Dana 30 differences?
 

I am looking into installing an auto-locker (Powertrax No-slip or LockRight)
in the front D30 of my 2006 TJ.
After some searching on a couple online stores, I see them listed as
suitable for up to 2001 or 2003 models.
Anybody knows if there is a difference between the front axles used in 2006
models and the earlier (before 2001 /2003) ones, that could prevent the
locker from fitting properly?
Thanks.

Bill Spiliotopoulos,
2006 TJ.

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

On Tue, 1 May 2007 16:39:51 +0300, "Bill Spiliotopoulos"
<vspili@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I am looking into installing an auto-locker (Powertrax No-slip or LockRight)
>in the front D30 of my 2006 TJ.
>After some searching on a couple online stores, I see them listed as
>suitable for up to 2001 or 2003 models.
>Anybody knows if there is a difference between the front axles used in 2006
>models and the earlier (before 2001 /2003) ones, that could prevent the
>locker from fitting properly?
>Thanks.


I cannot say with 100% certainty but it is likely because the spline
count on axles has changed. If this is the case the only fox it to
replace axles which adds to price. I would further as the these
lockers are a poor choice for a front axle anyway. Few understand the
implication of their use up there until they learn the hard way. These
devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting . The manufactures of these
product play these design limitations and their impact down. I would
suggest that you look for Elocker or a True Trax gear based LSD as
they play really well up front.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

On Tue, 1 May 2007 16:39:51 +0300, "Bill Spiliotopoulos"
<vspili@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I am looking into installing an auto-locker (Powertrax No-slip or LockRight)
>in the front D30 of my 2006 TJ.
>After some searching on a couple online stores, I see them listed as
>suitable for up to 2001 or 2003 models.
>Anybody knows if there is a difference between the front axles used in 2006
>models and the earlier (before 2001 /2003) ones, that could prevent the
>locker from fitting properly?
>Thanks.


I cannot say with 100% certainty but it is likely because the spline
count on axles has changed. If this is the case the only fox it to
replace axles which adds to price. I would further as the these
lockers are a poor choice for a front axle anyway. Few understand the
implication of their use up there until they learn the hard way. These
devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting . The manufactures of these
product play these design limitations and their impact down. I would
suggest that you look for Elocker or a True Trax gear based LSD as
they play really well up front.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

On Tue, 1 May 2007 16:39:51 +0300, "Bill Spiliotopoulos"
<vspili@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I am looking into installing an auto-locker (Powertrax No-slip or LockRight)
>in the front D30 of my 2006 TJ.
>After some searching on a couple online stores, I see them listed as
>suitable for up to 2001 or 2003 models.
>Anybody knows if there is a difference between the front axles used in 2006
>models and the earlier (before 2001 /2003) ones, that could prevent the
>locker from fitting properly?
>Thanks.


I cannot say with 100% certainty but it is likely because the spline
count on axles has changed. If this is the case the only fox it to
replace axles which adds to price. I would further as the these
lockers are a poor choice for a front axle anyway. Few understand the
implication of their use up there until they learn the hard way. These
devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting . The manufactures of these
product play these design limitations and their impact down. I would
suggest that you look for Elocker or a True Trax gear based LSD as
they play really well up front.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

On Tue, 1 May 2007 16:39:51 +0300, "Bill Spiliotopoulos"
<vspili@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I am looking into installing an auto-locker (Powertrax No-slip or LockRight)
>in the front D30 of my 2006 TJ.
>After some searching on a couple online stores, I see them listed as
>suitable for up to 2001 or 2003 models.
>Anybody knows if there is a difference between the front axles used in 2006
>models and the earlier (before 2001 /2003) ones, that could prevent the
>locker from fitting properly?
>Thanks.


I cannot say with 100% certainty but it is likely because the spline
count on axles has changed. If this is the case the only fox it to
replace axles which adds to price. I would further as the these
lockers are a poor choice for a front axle anyway. Few understand the
implication of their use up there until they learn the hard way. These
devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting . The manufactures of these
product play these design limitations and their impact down. I would
suggest that you look for Elocker or a True Trax gear based LSD as
they play really well up front.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

> .... These
> devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
> turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
> surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
> balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
> speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting .

I think you are thinking about a spool. The auto-lockers, unlock fairly
easy when they are not carrying power to the wheels, which is the case when
in 2wd mode, thus allowing the front wheels to differentiate.

They are only visible in 4wd mode, and then only when the engine loads the
front drive-shaft (when applying power or when coasting).

Bill Spiliotopoulos,
2006 TJ.

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

> .... These
> devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
> turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
> surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
> balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
> speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting .

I think you are thinking about a spool. The auto-lockers, unlock fairly
easy when they are not carrying power to the wheels, which is the case when
in 2wd mode, thus allowing the front wheels to differentiate.

They are only visible in 4wd mode, and then only when the engine loads the
front drive-shaft (when applying power or when coasting).

Bill Spiliotopoulos,
2006 TJ.

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

> .... These
> devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
> turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
> surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
> balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
> speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting .

I think you are thinking about a spool. The auto-lockers, unlock fairly
easy when they are not carrying power to the wheels, which is the case when
in 2wd mode, thus allowing the front wheels to differentiate.

They are only visible in 4wd mode, and then only when the engine loads the
front drive-shaft (when applying power or when coasting).

Bill Spiliotopoulos,
2006 TJ.

Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

> .... These
> devices have NO 2 wheel drive are differing speed as required in a
> turn and can cause severe steering bind and guide ploblems at times on
> surfaces with reasonably good traction. The have no spiders gear to
> balance power in a turn and are either 2wd with both tires trun SAME
> speed or 1wd with on wheel coasting .

I think you are thinking about a spool. The auto-lockers, unlock fairly
easy when they are not carrying power to the wheels, which is the case when
in 2wd mode, thus allowing the front wheels to differentiate.

They are only visible in 4wd mode, and then only when the engine loads the
front drive-shaft (when applying power or when coasting).

Bill Spiliotopoulos,
2006 TJ.

Re: Re: Dana 30 differences?
 

On Tue, 1 May 2007 17:34:55 +0300, "Bill Spiliotopoulos"
<vspili@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I think you are thinking about a spool. The auto-lockers, unlock fairly
>easy when they are not carrying power to the wheels, which is the case when
>in 2wd mode, thus allowing the front wheels to differentiate.
>
>They are only visible in 4wd mode, and then only when the engine loads the
>front drive-shaft (when applying power or when coasting).


No, I am not thinking about a spool. When you turn your front axle,
two things happen. First, the tires have different rolling radius on
different paths so their axle shafts must turn as different RPMs in a
turn to maintain ground contact without slipage while still powering
both wheels. A Lock right or power trax cannot do this because it is
one wheel drive with one wheel coast under light power or coasting or
2wd both tires driven at same speed slipping and or causing torque
steer from bind this creates. The second problem is even less
understood by many. This is the fact the Ujoint ARE NOT constant
velocity when they are flexed or "bent". At high angles that can exist
in the front axle when turning sharply it can cause speed variations
across the joint of 30% or more as the axle rotates. (this occurs in 2
complete cycles per revolution and is the reason why front wheel
drives have CV joints in them) This causes even more bind on driveline
and has snapped more than one axle off because at times it can take 30
percent or more torque on axle shaft to power front wheel with a set
force and at other times excert 30% more force on spindle hub shaft
too. A differentail helps smooth this out torque wise and balances
steering force too. A gear based LSD works wheel with this and a
selectable locker plays well because you can unlock it when making
tight turns in 4x4. The only place that I would even remotely tolerate
a Lockright or Power trax (or simular device) would be in rear axle,
never in front unless it is a mud runner or sand dragsterthat does not
turn much like is needed on trails and daily driving.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com