a trip up there for lockers, if that could be done quickly. (I'm in FL, so not far away. I respect Chris' time, so I'd rather not bother him for free info. / suggestions if not seriously contemplating using his services...)

-Scott

 

[Atl-atl]

THANK YOU! I have no doubt about Chris' knowledge!

Still running down some leads here locally, or well, trying to someone to call me back... LOL. (I've been out of town and had to take my truck - various reasons - so have neglected this upgrade to the van.)

Yes, Ujoint is who I would absolutely go with for a 4x4 conversion, but I imagine it might be worth a trip up there for lockers, if that could be done quickly. (I'm in FL, so not far away. I respect Chris' time, so I'd rather not bother him for free info. / suggestions if not seriously contemplating using his services...)

-Scott

Understandable. You might be better off posting this in the van forum. https://expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/4wd-and-2wd-camper-vans-a-k-a-vanlife.58/

 

[scottwstevenson]

Understandable. You might be better off posting this in the van forum. https://expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/4wd-and-2wd-camper-vans-a-k-a-vanlife.58/

Thanks, ATL. Good call! One more trip and then I'll able to focus back on getting the rig up to speed.

-S