Posted by Clint Dixon on Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 6:15PM :
In Reply to: what model number are the rear ends under the 1952 wdx-300 P posted by Sam on Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 7:33AM :
Sam, Vaughn has given you the correct model numbers below. In my personal opinion, these 100% Chrysler axles far surpass the Dana/Spicer models 44 and 60. They have a stronger housing as it is a welded banjo type rather than the type Dana uses with the seperate tubes welded in place. The Power-Wagon differential is easier to work on as the 3rd member, or "pumpkin", is removable. You can set up the gears with the 3rd member on a bench without working under the vehicle or having to remove the whole axle housing from the vehicle. The pinion gear rides on 3 bearings rather than 2. The differential case has 4 pinions rather than 2. The axles are full floating. The 3rd member housing has a built in adjustable thrust pad for the ring gear. Theoretically the pinion gear depth is nonadjustable, so no shims or crush sleaves required. Front and rear 3rd members are identical and 100
% interchangable. The differential case easily accepts a Lock-Right locking differential, which by the way, was originally designed solely for the Power-Wagon under the name All-Trac. The front axle uses constant velocity joints at the steering knuckles. 2 ring and pinion ratios are available - 5.83:1 and 4.89:1, who needs more? Only the Dana 70, in my opinion, surpasses the Power-Wagon model because of its shear size. Parts are readily available through suppliers specializing in the Power-Wagon. You will probably not get any help on these axles from the local drive line shop as most of the newer guys have never heard of them. Mud boggers have discovered them and like to stick them under their competition Jeeps because of their strength, track width, and low cost.
Hope this helps, Clint