Dana 70 Detroit Install

[Big10]

Don't hate on me I did search! Nothing on here or the net is specific to the dana 70 that i could find. I have a dana 70 rear with an open carrier and i want to install a Detroit locker. Has anyone done this? I am not changing gears, and don't plan on pulling the pinion gear. Is backlash the only thing i need to recheck?

 

[nvrenuf]

It's a PITA because the shims are behind the bearings but other than that not crazy hard. I think backlash is the only adjustment but you'd probably want to check depth just to be safe. If you haven't bought it yet, have you checked on lunch box lockers? That would be super easy to install with no set up and probably plenty strong just based on girth.

The is an extensive thread on Pirate4x4 about D70's (all versions), it's in the Chevy forum. The site is withering away now so I'd look at that soon.

You probably already know but just to say it out loud, they are many versions of 70's and they don't all interchange so buy and research carefully.

 

[Big10]

It's a PITA because the shims are behind the bearings but other than that not crazy hard. I think backlash is the only adjustment but you'd probably want to check depth just to be safe. If you haven't bought it yet, have you checked on lunch box lockers? That would be super easy to install with no set up and probably plenty strong just based on girth.

The is an extensive thread on Pirate4x4 about D70's (all versions), it's in the Chevy forum. The site is withering away now so I'd look at that soon.

You probably already know but just to say it out loud, they are many versions of 70's and they don't all interchange so buy and research carefully.

Thanks for the heads up, I wasnt aware the shims are behind the bearings and I dont have a set of dummy bearings to play with either. I have not bought anything yet, like most, I am slowly buying what I need for the drivetrain build before I start yanking axles and steering components. I have researched the Dana 70 pretty extensively. It isnt a U or a HD. From what I can tell, the only choices are Lockrite, ARB, and Detroit. The lockrite is 420.00, the Detroit is 770, and ARB is around 1250. I plan on running 38" tires (4.88 gears- SM465) I was under the impression that the lockrite wouldnt hold up to that size tire? maybe? I agree 100% it would be easier to install since the carrier wouldnt change. Here is a picture just for fun so everyone will know I have at least made 'some' progress. No build page yet.

 

[obijuank5]

Yes all that is changing is carrier flange position.
Honestly, I'd put it together as it came assembled with regards to shim location and preload.
Small chance that it will land and be good to go.
But hey, theres a chance.
And yes a 35 spline lockrite in a 70 will do well in your scenario. But you'll need the 4 series carrier if you dont already have it.

 

[Big10]

Yes all that is changing is carrier flange position.
Honestly, I'd put it together as it came assembled with regards to shim location and preload.
Small chance that it will land and be good to go.
But hey, theres a chance.
And yes a 35 spline lockrite in a 70 will do well in your scenario. But you'll need the 4 series carrier if you dont already have it.

How do I identify the 4 series carrier?

 

[obijuank5]

If you now have 4.10 or numerically lower, then its the 3 series. 4.56 and numerically higher is the 4 series.

If you need a carrier too, just get the full Detroit.

 

[Bent77]

Isn’t there some weirdness on carrier or gear offsets in a D70?

 

[Big10]

If you now have 4.10 or numerically lower, then its the 3 series. 4.56 and numerically higher is the 4 series.

If you need a carrier too, just get the full Detroit.

Factory 4:88 's

 

[obijuank5]

Isn’t there some weirdness on carrier or gear offsets in a D70?

There is but very very old stuff.

 

[nvrenuf]

Factory 4:88 's

You know, 7.17's will also fit that carrier. Just sayin...

Fwiw, I have a friend that ran a set of 70's era Dodge 4.88 axles with front & rear Lock Rites on 35 Boggers for a few years without issues.