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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: skyhighsami on July 31, 2007, 09:50:27 PM

Title: Welding Diffs?
Post by: skyhighsami on July 31, 2007, 09:50:27 PM
I have a 90 Suzuki Samurai with a Trail Tough 6.4-1 LR t-case and a spring over with 2.5 inch lifted shakles on 31s now. The engine is a 1600 8 vavle. I have a set of Jeep Grand Wagoneer Dana 44s that I plan to install within a year, and I have an extra set of Sami axles. My question is with my running gear and tires how much problem would I have with the front and rear diff being welded? Off road I don't really have a heavy foot and since I have had (02) I have only put 6000 miles on it and when I got it it was stock so I rarely drive it. So what do you think, I hate to buy lockers when I am replacing everything anyway. Thanks
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: mrfuelish on July 31, 2007, 10:27:09 PM
I would not do it unless you could soften the parts that you are going to weld, mine lasted about two weeks on the street, they will last longer on ice or soft dirt only, just buy a 100.00 dollar spool for the back and call it good till you get the others going.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: copperfever on August 01, 2007, 10:32:14 AM
I used a mini spool from Trail Tough. Was cheap and easy to install...
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: Drone637 on August 01, 2007, 12:24:48 PM
I went with the mini-spool as well.  That way you just don't have to worry about it.

As for the front, I would leave it open before locking it solid.  With the short wheelbase you just start pushing through everything.  And power steering almost becomes a requirement.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: rupzuk on August 01, 2007, 12:54:54 PM
Personally , I'd leave the front alone .
As for the rear , welding it would be my last option .
If it's used on the street you will need some form of diff , trail only a spooled diff is ok .
Locker = expensive but great for DD .
mini spool = cheaper and easier but not very good for DD .
welded diff = free ( ish ) , hard on parts , limited lifespan and no good on street .
Another method I've heard of but never tried yet is a lead locker . What i've heard is you fill the diff with molten lead and it isn't hot enough to screw up the steel parts plus it kind of cushions the shock loads . Still no good for the street but it's kinda free to .
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: SnoFalls on August 01, 2007, 01:14:56 PM
Another method I've heard of but never tried yet is a lead locker . What i've heard is you fill the diff with molten lead and it isn't hot enough to screw up the steel parts plus it kind of cushions the shock loads . Still no good for the street but it's kinda free to .
Unless you have a large supply of lead, it's not much "free", so might as well go mini-spool.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: urbanwheeler on August 01, 2007, 02:05:18 PM
Another method I've heard of but never tried yet is a lead locker . What i've heard is you fill the diff with molten lead and it isn't hot enough to screw up the steel parts plus it kind of cushions the shock loads . Still no good for the street but it's kinda free to .
Unless you have a large supply of lead, it's not much "free", so might as well go mini-spool.

I guess lead is fairly expensive, especially when you need any large quantity of it.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: skyhighsami on August 01, 2007, 08:36:53 PM
I was thinking that it might be an option until I got the Danas installed. I have a power steering set up I just need to find a shop that can do it for me and not break the bank. Mainly because I don't have the time and the fabing skills or equipment. I also have another desicion, I have a friend that is bagging and body dropping a 2002 S-10 and is also installing a ZZ4 crate 350. Can I use his 4.3 and 4L60E transmission in my truck? Suzuki Conversions said that the 4L60E was too long but it is only 3 inches longer than a TH350. Thanks for the help guys.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: pjs97talon on August 02, 2007, 02:53:05 PM
Can I use his 4.3 and 4L60E transmission in my truck? Suzuki Conversions said that the 4L60E was too long but it is only 3 inches longer than a TH350. Thanks for the help guys.

People told me that I couldn't stuff a smallblock and 700R into my B-2200, too. I did it. Depending on what kind of deal he gives you on the drivetrain stuff- it might not be worth it though. I'm going to assume that his truck is 2wd since he is doing a body drop (you don't see many body dropped trucks on the trails). You will need to either convert the 4L60 to a 4WD tailshaft(if that's possible) or trade/sell it for a 4WD unit.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: skyhighsami on August 02, 2007, 09:15:16 PM
Why would I sell/trade his 4L60E when I have a divorced t-case in the Sami? All I need is a shorter intermediate shaft between the trans and the t0case and/or just move it back.
Title: Re: Welding Diffs?
Post by: sidekicksrock on August 06, 2007, 08:59:47 AM
Another way to go that is cheap is to make a poor mans posi. This is done by adding extra thrust washers between the case and the spider gears. You will want to grease them up real well when you install them and use good (read Synthetic or posi lube) The tighter you squeese the spider gears the harder it will be for them to turn. However the idea is that they will turn before something breaks. Dave