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To weld or not to weld.... that is the question.

Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
I want to get my 4Runner in wheelable condition ASAP. The biggest concern is inexpensive/quality lockers. Once I have the lockers, gears are next.

Front is a typical Dana 44 and the rear is a Toyota Tacoma 8.4". The selection of lockers for the rear axle includes the ARB, Lock-Rite and recently released is a Detroit. I have been waiting on Aussie Locker to release their product for this axle since it seems like a high quality lunch-box locker, but they are taking their time and I keep hearing about delays. I want my 4Runner in wheelable shape within a month!

I don't want the expense of an ARB (if I needed a selectable locker I would have gotten a Toy 8") or a crappy Lock-Rite. The Detroit is a good option, but 2x more than an Aussie Locker. I have thought about getting a spare 3rd, tossing the gears in it, welding it up and use that until the Aussie is released. :-\

The better option is to just save my pennies and buy the Detroit, which would I'm leaning towards.

Suggestions?
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
if you would rather have the aussie then the detroit then just weld it. Its not as cool to say you're welded but its just as (or more) effective ;) no reason to spend $500 or so on a locker when all you need to spend is $200 (or nothing on welding)

EDIT: Just dont weld the front unless its for a short temporary fix. I could still turn my wheels fine (full hydro though) but the actual turning wasn't happening. Especially when I was on anything with real good traction (pavement, slick rock, etc)
 
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Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
rckcrlr said:
Weld it for now, get the detroit later is my vote. :D
Click to expand...


I like that idea. :cool: Might as well make it work now, save the money in the mean time & upgrade to the best option in the future. That way I won't need a replacement gear case!

Man, you're a genious Marc!
 
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N-Smooth

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
spool=$150-200
welding=free or cheap
i personally think a spool or welding is the best option. a detroit is great for the release around corners (if you actually let off the gas), but it seems everyone likes to hear the tires chirp.


there are places i would rather spend $500 other than the rear end. i am a fan of detroits in the front, but my lunchbox has worked fine (knock on wood)
 
M

Meat_

Banned
Location
Lehi
Weld it, run it until you break it by then the Ausie should be good and out :rofl:

The small Detroits break, lose a shaft lose a Detroit.
 
camicaztoy

camicaztoy

Active Member
Location
Layton, Utah
i say weld it. with the 4-banger you'll never break it. my buddy's been running a welded rear in his truck for 2.5 years with no problems.
specs- 73 f-250 dana 60s 5.13's 42" swampers built big block and a heavy foot. it's servived pritchet twice, 21 road and most of the hard stuff in moab. he even tried the eagles nest with out a winch but that didn't turn out so good. :rofl:
 
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