Detroit Locker for a Dana 70

[cstoyer]

I have 1971 Dana 70 rear end in my F250 that I have ran the BOM on the axle tube to get the specs on it and this is what I have. The BOM 603201-1 says its a 1971-74 F-350 1 Ton Pick-Up, Dual Wheel and Other Axle with 4:10 geared standard carrier. So I pulled the diff cover to confirm it and it has a 4:10 geared 2 piece carrier in there with a manufacture date of 11-19-71 stamped on the gear so everything checks out. However what I would like to know is has anyone but a Detroit Locker in an axle like this? The reason for the Detroit is Eaton is the only company that offers a traction device for this axle and they state it will fit a 2 piece case, which mine is. Now all the local off road shops say there is nothing available for this old piece even when I say Eaton shows the Detroit in the catalog. I'm not sure who is right here but I would like to add a traction aid to this axle and this seams the only route, if Eaton is correct without sourcing an original Power Lock or Track Lock from a take out axle. Any thoughts?

[two-bit]

What spline shafts do you have? 23 (coarse) or 32/35 (fine).
I am going to guess by age its a 23 spline unit.
In my years of searching there is very little aftermarket support of the 23 spline axles.

You say its a two piece carrier ? Kinda looks like a castle parapet on the end with bolt heads ?
If so that is probably a Power Lock carrier.
The open center sections for these diffs were one piece.
I would rebuild the power lock, if you want to keep your stock axle shafts.

Maybe check lengths on newer DRW shafts and find out if they match up.
If they do....you get fine spline, and lots of aftermarket support.

I am going with a Power lock in mine. Keeping the old shafts for now. Unless a DRW 10.25 Sterling falls into my lap. Then my plans change!!!

Two-bit

[two-bit]

Does your carrier look like this one????

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/D70/D70.htm


If so....crap. Thats an open two piece. Didn't even know they made those....
Learn something every day.

Two-bit

[cstoyer]

two-bit, thanks for the replies.

I do have 1-1/2" diameter coarse 23 spline axles and yes that's the same carrier I have in my D70 which is a two piece, 4 pinion open differential. It's a deceiving little bugger because I had the moment of ooh its a Power Lock ooh no its a open differential, now what? If the Eaton book is correct they are referring to this carrier as an option for the Detroit Locker then its not supper pricey to do.

Thanks,

cstoyer