Another diff lock question!

[roverlux]

I did a search and come up with no really helpful info on welded centers.

Now, my rig is an '83 Hilux with a 3.5 V8, 4 Speed tranny, i wanted to know if the welded rear diff is ok for road use and will it scrub out tyres faster, even though it is only the REAR diff i am interested in locking.

Secondly, i was speaking to a bloke and he seems to think that you can run a freewheeling hub on one side of the rear to stop chewing out tyres!?
I dunno if that would be really safe but i would like to have a locked rear diff and thought i would get a few opinions. If people have done this can they please give me feedback on things like driveline reliability e.t.c.

Thanks.

Joe.

[Clown Boy]

On the first - the reason you have a diff is because all 4 tyres move in their own arc when you turn a corner. The inside 2 wheels travel less distance than the outside 2 and therefore travel a different speed. Therefore all will not be okay with a welded diff - front or rear.

However, I have no idea if you would only chew out tyres or blow something.

For the free spinning hubs with a welded diff - I think it would work but do you realise that you would permanently be putting drive to one side only of your truck? (assuming you are a Part-time 4wd). I would expect your truck to contstantly be pulling to the side.

[spazbot]

you can do i,t your driving style will need to change to accomidate the locked rear and you will wear the tyres down alot more quickly

your better off saving $1200 and getting a air locker , as you will prolly spend that much in chewed out diffs and tyres driving them round with a welded rear and v8

you could put freewheeling hubs on the rear of a lux but its a huge mission as you have to convert it from a semi floating axle to a full floating axle

[daddylonglegs]

I have limped home with a difflock and broken rear axle on a couple of occasions and the truck pulled (almost changed lanes) in one direction under accelleration and the opposite way under deccelleration or while gear changing. Definately not recommended for general driving around.
Just get used to driving it locked and minimise sharp turns on hard surfaces and tyre wear shouldn't be too severe.
BTW, I think welded diffs are illegal in all states. Bill.

[christover1]

lots os suzukis run welded rears as daily drivers and/or extreme rigs. Maybe ask or search in there. But zooks are a lighter, narrower car, so the effects of welded diff is less obvious.
My zook lwb rear has been welded for over 4 years without a prob.
But I know nothing of v8's and lux's.
christover

[shakes]

welded diff's are straight out evil except for straight out rally/drift cars which are absolute dogs to drive on the road.

its a good quick easy fix over the cost of a locker if its only going to be a toy truck. I've seen a few cars with locked diffs have many issues, the main one is driving safely in the wet

[christover1]

You most definately have to alter your driving style, as it does affect handling. In my case I find it more predictable, wet or dry, so therefore safer.
But first serious trip, I rolled it, unexpected traction result...oops
christover

[roverlux]

OK, thanks for your opinions guys. i think i will get a auto locker type thing, so where do you get the cheapest deal on the new generation detroit style, overseas or in aus here, i have heard of people gettin one from US for 300 bucks! can someone give me a link, i have got nothing on the search bar yet!!

[daddylonglegs]

Mine and quite a few others experience with Detroits is that they can be more unpredictable and just as big a pain in the arse as welded or spooled rear end.