Ford Rear: Truth or Consequence

[Mark T]

I have a 75 Bronco w/ 33's, 2 1/2 Lift, and a stock 302 (which it will basically remain that way). The Rear end is factory 10" drum, small bearing, 28 spline axles. I "am" going to put a Detoit Locker in the Rear but was told by two differen't sources that 1) 28 spline detroit locker will work just fine with my factory set-up, and 2) 31 spline axles need to be installed w/ a 31 spline detroit. Obviously I am going to think that the latter comment would be my safest bet, but given my financial situation and the fact I do not have Big Bearing axles for the drop in conversion of 31 spline axles w/o a new Housing I am thinking a 28 spline detroit Locker. My Questions, what do you think of a 28 spline detroit and keeping axles stock until I have problems, and maybe upgrading to HD 28 spline axles? or find a way to tear it all apart and financially make it possible to get a Big Bearing Housing and fit it w/ 31 spline Detroit Locker and axles? I am shooting for the former but would like to hear some stories..... Thank You Mark

 

[Yardape]

Well if you buy a 28 spline Detroit now, then when you upgrade you will have to buy another detroit locker for the 31 spline axles. Do you really want to buy it twice. With the high cost of a Detroit, I think you should tackle the conversion first, then worry about the locker. Which rear end do you have? Is it a 9 inch?

 

[Mark T]

Well if you buy a 28 spline Detroit now, then when you upgrade you will have to buy another detroit locker for the 31 spline axles. Do you really want to buy it twice. With the high cost of a Detroit, I think you should tackle the conversion first, then worry about the locker. Which rear end do you have? Is it a 9 inch?

Its a 9 Inch rear end, and my plan was to either put in a 28 spline Locker for the cost of the Locker and some change to have someone put it in my third member (and I would do the rest, including re-using the stock axels), or drop out my old 9 inch rear end out completely (sell it) and get a new everything for 31 spline set-up (a ton more work and money)......

My main question is whether a 28 spline Detroit Locker set-up will Stand -up in my situation, i.e., aside from 33 inch tires and a Lift a virtual stock setup... It's going to be used for moderate rated Trails in Colorado

 

[S_bolt19]

My story and how I did it: /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I had a SB 9", 28 sp. axles, 3.50 geared open diff. I bought a BB rear end that was an empty carrier, 4.11 gears (if you change out, you will have to change the front too), ARB, Yukon 31 sp. axles. & Disc set up. It took me quite a while to get the money and time to do it all, but as stated before, why pay for something 2x when you should only have to do it once. Got everything built and ready to put under and then when I was ready, it took me an afternoon to yank the old 9" out and slap the new one in. Much simpler & easier on the ole pocket book if you spread it out over a period of time.

Another thing, you said moderate trail usage...a Detroit is the most aggressive locker you can buy because they are locked at all times. There is no way to undo it once it is done. I went with ARB because mine is my daily driver and they can be turned on and off when you don't need them. Think of it in terms of tires. I have a friend who *****-foots around on his EB and he has Detroits installed. In the last 5 years, he has bought 2 sets of tires because the Det. is harder on them than an open carrier, and running unlocked I have only bought 1 set of tires.

Price of a Detroit - $469

Price of 2 sets of tires - $1360 (@ $170/per)

Total - $1829

Price of ARB - $719

Price of 1 set of tires - $680 (@ $170/per)

Price of ARB pump - $189

Total - $1588

You will save money going with the ARBs after the first set of tires you buy w/the Detroits. Now, I am not saying that you have to go with ARB, but if you are using it as a daily driver, then economically, the ARB really is the way to go.

Where in Colo are you?

 

[Mark T]

My story and how I did it: /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I had a SB 9", 28 sp. axles, 3.50 geared open diff. I bought a BB rear end that was an empty carrier, 4.11 gears (if you change out, you will have to change the front too), ARB, Yukon 31 sp. axles. & Disc set up. It took me quite a while to get the money and time to do it all, but as stated before, why pay for something 2x when you should only have to do it once. Got everything built and ready to put under and then when I was ready, it took me an afternoon to yank the old 9" out and slap the new one in. Much simpler & easier on the ole pocket book if you spread it out over a period of time.

Another thing, you said moderate trail usage...a Detroit is the most aggressive locker you can buy because they are locked at all times. There is no way to undo it once it is done. I went with ARB because mine is my daily driver and they can be turned on and off when you don't need them. Think of it in terms of tires. I have a friend who *****-foots around on his EB and he has Detroits installed. In the last 5 years, he has bought 2 sets of tires because the Det. is harder on them than an open carrier, and running unlocked I have only bought 1 set of tires.

Price of a Detroit - $469

Price of 2 sets of tires - $1360 (@ $170/per)

Total - $1829

Price of ARB - $719

Price of 1 set of tires - $680 (@ $170/per)

Price of ARB pump - $189

Total - $1588

You will save money going with the ARBs after the first set of tires you buy w/the Detroits. Now, I am not saying that you have to go with ARB, but if you are using it as a daily driver, then economically, the ARB really is the way to go.

Where in Colo are you?

I live in Lakewood and my trail use would consist of moderate to high clearance trail areas along the front range. This vehicle is basically my toy and would be used for day trips and cruising around denver in the warmer months, it has no top or doors and will remain in that condition. I agree that an ARB has its major advantages, but simplicitiy is leaning me towards a Detriot. I have not read enough information to make me think that I could not just pull out my stock axles enough to remove the 3d member, have someone put in my Detroit for a couple hundred dollars, and slip it back together no problem (price $600-$700). I already have stock 4.11 gears in the rear, and by keeping my SB set-up and axles I save time and money. If things break from that point on then shame on me and I start over, lesson learned (ARB's all around . If you have any suggestions for places to Four-Wheel in my area I am very new to this world, very appreciative of suggestions..... Later

 

[S_bolt19]

Hey, thats ok, I know how the time & money issue are /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

For trails, check out:

http://www.4x4trails.net

http://www.traildamage.com

Both are good trail trackers and can give you a good idea of what is close to you.

 

[Mark T]

Hey, thats ok, I know how the time & money issue are /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

For trails, check out:

http://www.4x4trails.net

http://www.traildamage.com

Both are good trail trackers and can give you a good idea of what is close to you.

Thanks for the new link Trail Damage is Great