welded rear questions

[Houndoc]

Thinking (since talking to Stratton last week) about options for my Montero Sport. Only locker option for it at all is front ARB. Thought I may have the money for that saved up, but ended up spending it on a shell when I bought the Ram this summer.

So, I know that welded difs get used by some folks but don't really know all the plusses and minuses. I would assume there must be some significant negatives or know one would buy lockers, right?

Please chime in with your experiences with a welded rear dif. Some of the concerns I have right off would be durability (both off-road as well as long term in a daily driver), tire wear, on-road handling etc.

Thanks!

 

[Rot Box]

A welded rear can be as strong if not stronger than a full spool when done right. They work great offroad, but I doubt I'll ever run on on a dd again...

For on road use if it was installed on the rear of a small pickup (like mine were) that was rarely used to haul anything--maybe, but with a load or even in the back of an SUV no way!

There has to be more options for the Montero's they're very popular overseas right?... Maybe an axle swap?

 

[The Stranger]

I have a welded rear in the 4Runner and it is fine. It hurts the turning radius a little on the asphalt and chirps the tires, but other than that there have been no problems.

 

[RockMonkey]

How strong are the axle shafts and gears in that axle? Welding it increases turning radius, tire wear, tire noise, and stress on gears, shafts, etc. I ran a welded rear in my buggy after the Eaton stopped working, and I liked it. As far as I know, it's still in there. That was a 35 spline Dana 60 though, so it could handle the extra stress.

 

[Houndoc]

How strong are the axle shafts and gears in that axle?

I don't remember off the top of my head the shaft or gear diameter. 31 spline and have heard (from Montero folk) comparable or little stronger than D44. I'll see what I can find out.

Is the effect on turning, tire wear any different that would have with non-selectable locker?

As far as other options, very limited. Older M. Sports had more options, including rear ARB and limited slip. I have considered SAS or swapping an older Montero/MS rear with factory e-locker, but $$ issues with either.

 

[Houndoc]

For on road use if it was installed on the rear of a small pickup (like mine were) that was rarely used to haul anything--maybe, but with a load or even in the back of an SUV no way!

Reason?

 

[Houndoc]

OK, more on the MS rear axle. Shaft diameter 1.4" with 9.5" ring gear.

Now someone more mechanical than I will need to tell me what all that really means.

 

[Bucking Bronco]

I welded the front and rear of 2 full size broncos and I loved it. Now they were not daily drivers but I drove on streets regularly. It eats tires fast and the cost of a set of tires would probably be an ARB

One of the bronco’s rear axles were C-clip axles and it made me nervous wheelin it like that without a spare.

Another negative is depending on how much power you have it can get a little hairy on wet roads. My 79 bronco had a 460 in it and it was quite fun keeping it straight on wet roads especially muddy roads.

 

[Jeremy]

if you drive it on icy or snowy roads, i would not do it. i do not think you will like it. put the arb in the front and leave the rear open.

i spooled the rearend of my cherokee and i couldnt keep the assend from breaking loose on wet or snowy roads.

my .02

 

[RockMonkey]

Is the effect on turning, tire wear any different that would have with non-selectable locker?

Yes, an automatic locker like a Detroit, Lock-Rite, Aussie, etc. will allow the outside tire to rotate faster than the inside tire, so going around corners will not destroy your tires, your turning radius, or make people look for the crash every time they hear you turn.

 

[O'neal]

I ran welded diff's in my old runner and I liked them,run them for 7 year's with no problem.As for wet,snow or icy road's I felt comfortable driving it to and from wheelin outside of town,never was an issue but I run a 32 gal blazer tank that was kept full in the winter for weight,worked great.
My zuk on the other hand with a spooled rear was waaay sketchy on snow or ice packed road's,I did not feel safe in it at all due to a short wheelbase and alot lighter than my old toy.

 

[Rot Box]

Reason?

Handling on icy roads (tough to go strait in 2wd), tire chirp/howl, watching my tires wear daily, bad turning radius, body roll when turning, axle wrap/twisting, increased wear and tear on parts... The more weight the worse some of these get really.

Off road I loved it, and have no complaints except for maybe turning radius compared to the locker... better than open for sure

It depends on how much you drive it on roads imo. I guess your only out a carrier and spider gears if you weld it and end up hating it

 

[Houndoc]

Thanks for the insight. Sounds like something that is better off waiting until I can retire it from dd or save up for the ARB.