ARB Locker in FF Dana 60 (2wd)

[Jb1rd]

I just lucked into a great deal on an ARB compressor (CKMTA12/24) and tank (4litre) how ,do I determine what locker to get, unfortunately this I will probably have to pay full tilt for but who knows. Is it dependent on my gear ratio? Should I wait until I figure out what gears are in there and if they will be sufficient when I go to a 33 0r 35 inch tire? Sorry for the ignorance, I am super new to this type of thing and what I read online is like trying to read Greek! In this same vain, how can I tell what gears are currently in there, is there a code on the spec plate? Do I have to tear the diff apart? Thanks in advance y'all

 

[simple]

Is there a sticker on the axle housing with a serial number? If not, you can still figure out information about your axle by year of vehicle and shape of the diff cover. I recently talked to a salesman at randy's ring and pinion who was helpful in finding info on my axle.

 

[Heloflyboy]

Not really enough info. Is the axle factory? If so there should be a sticker on the drivers side door or body. That sticker will have letters and numbers there will be axle number/letter, google it and you should find gear ratio if there is no axle tag.

 

[Jb1rd]

I'm pretty certain it is factory to the van, it is a b-body Airstream conversion but think that it cam from Ford with the Dana. I will check the plate tomorrow . Thank you

 

[Bikersmurf]

If your rig has the stock gears, there should be a code on the Data plate which gives the axle and ratio. Dana axle housing have a code in the casting which will confirm it's a Dana 60.

I looked up the code on my diff and it Indicates it is a FF Dually Dana 70. The Id tag on the door jam (90% sure on location) translates to a limited slip 4.11 ratio diff.

I'd swap ratios at the same time if you're going to, it'll be cheaper in the end to not do it twice.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

You are going to need an ARB RD165 for 4.10 and numerically lower ratios to fit a 32 spline Dana 60 that is almost certainly in your van. You are looking at ~$1100.00 just for the locker.

 

[spencyg]

I'd sooner spring for an OX locker than an ARB....far less stuff to leak if you go with the manually actuated version. They are about the same from a price standpoint.

SG

 

[radorsch]

If the gears have not been changed, there is a plate on the diff that has both the BOM (bill of materials) code that you can use to ID the axle on the Dana web site, as well as a code with the gearing. Here is a photo of my original plate - 3.73 gearing. The BOM is the number on the second line - confirms that mine is a D60 FF when I look it up.

sorry, photo is rotated 90 degrees clockwise

 

[Jb1rd]

Since I am going to have the air system anyway, is there benefit in getting the OX that has air? It says you can manual engage if the actuator stops working? Lastly, is the OX similar to the ARB that when it is disengaged the axle is open and drive characteristics are the same as stock? (my buddy has a locker on his trail rig and driving it on the street is a nightmare)

I'd sooner spring for an OX locker than an ARB....far less stuff to leak if you go with the manually actuated version. They are about the same from a price standpoint.

SG

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

I don't think they make a 32 spline OX Locker so you would also need axles - ~$500.

ARB is really your only 32 spline option.

 

[spencyg]

Every person I have ever talked to...literally every person...has told me their ARB locker worked great for the first year, and after that they were chasing leaks both inside and outside the case. Some of these were professionally installed, others were driveway installed. I love the fact that you can manually engage the OX with an emergency plug and that you have the option of manual (floor shifter and a cable), pneumatic or electric engagement actuators.

As for the spline count...I'm not 100% up to speed on 30 vs 32 vs 35 spline in our version of the Dana 60 FF, so the need for 32 spline may be an issue. OX is available in 30 and 35 spline versions.

SG

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

As for the spline count...I'm not 100% up to speed on 30 vs 32 vs 35 spline in our version of the Dana 60 FF, so the need for 32 spline may be an issue. OX is available in 30 and 35 spline versions.

You have 32 spline - sorry. NO OX FOR YOU!

 

[spencyg]

Not that I was intending to put a locker in my rear axle, but now I'm curious. I see that going to 35 spline likely requires boring out the wheel bearing spindles. Is the same thing necessary if going to 30 spline? Would it basically just involve inner axles, or would the bearings also need to be swapped out?

Thanks for the info.

SG

 

[spencyg]

It appears as though the 32 spline axle shaft diameter is 1.46", and the 35 spline axle shaft diameter is 1.50" That is only 0.040" difference and I know there is more clearance than that (by a lot) in my spindle bores. OX sells 35 spline Dana 60FF shafts for under $200 per side, so I'd need to add $400 to the price of the 35 spline OX locker to get up and running. Once you've spent $1000, another $400 isn't much to worry about

SG

 

[Jb1rd]

It is simply astounding how the costs just keep going and going and going and going and going UP!!!!!! :snorkel: Going to have to ponder this one as I am not planing on a full 4wd conversion at this time and if the locker will work for 95% of my intended use then I will call it a win and use the rest of the money for actually going somewhere :sombrero: