I'm looking at options for rebuilding my dana 70. Now that I have the truck running with another axle, I have time to rebuild this one right. For sure I'm getting a new set of gears (old ones broke), new bearings, seals all around. I'm also rebuilding the brakes with 1 ton set up. The question is do I go all out and put a locker in while I'm at it, or stay with the open carrier? I plan on running it as a daily driver for the next couple years. What do you guys suggest as a locker? detroit, tracloc, power loc, whatever else names are out there?

 

well do you ever take it off road with all the stuff you have in your sig. If you do I would put a locker in it. they do all right on the street once you learn them. I like them and I will always run them in my truck.

 

Use the Powr-Lok unless you are a hardcore offroad guy.

 

not to sound stupid, but why the powr-lok over a say powertrax noslip? price? driveability?

 

actually I've been doing some research and I think I have answered my own question. The only posi units for the dana 70 that will handle the power of the cummins are the detroit and the powr-lok. There are others out there but they say "not reccomended for high horse power or large tires." The detroit locks when power is applied, and releases when it coasts. The powr-lok uses clutches to help even out wheel speed when one wheel slips. Therefore the detroit gives a rougher on road ride but a true lock when you need it. I think I'll go with the powr-lok because I will be doing a lot of road driving, but I'm tired of getting my lifted truck stuck. plus its $100 cheaper. thanks for the responses.

 

I have driven a detroit on the street in my daily drivers for the last 12 years or so. my offroad truck and the 92 cummins.

In my 92 I especially like the detroit. With a heavy motor, a torqy motor, a manual trans, and a light back end, the detroit will give you a hell of a lot more straightline traction in the rain and ice. You need to know what you are doing when cornering on the ice with a detroit, but its easy to get used to... i think it is better on the street than an open diff, but thats just me.

Obviously there is a huge benefit on the dirt.

I would recommend a disk brake conversion for the back... I havent done it on my 92 yet, but I do have one on my dana 60 on the offroad truck... the added stopping power is unbelievable. TSM makes conversion kits... they use rotors and calipers from GM 3/4Ton front bakes.

 

Strength and driveability. The Powr-lok is very strong, it is a 4 spider unit. Also, due to its design, the more torque imbalance there is between the two wheels, the tighter it locks.

 

is this a powr-lok?

 

I am not sure but it looks like a power lock as I remember, but its been many years since i saw one.

I believe that the stock limited slip diff is a power lock.

I still have my stock limited slip laying around somewhere... needs a rebuild though.... before I took it out it was acting like a completely open diff though.

The clutches will wear out eventually in all limited slips.

You also have to make sure you use the right gear oil or an additive, or else the clutches will quit right away. I believe GL5 grade gear oil has the right additive.

True Lockers don't really wear out.

I have seen a detroit locker get destroyed once before, but only at toyota minitruck size,,,, never a dana 70.

 

Yessir. If it's not spinning both tires, get a new set of clutches for it. Takes a couple hours in the driveway to swap 'em, not a big deal.

 

thanks, I was planning on replacing the clutches anyway just to be sure.