Thread: Ashcroft Force 9, is there anything better?

Though i would throw up a quick update here, this is the Les Richmond Rover9 Rear (with upgrades)
Specs:
Ford 9 centre housing
Range Rover outer housing
Truhi9 Centre with thrust bolt
Competition ARB 9 locker
Hitough 35 spline Axles
Hitough 10 bolt 35 spline Drive Flange
Custom Spindles

Only 15mm loss in under diff clearance, slightly higher ball joint mount, stock rover bolt patern, brake,wheel track and trailing arm mounts.

Sounds expensive...

Originally Posted by Mercguy

Sounds expensive...

May seem expensive but compared to what? Force 9(not in production), Dynatrac, etc.
Comparing Apples for Apples they are not that expensive, bolts in and looks and feels stock and rover, And you dont have to import it.

Blowing diffs and breaking crownwheels, axles and flanges over the years is expensive.
As stated before the specs above are with optional upgrades, the standard spec LRA Rover9 is as follows and more then suitable for most applications on or offroad with 35s and a reasonably powerful engine.

Ford 9 centre housing
Range Rover outer housing
9inch Centre
ARB 9 locker
Hitough 31-24 spline Axles
Hitough Drive Flanges

Are they utilising the modified locking dog to allow a decent amount of engagement in the ARB 9"? I seem to recall Ashcrofts got up to 7mm.

Originally Posted by MR LR

Are they utilising the modified locking dog to allow a decent amount of engagement in the ARB 9"? I seem to recall Ashcrofts got up to 7mm.

The Competition Locker in the first spec list was designed to withstand crashlocking RD99CE (locking whilst driving) Case is also 290% stronger then standard one. 5year Warranty.

The non competition version in the second list isnt designed for crashlocking. People running too low pressure can also cause it to engage slowly and thus damage the locking teeth.
Apparently its fine if you stop, lock and then drive and run approprite pressure.

ARB is the only selectable locker for a 9 that I know of, but I could be wrong

Originally Posted by blackrangie

The Competition Locker in the first spec list was designed to withstand crashlocking RD99CE (locking whilst driving) Case is also 290% stronger then standard one. 5year Warranty.

The non competition version in the second list isnt designed for crashlocking. People running too low pressure can also cause it to engage slowly and thus damage the locking teeth.
Apparently its fine if you stop, lock and then drive and run approprite pressure.

ARB is the only selectable locker for a 9 that I know of, but I could be wrong

RD99CE sounds good!

The availability of selectable 9" lockers has always been the issue.

Just saw these online, anyone got current info on these?

https://mbasic.facebook.com/kamdiffs...ype=1&refid=17

http://www.drive2.ru/c/687893/

"We have developed 5 tonne rated heavy duty axle tubes for a specialist military application. Pictures are attached of the first production axles completely built up with KAM HD internal components and hubs.

These axle tubes are now available to civilian customers and the KAM differential lock system fits directly to the axle tubs (no welding required) all standard ancillary parts including swivel housings, differential units (short or long nose) and suspension parts will bolt directly to these KAM 5T Jumbo axles.

If purchased with KAM differential lock system. There was a reduced price for the differential locker as the weld on ring and cover are pre-installed to the axle tube.

Axle tube thickness is 9.5 mm thick.
8mm plate has been used for suspension fixing points.
Short and long nose differential options.
Only 10 kg heavier than standard axle tubes
ABS version is optional
Comes with KAM heavy duty differential cover.
Powder coated

You will note the centre differential housing can be unbolted and can be utilised as an independent suspension system"

Looks like a good way to lose clearance, and not gain much at all...

An over-axle truss sees the Rover housing adequately strong, I feel the main issue is CV size, and axle size.

9" centers fit... just, without losing clearance, so with bigger spindles, CV's and swivels, the necessary components could be updated properly.

And that's what the force 9 was/is.

These new housings would be good on an over-laden tourer/work vehicle. And then the weak link becomes the 2mm thick chassis!