Converting rear dana 60 to either posi track or What?

[Ryan_1]

Hey,
I live in Alaska and am usually dealing with snowing, ice driving for November through April and then i like to offroad my 8" lifted 1970 F-250 which runs 39's MT during the dry months. I want to convert at least the rear end to either a posi-trac system or to have lockers. I am on a limited budget and would like to be able to install myself. This truck is a tank in 2 wheel drive and my 4 wheel drive will be working for the 1st time since i have owned the truck starting at the end of December, but i still want the ability of lockers or etc. What would you 4x4 guys recommend? I have a newly rebuilt auto c6, hi and low 4x4 ranges, and plenty of power with my rebuilt 390 so power and gearing are not a problem, but i want to be able to rock crawl a little and not worry about the easiest tire only spinning in the mud.

For the right price i would do a front and rear system.

Thank you,
Ryan

[averagef250]

If the truck has the original 16 spline 60 rear you don't have many options. AFAIK you've got spline detroits, powerlocks and track-loks in 16 spline. Track loks suck and the old detroits are pretty rough, but they do work great if locked is what you want. Powerlocks are what most people prefer. If you have a newer 30 spline 60 there are other options.

I wouldn't recommend any sort of limited slip or locker in a 44 front with 39" tires. You'll snap parts before you even see rocks. If you really need something up front weld the spiders, it's free, and run with the shortside axle unlocked. By welding the axle you don't waste any money on an axle that's not up to doing what you need.

Installing just a carrier isn't too bad, but it's not a beginner job. The tools to remove carrier bearings without harming them aren't cheap and not cost effective for just doing your own stuff. If you choose to buy the tools or have access to a hone and can make a pair of setup bearings I and others on this site should be able to walk you through a carrier swap if you can take good pictures and communicate through a keyboard well.

At a bare minimum you will need:
two sets of new dana 60 carrier bearings, one honed for a slip fit to use as setup bearings.
a carrier shim set
a cheap .001" dial indicator on a mag base
an arbor press or H frame press
a 5 pound plastic deadblow hammer

[Ryan_1]

I'm not positive, but i believe the axle is a newer 30 spline. Its in the shop right now for the front end and i asked them to find out what spline setup the rear is. I am kinda thinking that i will just go with a rear locker for now, but what would i need to do to get the front end capable of handling a locker?

I also am thinking that i may just wait a couple more months and then spend more money to get the ARB Air lockers so i can manually lock and unlock them for off-road and road use since the truck is currently my daily driver.

The rear end handles the 39's great, but they single-handedly destroyed my 44 up front with ball joints, it is currently getting replaced with a 44 with king pins, should the king pins withstand the abuse of the 39's better or should i stay away from heavy offroad use till i get a 60 or so up front?

[67 428 F250]

Hey Ryan, I went with an Eaton Elocker in my 67 F-250 4x2 3:54 gears, AWESOME!!!!!
Will

[360F100]

Mini spool or full spool. Both are cheap and verry effective. You wont be able to lock and unlock it however,but all 4 of those 39" BMF will spin like champs and never get hung up.

[Ryan_1]

If I only did offroad driving I'd install a spool, but since its my daily driver the spool would eat up my rear tires and the front dana 44 couldn't handle a spool without blowing up...

[67 428 F250]

Ryan, save your money and get the Eaton Elocker, electric on/off switch, SWEET!!!!!
Will

[Oil Burner]

Snow and ice driving is different than anything else. A spool on the street never seemed like a good idea to me; no give around corners is just asking to eventually break something. On the ice, it won't be any fun. Even a Detroit locker in snow and ice can be a PITA, since the truck tries to push straight forward on acceleration, regardless of steering position. Not fun. Plenty of people do use a Detroit effectively in the snow, though; I have. It takes a little getting used to, but can be done.

A selectable locker like an ARB or the Eaton E-locker is what I would prefer, given the choice. Normal driving on slippery surfaces is handled nicely in "open" mode. The open diffs don't induce any odd forces to the driveline. Traction can be added as needed if you get stuck, or can't get moving effectively from a stop.

[sopikp1]

For reference, I'm having my Dana 60 rebuilt professionally. I had a spun carrier bearing. They offered a complete rebuild with a used posi rear end for $1,094. All new clutches, bearings, etc. My 44 was re-done for $250. I gave the go ahead today. Good luck.

[67 428 F250]

Hey sopikp, how did your posi turn out?
Will

[sopikp1]

Hey Will, it's all complete and "looks" great, but it won't roll for a few months. I will keep you posted. I have a few pics on the project page under 1972 Highboy Restoration.

Kevyn