Dana 30 Lunchbox Locker Versus Open

[13 OBA]

I'll definitely be using a Lunchbox in the DANA 35 Rear; however, I have reservations of installing one in the Front DANA 30.

Gears are 5:13's. I live on the North Shore of Lake Huron and Winter Storms are frequent. I may travel say 40 miles on 2 lane Hwy once a month to a major Center for Groceries a Health reasons; but, I really like going as deep as I can into the High Country of the Cambrian Shield in the good seasons.

I am accustom to Posi-Trac rear Diff's vehicles and of course 4WD Open Diff JEEP TJ's

Basically I'm concerned about a Lunchbox's unpredictability driving in Snow or Ice on 2 Way HWY's in Winter months - especially the Front Differential.

Your opinions will be appreciated - Thanks RON

PS: I have to say the TJ's Open Diff's are fantastic on Ice and Snow Packed HWY's in 4WD-Hi ;o)

 

[dbbd1]

Wow. I’d go with the lunchbox up front and a selectable in the rear. You won’t regret it. Buy once, cry once.

 

[Woodrow]

Locked axles are not ideal for highway driving in slippery conditions. Open diffs are best there. Locked axles are ideal at low speed (Deep snow, sand, mud, rock crawling as examples). For a rig with duties that span varied conditions and speeds, selectable lockers front and rear are by far the best choice. Limited slip differentials (clutch or helical gear) and auto lockers (lunch box or the full case Detroit) all have their place. They are simpler and cheaper. But, limited slip won't work if you lift a wheel. Limited slip and auto lockers may lock the axle when you don't want it to thereby causing an unanticipated slide. This can have a more dramatic outcome in a short wheelbase TJ.

A super 35 (selectable locker and the 1541H 30 spline shafts as discussed in your other thread) in the rear Dana 35 and selectable locker with CrMo shafts in the front Dana 30 would make most people very happy. If you can only do one, do the front selectable and leave the rear open.

 

[ColoJeep]

Locked axles are not ideal for highway driving in slippery conditions. Open diffs are best there. Locked axles are ideal at low speed (Deep snow, sand, mud, rock crawling as examples). For a rig with duties that span varied conditions and speeds, selectable lockers front and rear are by far the best choice. Limited slip differentials (clutch or helical gear) and auto lockers (lunch box or the full case Detroit) all have their place. They are simpler and cheaper. But, limited slip won't work if you lift a wheel. Limited slip and auto lockers may lock the axle when you don't want it to thereby causing an unanticipated slide. This can have a more dramatic outcome in a short wheelbase TJ.

A super 35 (selectable locker and the 1541H 30 spline shafts as discussed in your other thread) in the rear Dana 35 and selectable locker with CrMo shafts in the front Dana 30 would make most people very happy. If you can only do one, do the front selectable and leave the rear open.

This is very sound advice , I can't wait to see where this goes .

 

[13 OBA]

I really don't take to the 2 lane HWY 17 (Lake Head Route) if it has not been cleared of Snow and Ice. It is heavily traveled and there are some crazy drivers on it. I will cancel appointments due to snow conditions. At one time, I had no choice but to travel in Blizzards as my job demanded I get to work on time - Being retired and much older, I don't have to do it. 242 Volvo's where my vehicle of choice back then.

I'm 78 retired and living in a 2nd story 1 bedroom apartment in a very small town of Spanish - Manitoulin Island is just off the shore line, named the North Channel. Lots of American tourists with big boats in the summer.

 

[Lou]

Lunchbox with 27 spline shafts in a dana35 is probably the worst decision you could make on your jeep.

 

[13 OBA]

Lunchbox with 27 spline shafts in a dana35 is probably the worst decision you could make on your jeep.

Please explain why - Considering the DANA 30 has Cro-Moly and the 35 has 1541H 27 spline axles ?

A TJ Sport 4.0L is lighter then a Rubicon and I'm using 33" Tires.

 

[Lou]

Please explain why - Considering the DANA 30 has Cro-Moly and the 35 has 1541H 27 spline axles ?

A TJ Sport 4.0L is lighter then a Rubicon and I'm using 33" Tires.

The problem is the stock Dana 35 carrier. The lunchbox will end up breaking that pos carrier in half.

I think your best bet is leave the rear carrier alone or put a true track in it.

 

[JMT]

I'll definitely be using a Lunchbox in the DANA 35 Rear; however, I have reservations of installing one in the Front DANA 30.

Gears are 5:13's. I live on the North Shore of Lake Huron and Winter Storms are frequent. I may travel say 40 miles on 2 lane Hwy once a month to a major Center for Groceries a Health reasons; but, I really like going as deep as I can into the High Country of the Cambrian Shield in the good seasons.

I am accustom to Posi-Trac rear Diff's vehicles and of course 4WD Open Diff JEEP TJ's

Basically I'm concerned about a Lunchbox's unpredictability driving in Snow or Ice on 2 Way HWY's in Winter months - especially the Front Differential.

Your opinions will be appreciated - Thanks RON

PS: I have to say the TJ's Open Diff's are fantastic on Ice and Snow Packed HWY's in 4WD-Hi ;o)

This just sounds like craziness. No, TJ’s are not great open diffs on ice and snow HWY’s. They’re not good locked on ice or snow either, unless you consider doing 180’s at 60mph great.

Second, if you’re getting a lunchbox the front is better option than the rear. In the rear they pop every time you turn. In the front there are options for non-popping lockers.

You’re a mechanic?

 

[rasband]

Came to share the same thing as the others, a lunchbox in the rear is a mistake. It's always trying to activate under torque and if you drive on road at all it'll be a problem far more often than not.

 

[The4bangertj]

I would only run a lunch box up front and I would only do that if you’re ok with driving in those winter conditions in 2wd only and not putting it in 4wd.

 

[JMT]

I would only run a lunch box up front and I would only do that if you’re ok with driving in those winter conditions in 2wd only and not putting it in 4wd.

A rejoinder. I will drive my rig on snow and ice roads in 4H with a lunchbox front locker very carefully. I’ve been practicing for 6 years. Doable, but not ideal. I would not put one of my children behind the wheel…EVER. Selectable rules in every way.

 

[ColoJeep]

A rejoinder. I will drive my rig on snow and ice roads in 4H with a front locker very carefully. I’ve been practicing for 6 years. Doable, but not ideal. I would not put one of my children behind the wheel…EVER. Selectable rules in every way.

Selectable or open for snow on roads.

 

[Woodrow]

This is very sound advice , I can't wait to see where this goes .

Thank you. I grew up in the snow, most flat though (Michigan). Now (for the last 25 years) I drive regularly in the snow in the mountains each winter. What works on snowy roads (especially with a grade) is completely different from what works on the trail. It seems the discussion has gone where you thought it would . I’ll tap out now but carry on!

 

[ColoJeep]

Thank you. I grew up in the snow, most flat though (Michigan). Now (for the last 25 years) I drive regularly in the snow in the mountains each winter. What works on snowy roads (especially with a grade) is completely different from what works on the trail. It seems the discussion has gone where you thought it would . I’ll tap out now but carry on!

Living in the Rockies and driving in snow makes me chuckle when a California guy says it's no problem using a auto locker in snow . You just don't apply power going through a corner . I have to drive through snow , going uphill , around dozens of corners and switchbacks just driving home from town . You tried man , thanks !

 

[13 OBA]

The problem is the stock Dana 35 carrier. The lunchbox will end up breaking that pos carrier in half.

I think your best bet is leave the rear carrier alone or put a true track in it.

Hey Lou: The Stock Spicer DANA 3 Series Carrier is being replaced with a Yukon Replacement DANA 4 Series if that makes any difference ?

I will look into your "true track" suggestion - Whatever that is ;o)

 

[13 OBA]

A super 35 (selectable locker and the 1541H 30 spline shafts as discussed in your other thread) in the rear Dana 35 and selectable locker with CrMo shafts in the front Dana 30 would make most people very happy. If you can only do one, do the front selectable and leave the rear open

I like what your saying Woodrow; but, unfortunately I'm already committed to 1541H 27 spline axles and those selectable lockers are out of my price range.

For that matter do DANA 35 - 30 spine axles have bigger shaft diameters then 35 - 27 spline axles and are the Carries different or do they even EXIST ?

 

[13 OBA]

Thank you. I grew up in the snow, most flat though (Michigan). Now (for the last 25 years) I drive regularly in the snow in the mountains each winter. What works on snowy roads (especially with a grade) is completely different from what works on the trail. It seems the discussion has gone where you thought it would . I’ll tap out now but carry on!

You live in Michigan - We are almost neighbors in a similar landscape and climate - I think some of our colleges are missing the point about driving JEEP TJ's on Snow Pack or Ice and Slouchy 2 Lane HWYS or in Down Pour ;o)

Yes it can be done, preferably in 4wd-Hi without lockers, I generally just try to avoid the HWY's and take the Back Roads or just stay home under them conditions because there are just to many insane drivers out there

Back Roads and OFF Road is entirely a different story under them conditions -JEEPS RULE ;o)

At the 1st sign of winter and after the 1st snow fall , I put her 4WD-Hi and leave it there until spring -Now that's with 3:07's and Open Carriers which isn't exactly ideal for getting your self lost as deep possible in the Hi-Lands of the Cambrian Shield - Is it.

I skied the MI. Boyne Hi-lands back in 72 - Was driving a brand new Sky Blue 340 Mag Rally Challenger with the Laser stripes on the side - Paid $3,600 for her and drove 5 times almost coast to coast across Canada with her and put 75,000 miles with in 2 years before she rusted out - Typical Chrysler products - Just like the their JEEPS - Wonderful Car though - Sold my 70 Z28 not that long ago had a BBC 625Hp, 7200rpm 460ci MKIV BBC / M21 and 3:55 12 Bolt POSI - A stinking fast car in a straight line but that Challenger was a superior handling ride and almost as fast ;o)

Both the Dodge and Chevy had POSI- DIFF's so did my Dad's 68 Pontiac Parisienne we switch to 240 Volvo's by the mid 70's.

So I'm use to driving locked Rear-Diff's on snow pack HWY's - Granted the JEEP wheel base is shorter - That why I'm more concerned about the front end.

————————————— It's almost 3 in the Morning and can't sleep so here's an Austin Mini Story.

Ever drive an Austin Mini Cooper on snow pac back roads (Definitely had a limited slip or posi type Diff - FWD Only ;o) - What a BLAST - PEDAL on the floor and shift as fast as you can and be ready with the emergency brake to spin her and pop the clutch to take a new direction - I got stories about that Mini you would not believe - One time we put Moon Shine in her and Us and drove to the top the local Ski Hill on New Years Eve, Cops were below and we told them to come up and join the party - We were teenagers and nobody knew who own it aside from that we all drove it.

One time we lost it, apparently one of us got lost in snow storm a walked home and forgot where he left it - We found a couple of days later buried in a snow bank - Pored hot water over the SU Carb and drove off with 1/2 the snow bank. - A Buddy broke the rear axle right off it while dodging the cops through a railway yard, put a toboggan under the rear end and stole a couple of tie plates - The next day it was on the road with the tie plated in the trunk and Hydo Cables holding in the rear suspension.

Poor thing we tortured it and could not kill it.