Traction Improvement Devices

[carnuck]

It will work in an '80 up Model 15, because if you look at the web of the diff housing, you will see 35C cast into it.

[mach1mustang351]

I got that information confirmed.  I'm thinking limited slip would be the best option for the snow and ice.  I dont want to make the car to capable as I would be tempted to venture off the paved road.  I have been able to restrain myself so far...

[mach1mustang351]

This project became more serious today when I almost couldn't leave a parkign lot because of a combination of deep snow steep uphill and having to stop at the top to look for traffic.  The snow was piling in front of the wheels so bad it was stalling the car.  I had to back up some and put it 4LO.  Lower gears to match the AX 15 and the 235/75/15s needs to happen.

[carnuck]

You're not close to Seattle by any chance? I have a pair of axles with too low of gears that I put the rear of into my Spirit Pre-runner temporarily (I have to pull the rear out)

[mach1mustang351]

Yes and no.  I am in Anchorage, AK... so most of our goods come from Seattle.  What is the story on your axles??  If it's something I can swing it may be worth figuring out some shipping. 

[carnuck]

I bought an Eagle for parts (I was going to fix it till I found out it had black mold and no floor/frame under the carpets) and put the rear axle in my Spirit before discovering it wasn't 3.08 ratio as I had assumed. Rear needs pinion bearing and seal. Front looks/feels barely used. Keeping the rest of the suspension to turn the Spirit into a Pre-Runner this summer.

[PR1AWRet]

A Soft Locker is part of the Detroit Locker name, usually seen as Detroit Soft Locker.  Sometime 10-15 years ago, Eaton did something to make the locking action not as severe, hence the Soft Locker.

Luchbox Locker- One of the automatic locking lockers that replaces the spider gears in an open (and sometimes limited slip) differential case.  Powertrax No Slip, Aussie, LockRite, etc.

Full case locker- An automatic locker that replaces the whole differential case. Detroit Locker, Grizzly Locker, etc.

Selectable Locker- A locker that replaces the whole differential case.  These lock the 2 axle shafts together giving full traction to both tires when activated by, electricity, cable, air, or a combo of the 3 (The electric OX locker for one).  When not actuated, it acts as an open differential.  There are variations like the Rubicon D44, which are limited slips, but are fully locked when actuated. Ox Locker, Eaton E-Locker, ARB Air Locker, etc.

Limited slip- A traction aiding device that sends power to the other wheel when one wheel starts to slip.  They work by using clutch packs, cones, or gears. 

I took the D35 out of my Cherokee and put it under an Eagle.  It was 3.55 with limited slip.  The Eagle has a 5 speed and 30X9.5's.  You can get just about any type of locker for the D35.  If it fits in the D35, it'll fit in the AM15.

For snow driving, I would prefer a selectable locker.  Keep it open while driving down the road on ice/snow, and lock it when it gets deep.  Next choice would be a limited slip.

[mach1mustang351]

I appreciate all the feedback on the situation.  I have been doing my research and I didn't realize the front diff situation for a gear change.  I may have to put off any work until I can find the illusive 4 cyl carrier to run the 3.55s I need... sigh...

[DaemonForce]

At the swap meet I was looking through some of Bell Offroad's stuff and they have some pretty sweet Yukon and Grizzly lockers. I think I might buy a set before next Winter. I can't believe they have stuff for AM20s and Model 35s. This is great.

[PR1AWRet]

I found 1 D30 3.54 for the front off from car-parts.com ($165 shipped).  My son bought it.  He has the 2.73 right now.  For the price of a new set of gears, he got the whole axle assembly.  I'm going to take both differential cases and measure them to see what the difference is, there shouldn't be any according to the Dana info I have.  It's the to common 2.35 differential case that throws everything off from what I have researched so far.

I haven't seen a locker company that doesn't make a locker for the AM(C)20 or D35/AM15.

[captspillane]

There are variations like the Rubicon D44, which are limited slips, but are fully locked when actuated.

Only 2006 and older TJ Rubicons are limited slip. The 2007 up JK Rubicons are open differential when not electrically locked.

Also all "Unlimited" long wheelbase TJs came with a rear Dana 44 as standard equipment, while most short wheelbase non-Rubicon TJs did not. Its a great axle to swap into an Eagle if you can find one because it's rear disc brakes with 5x4.5 lugs. The Rubicon transfer case is also very desireable because it is the only factory equipped transfer case to have a 4:1 low range, all the others have 2.7:1. I also got my NSG370 6 speed from a wrecked 2006 Rubicon. I ended up buying one because I figure I'll have a goldmine of Eagle parts if it ever gets wrecked.

My 80 Scout and 06 Rubicon have the same rear axle and tires, but the limited slip is a huge difference. The extreme turn, sharp uphill, and gravel makes the Scout spin and sputter every time I turn into my driveway. Without momentum it has to back up and start again. The Rubicon's limited slip never misses a beat no matter how slow or fast I make the turn.

[carnuck]

There are variations like the Rubicon D44, which are limited slips, but are fully locked when actuated.

Only 2006 and older TJ Rubicons are limited slip. The 2007 up JK Rubicons are open differential when not electrically locked.

Also all "Unlimited" long wheelbase TJs came with a rear Dana 44 as standard equipment, while most short wheelbase non-Rubicon TJs did not. Its a great axle to swap into an Eagle if you can find one because it's rear disc brakes with 5x4.5 lugs. The Rubicon transfer case is also very desireable because it is the only factory equipped transfer case to have a 4:1 low range, all the others have 2.7:1. I also got my NSG370 6 speed from a wrecked 2006 Rubicon. I ended up buying one because I figure I'll have a goldmine of Eagle parts if it ever gets wrecked.

I have a NV241 OR, but it's going into my Jtruck (It'll need it with 52" tires)

[85AmCfreak]

Any one remember the AMC sure grip axle? They were posi not sure if they were in eagles though. I do believe they would bolt up.

[eaglefreek]

Any one remember the AMC sure grip axle? They were posi not sure if they were in eagles though. I do believe they would bolt up.

It was called a Twin Grip. It wasn't listed as an option, but back then if you wanted to order something not offered as an option on a new car, it was a lot easier than then it is now. So, there is a very small chance an Eagle or two left the factory with rear Twin Grip, but no evidence of it happening.

[PR1AWRet]

The only thing I would worry about is the integrity of the 2 piece axle shafts with a limited slip or locker.  With the age of them and corrosion on the splines it seems they would strip pretty easy.  I know the axle in my sons car was really corroded and one was stripped at the hub, hence a 95 D35 went in it with a limited slip.  If the car isn't staying stock I'd put a D35, Chrysler 8.25 or D44, from a XJ Cherokee, in it.  Even if it was staying stock, I'd pull the rear axle and store it some place so the axle shafts wouldn't strip as they are really hard to come by.