Welded front diff?? Consensus? Discuss!

[04 Rocko Taco]

Okay, so in an effort to do a little better at Tellico this time around, I am considering dropping a welded 3rd I have laying around into my front axle (1984 SFA 4Runner) for the weekend of SETO....

I know that means I will have to unlock a hub to do much steering.... but what say you guys?
Anyone running a welded front? When you are locked in the front, how hard is it to get around?

Lets hear it.

[corax]

I'm sure you already saw this thread -> CLICK ME - 4runnerchevy/spooled (http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=5591.0)

as long as you have the hubs unlocked on the street you should be fine. on the trail you might have some trouble steering if all 4 tires have good traction, if either front can slip a bit though, that helps

[Tankota]

You also have to be more careful about not loading up your axle super hard when turned to full lock. Unless yo have longs birfs or something. I remember one time when Mikey (wifesays), blew a birf just trying to turn around on a big flat rock. He had some sort of locker up front that didnt unlock.
Your front drive shaft will proabably make nasty sounds too.

[4runnerchevy]

I say do it, unless you have a lead foot, and don't know when your axle is in a bind. As far as driveshaft noise, I don't have any.

[Tankota]

As far as driveshaft noise, I don't have any.


I think my drive line makes noise because it is too short, with too much angle. I'm sure yours is longer due to your longer tranny/t-case combo.

If chevy has been running welded fronts under his big V6 with out blowing them, I'm sure Rocko wont have a problem. As long as your careful.

[AxleIke]

As with any system, it will have its weak spots. If you understand the weakness', and tailor your driving to cater to the weakness', you'll be just fine. It can still break, but it'll be less likely.

[cooldry]

Personally for me, it's a pain. Not that I do it often, but when you're one asphalt feels like the axle is going to fall out. If it isn't a daily driver, it's fine as long as you take it easy, but if you do a lot of street driving, I don't know if I'd recommend it.

[Tankota]

Personally for me, it's a pain. Not that I do it often, but when you're one asphalt feels like the axle is going to fall out. If it isn't a daily driver, it's fine as long as you take it easy, but if you do a lot of street driving, I don't know if I'd recommend it.


Unless one plans on driving in 4wd to work and back, I dont think a welded front diff will make much difference on a daily driver. :thumbup:

[cooldry]

Personally for me, it's a pain. Not that I do it often, but when you're one asphalt feels like the axle is going to fall out. If it isn't a daily driver, it's fine as long as you take it easy, but if you do a lot of street driving, I don't know if I'd recommend it.


Unless one plans on driving in 4wd to work and back, I dont think a welded front diff will make much difference on a daily driver. :thumbup:


Oops my bad, I forgot about 2wd. I don't have an option. Mines full time 4wd... Proceed as planned. :D

[04 Rocko Taco]

It's a trailer rig, it never sees pavement. :) and when it does it's in 2WD with hubs unlocked.

[4runnerchevy]

Chris the only problem is in snow. As with any spool/lincoln, it takes a special kind of driving. When your spooled in the front its even more enjoyable.




I think my drive line makes noise because it is too short, with too much angle. I'm sure yours is longer due to your longer tranny/t-case combo.

If chevy has been running welded fronts under his big V6 with out blowing them, I'm sure Rocko wont have a problem. As long as your careful.


My driveline is still near stock length + added for lift and axle forward. My transfer case is in the same place as stock and motor is a bit forward.

As for the V6 I just dont have a lead foot, and I don't have a clutch.

As an added note, my birfields will break, and probably soon.

[Tankota]

Chris the only problem is in snow. As with any spool/lincoln, it takes a special kind of driving. When your spooled in the front its even more enjoyable.




I think my drive line makes noise because it is too short, with too much angle. I'm sure yours is longer due to your longer tranny/t-case combo.

If chevy has been running welded fronts under his big V6 with out blowing them, I'm sure Rocko wont have a problem. As long as your careful.


My driveline is still near stock length + added for lift and axle forward. My transfer case is in the same place as stock and motor is a bit forward.

As for the V6 I just dont have a lead foot, and I don't have a clutch.

As an added note, my birfields will break, and probably soon.


Thats cool that you were able to keep everything in the original location.

One difference between the first gen pickups and your runner is that my trans is much shorter that your OEM trans. Mikeys rig "farttruck" an '85 runner, has a much longer driveline than mine does. I guess now I'll just have to get doubles to cure the excessive angle issues. :thumbup:
I imagine Rocko's rig has the longer trans, and he's not starving for joint angle yet.

The extra stress put on my driveline by the locked front, caused the center bearing on the double cardon joint (cant remember what its called) to wear prematurely. The last time I replaced it I made a bronze bushing to fit. Now its wore out too. Thats why it makes nasty noises.

As of yet, I have never broken a birf, but certainly not for lack of trying. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they hold 'till I can drop something a little tougher in the housings. But like you said, stuff does break, thats why we carry spares. :D

[4runnerchevy]

Hey tank, I am about to help build an 83 so look out !

[Tankota]

Sweet man! I love seeing the older trucks out playing. I think they are one of the best looking trucks ever produced!
You better post pics now, you know that. (on another thread)