Posted by Charlie on Monday, January 29, 2001 at 1:47AM :
In Reply to: What do you guys think about Lockers? posted by Drew Rogers on Monday, January 29, 2001 at 0:26AM :
Welding spider gears is a poor idea no matter what. If you have a pure offroader then a spool is much stronger (various alloys are used to make gears and cases) but even then I'd go with a locker to decrease rollover risk. And after all, what gives better sidehill traction - a wheel that is freewheeling and not slipping on the ground, or a wheel that's slipping because the differential in now nonexistent? And we have this concern about breaking rear axle shafts. A welded diff will definitely not help this issue.
The ONLY locker made for our Dodges is Lockright #1210. I'd put one in the rear for sure. I don't think it is a tremendous problem in the front. I have them at both ends in my M37 and have driven it for several winters on icy streets and roads in Anchorage. It does have power steering. In 2WD with hubs locked I can't feel it. In 4WD it causes some changes in steering and directional control related to throttle setting and coast vs. power, but it is predictable and you adjust to it. If maximum offroad traction is desired then I recommend front and rear lockers. Again, I DO NOT recommend welding diffs, I frankly think it's a stupid thing to do. If you don't have the money for a locker, then save for a while. They aren't that expensive, and you will buying trouble by welding diffs.
Unfortunately no ARB Air Locker is made for this diff. Detroit made a Locker called the KS-22A in 1943-44 primarily for one of the rear axles of WC62/63s in Tunisia and Italy, but no more. Someone I contacted has two, in each diff of a Power Wagon. What a piece of industrial treasure that must be!
Charlie
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