Thread: Lockers on a 6x6 defender?

Originally Posted by wagoo

Experience with my own self built 6x6 many years ago revealed that the rearmost axle is the most likely one to fail in a cross country situation. I destroyed quite a few rearmost Rover diffs. but never broke a middle axle one, and that was on a vehicle with gobs of bogie articulation. Whilst the Salisbury diff can probably handle the strain, the 24 spline halfshafts of the rearmost diff should really be uprated to 35 spline 1.5'' shafts for a heavyish offroad camper.A Dana 60 35 spline version of an ARB or equivelant should do the trick, if a McNamara difflock isn't available. It would be great if Ashcrofts got their act together and offered Salisbury/dana60 difflocks.
Bill.

Does anyone know how the standard 6x6 24 spline HD salisbury set up goes for the army boys. I figure if they arent destroying them at a reasonable rate then they should be fine for me.

so far its the only part of the landies the ADGies use that I havent had to replace.

yes, they have even killed a suzi.

You will never get good articulation from a four spring and rocking shackle suspension. They don't even load share properly only in theory. This is why a previous poster was busting his rear diff. I bet when ramping, the middle axle was off, or barely touching, the ground. Reyco four spring suspension on heavy prime movers and trailers was considered a highway suspension. You need a single point suspension like a Rockwell six rod.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

You will never get good articulation from a four spring and rocking shackle suspension. They don't even load share properly only in theory. This is why a previous poster was busting his rear diff. I bet when ramping, the middle axle was off, or barely touching, the ground. Reyco four spring suspension on heavy prime movers and trailers was considered a highway suspension. You need a single point suspension like a Rockwell six rod.

I am under no illusions it will be a rock crawler, I have my 90 for when I want to play, this is a capable cross country/overlander/expedition truck that will get me off the beaten track when I want it to.

It looks like it is down to personal preference when it comes to lockers, both seem reliable, possible issues with the detroits when it comes to manovering with them engaging /disengaging but the arbs have more scope to go wrong requiring compressed air and switch/solenoid valve to function.

Leaning toward Detroit rears and Ashcroft LSD front. Probably the cheapest option too!

Originally Posted by Jitterbug

I am under no illusions it will be a rock crawler, I have my 90 for when I want to play, this is a capable cross country/overlander/expedition truck that will get me off the beaten track when I want it to.

It looks like it is down to personal preference when it comes to lockers, both seem reliable, possible issues with the detroits when it comes to manovering with them engaging /disengaging but the arbs have more scope to go wrong requiring compressed air and switch/solenoid valve to function.

Leaning toward Detroit rears and Ashcroft LSD front. Probably the cheapest option too!

I agree with Dave, I can't see you having trouble with the rear axles. The GMV set up is usually over loaded to buggery and they don't seem to have dramas with rear drive line.

I have ARB lockers in my car, people are still harping on about how the seals leak and bull crap but that is there old seals, they changed design a while ago. I have had no problems with mine and I fitted them my self.

You need a compressor to pump up tyres so just fit air lockers. The Detroit lockers could increase your turning circle, not sure just a thought.

When turning tight in the sixbies, it's hard on tyres.

If fitting any type of locker just get upgraded axles and flanges. Job done.

you can come and have a drive of my disco if you like, its got an unlocker in the back...

one tight turn at low speed under power shoould just about convince you to go with something a little smoother...

Makes me think Iv'e blown the diff every bloody time cause I keep forgetting it came with one.

Thanks for that. I have ARBs in the 90 and they havent given me a problem - maybe a case of if it isnt broke dont fix it.

An air compressor will be fitted anyway and there is already an air tank installed.

Should pick the car up this afternoon so will get some pics up.

to add to what Lambrover said, think about how many ARB lockers are in use around the world right now, and then how many actually have given failure that ISNT due to the installer/set up......

I think you will find that any Army 6x6 with lockers is running Maxidrive/Hi Tough shafts. Regardless of weather they are the Borg Warner locker or ARB....

The only reason I said to go the 35 spline route is that I am under the impression that the D60 ARB carrier is bigger and stronger than the Sals, yet they both fit in the Sals. Then you can upgrade to 35 spline and it should be pretty much forget about it.....Or you go Sals ARB and some HD axles/flanges and these should be replaceable as they are a drop in item if they break......

Contact keith at Rovering tracks for the Sals-D60 35 spline info and gear.