Thread: 35 spline Dana 60 conversion

Originally Posted by uninformed

did you know that the material that was used by Maxidrive and is still used by Hi Tough Eng. Is equal to 4340 300m and some feel it has some slightly better charcateristics than 4340 300m for alxe shafts....

in this case size does matter..... going to 35 spline will definitly help. What material are the new stub shafts/spindles made from?

Yes I am aware of the different materials used by different manufacturers,as I did a lot of research before making decisions.I also took into consideration a lot of different feedback regarding how different components have lasted and also how or why they failed.
Unfortunately there is sometimes a difference between being very similar according to specifications,and being similar when put into real world use !

But being fair,upon further inspection,I found that the axles weren't the X axles.A few phone calls later(and a couple of days) I have a new set of Hi Tough axles sitting here.

Unfortunately the cost factor to now convert everything to 35 spline is prohibitive considering what has already been spent.But if anything happens to detonate then I will go down that path.

Wayne

Originally Posted by wagoo

I know that the mere mention of the name leaves a sour taste in some peoples mouths, as it does mine, but in theory, McNamara Differentials in Melbourne, who originally developed the 35 spline kit, still make and sell them.
In theory they still make and sell LandRover difflocks too, but lately I've met a few people that are so tired of waiting for Jeff to get cracking and start making stuff again that following my advice they are looking to Ashcrofts to supply their needs.
Anyway the Aussie dollar is very strong at this time, and Rovertracks and Ashcrofts are operated by enthusiasts so it makes sense to do business with them, as there is a fair chance their businesses will weather the GFC and they'll still be around in years to come to keep LandRover enthusiasts supplied with the good stuff.
Wagoo.

Bill

I run a McNamara locker in the front of my Defender.I wanted something that was stronger and in my opinion,better engineered than the #&* locker that proliferates amongst the masses.And yes I did have to deal with Jeff and the delays,but for what I wanted,I was prepared to put up with the wait,which was a couple of months.But I am completely happy with the product,and I don't need to worry about seals failing and oil blowing back to the compressor etc.
I happily recommend the product,but like you always warn people about possible delays.

I am on the lookout for another vehicle now,to use as my touring vehicle,and if Jeff doesn't have anything ready to go when I need them,I will probably go down the Ashcroft road,even though there is only short term feedback on Daves lockers,and I would really like to hear some feedback regarding longevity.But I will have no problem using the Ashcroft driveshafts and CVs

Wayne

Originally Posted by LowRanger

Yes I am aware of the different materials used by different manufacturers,as I did a lot of research before making decisions.I also took into consideration a lot of different feedback regarding how different components have lasted and also how or why they failed.
Unfortunately there is sometimes a difference between being very similar according to specifications,and being similar when put into real world use !

But being fair,upon further inspection,I found that the axles weren't the X axles.A few phone calls later(and a couple of days) I have a new set of Hi Tough axles sitting here.

Unfortunately the cost factor to now convert everything to 35 spline is prohibitive considering what has already been spent.But if anything happens to detonate then I will go down that path.

Wayne

so who is actually making 24 spline rover axles in 4340 300m, not just 4340???

I have also heard alot of feedback in favour of Hytuf (the material AMS 6418) by those using it in the real world.....300m became very popular in the USA. MD was making their axles from Hytuf in the 80's when there were ZERO companies in the USA making rover axles and alot of the axle makers in the 4x4 scene were using far inferrior materials. One thing to consider is that in the USA they have some pretty funny laws about what they can buy material wise and the such...... Im not knocking 300m But to come out and say you need to upgrade to 300m over hytuf is not really any real world fact. Going to 30 spline or 35 spline diamater with all the appropriate mods is however going to give you definite benefit, as long as once againg the material is of good quality.

Is keith doing 300m? AFAIK he and Ashcroft were only doing 4340 material axles?

or just get a small home loan and get Lara to make you some 300 Marging axles in 24 spline

Keith can get 300m axles made,but you have to ask.Not his stock line which is 4340.

Wayne

Originally Posted by LowRanger

Bill

I run a McNamara locker in the front of my Defender.I wanted something that was stronger and in my opinion,better engineered than the #&* locker that proliferates amongst the masses.And yes I did have to deal with Jeff and the delays,but for what I wanted,I was prepared to put up with the wait,which was a couple of months.But I am completely happy with the product,and I don't need to worry about seals failing and oil blowing back to the compressor etc.
I happily recommend the product,but like you always warn people about possible delays.

I am on the lookout for another vehicle now,to use as my touring vehicle,and if Jeff doesn't have anything ready to go when I need them,I will probably go down the Ashcroft road,even though there is only short term feedback on Daves lockers,and I would really like to hear some feedback regarding longevity.But I will have no problem using the Ashcroft driveshafts and CVs

Wayne

By the sound of things Wayne, I don't think Jeff wants to do business anymore. One bloke I spoke to who rings him every fortnight to check on the progress of the difflock he ordered about 4 months prior, was told by Jeff to buy an ARB locker instead,with the added comment "they're good now'' It's a shame, I got Jeff started on 4wd difflocks, and now he's giving
business away to the competition.
Wagoo.

Originally Posted by wagoo

By the sound of things Wayne, I don't think Jeff wants to do business anymore. One bloke I spoke to who rings him every fortnight to check on the progress of the difflock he ordered about 4 months prior, was told by Jeff to buy an ARB locker instead,with the added comment "they're good now'' It's a shame, I got Jeff started on 4wd difflocks, and now he's giving
business away to the competition.
Wagoo.

That is a real shame,but looking at the Ashcroft locker,it is very similar,and knowing Daves quality,I think they will be the go,only thing that kills the Ashcroft is the cost of transport to Australia.
I wonder if the sale of the design to TJM for the pro locker,and the fact that they now make a Rover version as well as a Salisbury version has and bearing on Jeffs decision.Maybe locked up(no pun intended) in legal red tape.

Wayne

Originally Posted by LowRanger

Well,you could always put a Salisbury in the front

Wayne

lol negative... how about a GQ front... LOL

so guys with rover tracks/roving tracks now long gone does anybody have a sources for 35 spline axles for a salisbury. i figure the price difference between buying an eaton elocker for a dana 60 compared to a salisbury it might be worth going down this path if axles are easy enough to find