I installed a Spartan on my Dana 30 awhile ago and had no issues other than characteristics of the locker that appear common. That being said I decided to lock the rear on the Dana 44 since it is not my daily driver. When I do drive it the mechanism acts as I had expected except for one thing: When I change gears especially from first to second and slightly from second to third near or above 2k rpm the transmission grinds a bit as though you would expect from a clutch not being disengaged completely or a sloppy shift. This is very noticeable when turning and shifting which I accounted as driveline tension from the locker and stopped shifting in turns from lights or stop signs and such. However it does still do so to a certain extent if the engine is not spooled down to 1500 rpm or below when shifting from first to second. Any thoughts on this problem if it is indeed one? I have less than 500 miles on the install, used a standard 80w90 oil, and although the installed gap was near its upper limit, it was within the spec provided by Spartan. It operates normally under all conditions, the transmission shift quality change was the only problem I have noticed.
Secondly because I see it posted frequently, do not use a spartan in the rear if you are driving often on roads normally. The driving isn't so much the issue as it is navigating parking lots or other tight quarters (I drove it a day or two after the install to see what kind of behavior I would expect when driving from one trail to another). The locker causes you to drive somewhat erratically in comparison to other drivers and I am sure it is very irritating to them. I know it would be to me if I was behind myself.
Thanks!
Secondly because I see it posted frequently, do not use a spartan in the rear if you are driving often on roads normally. The driving isn't so much the issue as it is navigating parking lots or other tight quarters (I drove it a day or two after the install to see what kind of behavior I would expect when driving from one trail to another). The locker causes you to drive somewhat erratically in comparison to other drivers and I am sure it is very irritating to them. I know it would be to me if I was behind myself.
Thanks!