poll on D44 lockers / posi's

[solowookie]

poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I've gotta K5 with a 14B FF in back and a D44 up front (3/4 ton).

I've heard there are steering problems with the D44 and lockers (very hard to steer), and I'm also concerned with the D44 strength and a locker type system. I will probably do a cross over steering system, but I'd like to put that off for a while.

here are my thoughts. I wanna try to run some moser shafts and warn hub fuses. I'd like to hear who has ran what and what their experience is. right now I'm considering a posi more then a locker, up front, with a detroit locker in the rear.

Thanks,

<font color=blue> Jeff </font color=blue>

 

[bigredblazer]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

Jeff, I think you should save up and buy a D60, I got mine off a farmer in Iowa for $200 he he he. If you think about all the upgrades you'll be doing to your 44, and then still possibly breaking, you might be better off. A friend of mine runs a 44 with chrome moly shafts, and a lock rite, and it works fine for him, although he's going to a D60 soon. If your not wheeling it too hard I think a posi is a good bet, and a little cheaper also. Jon

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I refuse to have a locker of any kind up front after what I was told on this site when I asked about Lock-Rights last week. No way that steering problem's for me!

I've never broken a 10 bolt or a D44. My friends run 38s, 39.5s, and 44s on them and never break the axle, more often the driveshaft. The truck with 39.5s has a big block and destroyed the spider gears once, but he's a maniac. If you take it easy, you'll find that the 8.5 frontends are pretty good--unless you rock crawl or are just a maniac.

Tim
'84 Chevy K10, lifted, loud, fast, and 3/4 ton axles

 

[misfit]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

i just read somewhere that the hub fuses are good if youre going in a straigght line. otherwise theyll take out shaft and or locker. i have a powerlock in mine, but less than 50 miles on it. im testing it this weekend and ill try to post results. btw i have crossover and a rear detroit (same setup as you) running 37 ssr's

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I was thinking of trying the hub fuses too a while ago, but I'd forgotten about them. Something more to consider.

Tim
'84 Chevy K10, lifted, loud, fast, and 3/4 ton axles

 

[CaptCrunch]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I already told Jeff this in a PM, but figured I'd throw it out for comments and FYI. If you keep the front open (definetly a disadvantage at times depending on what offroading you do) you chances will be fine. Once you add the locker or hard posi in, this is when the breakage starts. It is the same thing w/ the rears.... when you get the traction that is when you start testing the strength. I agreed w/ Red that all the mods to the d44 would be spendy and holding out for a d60 would be a good option.

I already know lockrites and detriots up front just plain suck canal water if you gotta turn.... so unless you are in the middle of a mud pit w/ no objects in the way I wouldn't reccomend them... at least that is my $.02 worth. What I do wonder is if anyone is running a Powertrax, the Eaton posi w/ a agreesive spring in it, or something similar up front and how the steering compares.

-Mikey
1987 Chevy K5 Blazer- 350 TBI
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.geocities.com/milnerlives_2000/blazer.htm>http://www.geocities.com/milnerlives_2000/blazer.htm</A>

 

[FWP]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I run the Powertrax No slip front and rear, and I love it.. It's not hard to steer, but turning radius does go way up when turning under load. They tend to want to pull you forward while turning. They will unlock if you aren't on the gas and you take tension off. With my converted 203, I'll just pop it into 2 hi or 2 lo if I need to turn tightly. I never run the fronts locked on the street.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com>http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com</A>

 

[ScoobyDann]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

i have an auburn posi front and detriot rear. like to do the rocks and i am kicking my self in the ass for the posi. friends have lockers f/r and it takes a little more effort on the harry stuff for me. turnig radius is just a little worse for the locker than the posi so I would just get a locker. Also my friend has had probles w/the detriot ez locker and everyone that I know that has the Lock-Rite has had no probs, so if youre gonna do the drob in locker go w/ the Lock-Rite. Hope this helps

 

[CaptCrunch]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

Well being in AZ I bet you won't be much help of how they go in snow huh LOL

. I have heard lots of good things about powertrax and a buddy w/ one in his street rod said the same thing... on the gas locked... let off they unlock.... so basically are a lot like a locker,but say they are quieter on the pavement... what do you think FWP? Also I wonder how they are strength wise and what is the main difference between them and a lockright?

-Mikey
1987 Chevy K5 Blazer- 350 TBI
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.geocities.com/milnerlives_2000/blazer.htm>http://www.geocities.com/milnerlives_2000/blazer.htm</A>

 

[FWP]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

Actually, I will be able able to let you know how they do in the snow

. I'm up at around 5100 ft, and it snows quite a few times up here. We got a foot in 2 hours last year

. I love snow, being originally from the U.P. of Michigan. Anyway back to the topic:

power trax and lockrickright are made by the same company, the powertrax is the improved version- so they say. They definitely are quiet, you can hear them sometimes if you listen close, a small pop sound when they unlock. As far as strength, I'll have to let you know, had em for a month now on 4 wheelin trips. Awesome traction. I'm fairly easy on the skinny pedal, tryin awful hard not to bust my D44 or 12 bolts in a million pieces

. The factory rep I talked to over the phone says you'll break everything else before the locker breaks. I had to call them cause the installation instructions for the 12 bolt wasn't right.

Gotta go watch fireworks- See ya

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com>http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com</A>

 

[CaptCrunch]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

You'll have to keep me posted on the snow stuff. I really want a soft locker or hard posi in the rear... front wise I'm still back and forth on. I really think the D44 axle shafts and u-jt's are the weakest link of a d44/12B setup. So I'm kinda thinking as soon as you add a locker we are gonna see some breakage. I knew that the lock-right and powertrax were by the same company... just figure the powertrax was quiter and upgraded like you said.

-Mikey
1987 Chevy K5 Blazer- 350 TBI
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.geocities.com/milnerlives_2000/blazer.htm>http://www.geocities.com/milnerlives_2000/blazer.htm</A>

 

[FWP]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

Well I imagine at some point, I'll break something

, But I try not to, even if I have to swallow my pride, and say "Nope- I aint doin that line". Sometimes the peer pressure gets to you, and you do it anyway- Let the carnage begin

Oh and the fireworks were good tonight, got the closest I've ever been. A little scary with the top off(please don't catch my Blazer on fire kinda thing)

Jeff sorry for Hijackin the post

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com>http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com</A>

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I think that if avoiding a front locker will help keep me from breaking stuff, that will definitely make me shy away from it.

Tim
'84 Chevy K10, lifted, loud, fast, and 3/4 ton axles

 

[FWP]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I don't think a front locker is bad, Just know what your putting it into, and treat it with due respect. You can't follow the rock buggies over a 5 trail and expect nothing to break. Know what I mean?

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com>http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com</A>

 

[FWP]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

Oh, an afterthought. Without a locker MIGHT keep you from breaking stuff, but with it, should keep you from getting stuck if you're careful.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com>http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com</A>

 

[kpanza]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

Well, I disagree with a few points. First off, I have a 14bff rear with Detroit and a 10 bolt front (which has been swapped with 3/4 ton outers) and it has an ARB. Now, I had seen friends and my own brother drive with fulltime lockers in the front, and that is why I saved up a bit more for the ARB. It is the best decision so far, as it gets used WHEN i WANT it used! No steering problems, I just flip the switch and continue my regular turns. Then when I need it again, I switch it back on, plain and simple.

Now, about the "lockers lead to more breakage" argument: there are two ways to think about this. True, a locker that is locked up IS stressing more parts than an open diff that is spinning uselessly. So a locker can lead to more broken axleshafts, ujoints, etc. But I will say that I have not broken so much as a u-joint so far (now, having said that next time I will for sure break them! ha,ha) But you can ask anyone who has wheeled with me, with two lockers, 99% of the time I can simply crawl up under idle most obstacles, with little or no tire spin. Compare this to the open or "limited grip"

trucks - they will be gunning the motor, bouncing back and forth, hopping off the ground, etc, you know - the guys that give it "one more try" and come barreling up with dirt flying in a cloud of dust! You tell me, who is more likely to break parts??? I say that driving style also has a lot to do with it, as I drive with as much finesse as possible (I used to throttle it with my Auburn limited grip and broke plenty of things, so I have learned!).

Bottom line, and I think I have proven it in my case, is that I believe that lockers will PREVENT more damage than they will result in. Let's face it, we all know that once your buddy climbs something, whether you're locked up or not, you're gonna give in and give it a try! Peer pressure is hard on the parts and the wallet!

And my other point to the original poster, is that you can make a 10 bolt/D44 last if you drive right. And BTW, most of our wheeling around here is on the rocks, which usually is very hard on parts, so I figure I have put my theory to the test on some pretty tough trails. Just my .02!!

 

[white_knight]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I agree with your comments with respect to the fact that with the locker you don't need to hammer but instead you will do a lot more crawling through stuff. I have a front detroit and I wouldn't go back. Yes, your turning radius sucks but I can do a hell of a lot more and find wheeling more enjoyable. You do have to learn how to drive with it though.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.whiteknight.scriptmania.com/>http://www.whiteknight.scriptma
nia.com
</A>

 

[FWP]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I think we're agreeing here

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com>http://fwp4x4.rockcrawler.com</A>

 

[solowookie]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

I think there have been a LOT of good points made here, but I appreciate everybodies input. I gotta tell ya that what kpanza has stated makes a LOT of sense. I'm sure this kinda of wheeling if the best for parts breakage etc. How hard is it to learn to run a vehicle like this???

<font color=blue> Jeff </font color=blue>

 

[kpanza]

Re: poll on D44 lockers / posi\'s

It's not that hard to learn at all! Hell, lockers make you look like a pro in no time at all! ha,ha If you don't go with an ARB, you just need to remember that you need about a football field's width to make the turn!! ha,ha (just kidding) Some people say that snow driving is weird, but I have driven with all 4 wheels locked several times and not had a problem at all with pushing on the highway. In the deep snow stuff, it is pretty hard to turn with the locker engaged up front, but once you straighten up, hold on, because it's GO Time!!

Also, you will tend to get some "side step" action if you are locked up front on some wet rocks or slippery rocks - the front end will start "walking" sideways - with an ARB, I just turn it off and the side stepping stops, with a full time locker you will have to get used to this trait. But it's just experience and getting comfortable with it - but believe me, you will be happy that you did it!! In my opinion, lockers are the best thing you can do for your truck if you enjoy getting "way out there" and coming back! Good luck and have fun!