Lunchbox to Selectable Locker Switch

[JMT]

Having now moved from TX to WA, and winter snow on the way, I am thinking of switching from my PowerTrax NoSlip in the Dana 30 to a selectable E-Locker to match the rear.

What are my odds I could make the switch without re-setting up the gears?

@Rob5589, @Jerry Bransford, @mrblaine or anyone else who can offer some insight.

 

[89grand]

I'm not one of the all knowing, but I really don't see how you could. The lunch box was in open carrier, and you'll need a new carrier/locker whatever, which means the ring grear will be removed and reinstalled on a different carrier, which to me means resetting the ring and pinion again.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The only thing you would need to check and very likely change is the backlash between the ring and pinion gears. That is a fairly easy thing to do and only involves shimming the new E-Locker carrier left or right until the correct backlash is achieved.

 

[Rob5589]

Just backlash, pinion depth does not change.

 

[2006TJ1]

The only annoying thing about setting backlash with the Dana 30 is that the shims go underneath the carrier bearings.

The best thing to do would probably be buy a new set of bearings, then you can hone out your old bearings to be used as setup bearings.

From there it's just putting shims together and checking with a dial indicator. It's not particularly hard, maybe just intimidating

 

[JMT]

The only thing you would need to check and very likely change is the backlash between the ring and pinion gears. That is a fairly easy thing to do and only involves shimming the new E-Locker carrier left or right until the correct backlash is achieved.

Just backlash, pinion depth does not change.

Great, thanks for help. I thought, and really hoped, this would be the case!

The only annoying thing about setting backlash with the Dana 30 is that the shims go underneath the carrier bearings.

The best thing to do would probably be buy a new set of bearings, then you can hone out your old bearings to be used as setup bearings.

From there it's just putting shims together and checking with a dial indicator. It's not particularly hard, maybe just intimidating

I think I read the Gear Bible enough to do this. I’d need a shop to hone out the bearings or just buy some setup bearings. Get a dial indicator, gear paint and start making patterns under load. Thanks for suggestions. Sure hope I can recoup some of the expense by selling my PowerTrax NoSlip. It has served me well since April or May of 2018

 

[Rob5589]

Measure bl before removal of carrier. Pull carrier and use same bearings and shims. Install shims and bearings on new carrier. Check bl. Adjust if needed. I would not stray from the original bl more than about .002. No need to check pattern unless you are bored, in between beers, or just wanna say, "Check out my pattern."

 

[Vasq]

welcome to the PNW and our non-salted wild roads haha!

 

[starkey480]

@JMT the E locker uses shims on the outside of the bearings while an open carrier has the shims on the inside of the bearings. I think it they also use different bearings and shims. So no matter what you will have to shim the carrier left or right but no need to touch the pinion. Easy job if you have a dial indicator.

 

[2006TJ1]

So the good news is, no setup bearings needed!

 

[JMT]

So the good news is, no setup bearings needed!

I like good news. Still need new bearings though. May be more difficult to get within the .002 tolerances. It’s just shimming though. Try, try, and try again...a patience job, but not nearly so much as setting up gears!

 

[2006TJ1]

I like good news. Still need new bearings though. May be more difficult to get within the .002 tolerances. It’s just shimming though. Try, try, and try again...a patience job, but not nearly so much as setting up gears!

Like @Rob5589 use the same size/thickness shims and see how it goes first.

As far as setting up new gears, I know some guys that have done it without much experience have had horror stories. Maybe I just got lucky, but mine went pretty smoothly and I've had no issues since 2017 when I did it. Don't stress!

 

[JMT]

Like @Rob5589 use the same shims and see how it goes first.

As far as setting up new gears, I know some guys that have done it without much experience have had horror stories. Maybe I just got lucky, but mine went pretty smoothly and I've had no issues since 2017 when I did it. Don't stress!

Yeah, but you go to Georgia Tech, so you're tech savvy

 

[2006TJ1]

Yeah, but you go to Georgia Tech, so you're tech savvy

This was in high school!

 

[JMT]

This was in high school!

Then now you're even smarter...

 

[starkey480]

Like @Rob5589 use the same shims and see how it goes first.

As far as setting up new gears, I know some guys that have done it without much experience have had horror stories. Maybe I just got lucky, but mine went pretty smoothly and I've had no issues since 2017 when I did it. Don't stress!

I don’t think the same shims can be used since it’s a different type of bearing. You need the specific bearing and shims for the E locker.

 

[2006TJ1]

I don’t think the same shims can be used since it’s a different type of bearing. You need the specific bearing and shims for the E locker.

Good catch, I fixed it.

 

[jazngab]

So would the cost to have a shop do this be the same as a regear? Like @JMT i have a no slip in the front. I’m already geared at 4.56. Just curious if I ever decide to do the same.

 

[starkey480]

So would the cost to have a shop do this be the same as a regear? Like @JMT i have a no slip in the front. I’m already geared at 4.56. Just curious if I ever decide to do the same.

I think $500 bucks labor is pretty typical for a locker install.

 

[JMT]

When they did my rear locker at the same time as a re-gear, it was only an additional $200. I'd think @starkey480 is right if they are just going in to do a locker install.

@jazngab, I'd love to stay with my PowerTrax setup. I think it is the best you can have if you are in a virtually snow-free environment. I can't see an advantage of a selectable over it in that situation. You don't have to think about it, just works, doesn't affect daily driving, automatically goes off when out of 4wd. I have noticed a few times I forgot to turn my rear locker off when getting back on the streets. Doesn't take long to realize, "something is wrong here!"