Series 2a, diff lock and stronger diff/axle

[Dante]

Guys,
we have a 2a (ex army).

I am toying with the idea of getting diff locks into the truck.

I don't believe that diff locks (I prefer air lockers) are available for the salisbury diffs and I think I would also need to upgrade to stronger axles.

Has anybody put diff locks into the 2a? If so what kind?

Has anybody put stronger axles into the 2a? If so what have you used?

Thanks,
Dante

[isuzurover]

If you have an original IIA you should have rover diffs front and rear. Salisbury (rear only) was fitted to SIII.

Diff lock options for rover diffs are:
Maxi-Drive
Jack Macnamara
ARB

Options for the Salisbury are the same, plus all the options for Dana 60 diffs - which are basically the same.

[incisor]

i have a series front maxidrive for sale in the markets....

it has 110 cvs and maxidrive shafts so it should near on umbreakable in a series truck.

[Dante]

If you have an original IIA you should have rover diffs front and rear. Salisbury (rear only) was fitted to SIII.

Diff lock options for rover diffs are:
Maxi-Drive
Jack Macnamara
ARB

Options for the Salisbury are the same, plus all the options for Dana 60 diffs - which are basically the same.

Hm ... I thought that the army had used Salisbury diffs on 2a's. But I wouldn't really know.

How do I tell the difference.

Would you upgrade the axels (eg more splines)?

Thanks,
Dante

[cmurray]

Cheapest option would be to hunt around for an old MacNamara bolt operated diff lock. You can occasionally pick them up for a couple of hundred bucks, and they come with 24 spline axles. My brother had one of these in his ex army 2A LWB with a 253 V8, and only started having crown wheel and pinion problems when he put 36" Silverstones on. To say that that vehicle copped a hiding is an under statement. I remember seeing the tacho hit 6000RPM while trying to climb one hill in low second!

[Dante]

Cheapest option would be to hunt around for an old MacNamara bolt operated diff lock. You can occasionally pick them up for a couple of hundred bucks, and they come with 24 spline axles. My brother had one of these in his ex army 2A LWB with a 253 V8, and only started having crown wheel and pinion problems when he put 36" Silverstones on. To say that that vehicle copped a hiding is an under statement. I remember seeing the tacho hit 6000RPM while trying to climb one hill in low second!

Now we are talking ... from the sounds of it you are talking about a mechanical engaged lock(?). I would prefer this to air lockers where you need a compressor.

Will research this option.

Thanks for that

[Dante]

Cheapest option would be to hunt around for an old MacNamara bolt operated diff lock. You can occasionally pick them up for a couple of hundred bucks, and they come with 24 spline axles. My brother had one of these in his ex army 2A LWB with a 253 V8, and only started having crown wheel and pinion problems when he put 36" Silverstones on. To say that that vehicle copped a hiding is an under statement. I remember seeing the tacho hit 6000RPM while trying to climb one hill in low second!

Done some research and I love it ... all I need is a spanner.
My research indicates that it is only available for rear diffs. Any idea why that would be?

What do I have to look for? I mean, is this a LR dedicated axle with MacNamara diff lock, or can I use axles from other brands (eg Land Cruiser 70) or something.

Thanks,
Dante

[DaveS3]

I have had both.

Mechanical is fine, but air lockers are SO much better.

The cars often handle better without diff locks when in normal circumstances, especially side slopes.

There is almost nothing to go wrong with them, that can't be fixed relatively easily.

I also will have some for sale soon in Victoria.

Dave.

[DaveS3]

Done some research and I love it ... all I need is a spanner.
My research indicates that it is only available for rear diffs. Any idea why that would be?

What do I have to look for? I mean, is this a LR dedicated axle with MacNamara diff lock, or can I use axles from other brands (eg Land Cruiser 70) or something.

Thanks,
Dante

They are only available for rear Rover diffs as the rear axle is spring loaded and needs to have the spline engage via a dog clutch.
The unit is a bolt on reassembly which requires rebuilding the rear diff.

[Bren]

Put the Maxidrive axles in the back, short and long. Guarenteed peace of mind. I put a pair in a long wheel base 2a and travelled Aust for three years - tanami, simpson and the canning stock route and loaded to the buggery and absolutely no problem. I have also welded a diff in a shortwheel base and put the axles in and no problems.
Tried and tested.
Cheers
Bren