Dana 70 locker parts

[two-bit]

I am now officially sick of my "open" Dana 70 rear end.
Damn truck couldn't move out of its own shadow yesterday. When i finally got her moving, the one side of the axle was spinning, the other just coasted along for the ride.
I know they made a Traction-lock center for these, any body got one, or know of a good place to get one?
I also have the 23 spline axles, would i be better to get a set of 35 splines? The 23's look pretty beefy, i wouldn't think they would break.
I also know the 35's are a newer style so prolly easier to get parts for if i ever need them.
Thanks

[72hiboy4x4]

I know that some of the Dana 70's use the same carrier as a 14 bolt chevy (at least I think thats what it is) so you could use that same parts. How to tell if yours will take them, I have no idea. But I would like one in my Dana 70 also, so if you figure that out, let me know!

[Fake Name]

I just used these guys:

NOW PARTS
405 W. RANDOLPH
LANSING, MI. 48906
517 579-7218 or 866-530-7715
E-MAIL NOWPARTS@COMCAST NET

Nice folks, seem to really know their stuff. The have a website and an ebay store, but it's better to just call them.

fn

[ICEMAN6166]

i bought a 69 f350 towtruck for $800 that had the D70 locker in it.considering the prices for some used ones in the salvage yards, i got the axle,the wrecker unit, some parts for me and sold some i think i came out pretty good.iput the wrecker unit and the d70 on a highboy frame.

[montana_hiboy]

you can't go wrong with a detroit locker, i dunno what kinda money you're lookin to spend, they're kinda pricey but they're an easy install and pretty much bulletproof

[Fake Name]

i bought a 69 f350 towtruck for $800 that had the D70 locker in it.considering the prices for some used ones in the salvage yards, i got the axle,the wrecker unit, some parts for me and sold some i think i came out pretty good.iput the wrecker unit and the d70 on a highboy frame.

Well, I just paid dangerously close to that for a Powerlock for my D60. Granted, it's fresh with new clutch packs, but you did well....

fn

[averagef250]

The dana 70 powerlok works real well, it uses the same clutches as the 60 powerlok. Detroits can be real harsh if you drive on the street. 23 spline is harder to find than 35.

[two-bit]

Heres an idea, what if i bought the 35 spline Power-lock case (2-piece).
Disaasembled it, could i remove the original power-lock side gears and install 23 spline power-lock side gears?

If so, i can buy the 23 spline side gears new, put in new clutches, and i would have a Power-lock that fits my 23 spline axles, totally rebuilt, with my original ring gear.

So ....Does anyone know if i could possibly pull that off?

I looked at the info Kieth has on trac-lock/power-lock Dana rear ends.
I want the Power-lock no question about that.
"Average F-250" brings up a very good point about reliability and strenght between the two.
Thanks everyone
Two-bit

[averagef250]

I don't know if 23 spline and 35 spline 70 powerlok sidegears will swap. Odds are you may need both the side gears and the cups that are behind them. I would probably say you will not find new 23 spline side gears though. Never hurts to try. Randy's ring and pinion maybe? They carry some pretty oddball stuff.

If you want, measure one of your 23 spline shafts. I've got a couple dentside 35 spline '70's laying about. They're not for sale, but we might be able to figure out if a newer ford 35 spline shaft will fit the 23 spline bumpside 70.

[ICEMAN6166]

newer shafts are longer, wont go all the way in.

[two-bit]

I'm going to try and hit up some of the 4wd drive guys around here and see if any of them know if its possible.
Thanks everyone
Two-bit

[two-bit]

UPDATE:

Talked to a few local 4-wd shops, got passed from this guy to that guy, round' and round'. Finally ended up calling a place about 100 miles away.
Talked to a very nice guy who has been building Dana's since he was 20 yrs old,(he's 52 now).
Long story short.
Dana power-lock center sections have the same outside dia. and run surface for the axle gears. Which answers my question....
Can you put 23 spline side gears in place of 35's?.... Yes
They must be Power-lock side gears, the side gears from your "open" diff. will not work. No drive teeth for the clutches.
He told me that he keeps about 1/2 doz Dana Power-lock cases in storage just for these conversions. He has built them for 23, 30,32,35 and other spline counts. He does recommend that since you are that far into it, put in new clutches.
He also reminded me to be careful about the carrier itself.
4:10 and up ie: 4:56, 4:88, and up have one bolt pattern for the ring gear.
3:73 and down ie: 3:?? and down have another bolt pattern for the ring gear.
SO...... I am off to find a Power-lock center, 4:10 and up, to rebuild for truck.
I will keep everyone posted as to how this goes as i'm working on it. Oh yeah, i will take pics to.


"Never fear...Power-lock is here!!!!"

Two-bit

[spartman]

SWEET!!!!

Does he have any info on the ford 9 inche setup?

[averagef250]

Good news! Pretty sure he's a little off on his carrier break though. 4.10 and down is one offset and 4.56 up is the other.