Need help urgent front diff air locker

glenn_a · October 17, 2014

hi fellow explorers, just need your help...

Im in the middle of installing an ARB Air locker RD102 which I thought Its the right application for my Explorer 1997 and it has a Dana 35 on the front and same time I am changing the gear ratio into 4.56....

I have double problems...

first the RD102 seems too high compare the original diff center (shows on the picture)

second I thought the front diff has to be reverse gear which I ordered but it seems its not at all... (shows on the picture)

I thought I did my research before all this project but now I am stuck and don't know where to go and my plan was to finish it everything by this weekend but now I have replaced the rear which was no issues but the front I am stuck....

PLEASE GUYS HELP AND WHAT FOR ME TO GET... which Air lockers is suitable for my front and the ring gear and pinion is ment to be just a normal not reverse right..?

glenn_a · October 17, 2014

glenn_a · October 17, 2014

glenn_a · October 22, 2014

Does anyone here actually done a front diff locker of 1997 For Explorer...?
still going around the bush trying to work out what type of Diff I have on the front, I have been ordering Air lockers and E-Locker but they kept giving me a wrong part...

I assumed I have a DANA 35 with 3.73:1 Ratio but not certain If have a DANA 35 or something else....

I have checked around the diff but no sign of a type.... all I have is this (picture below)

and could not find what it means...?

PLEASE HELP!

Maniak · October 22, 2014

You have a DANA 35 IFS with standard rotation.. The TTB front end is reverse rotation (1st gen explorer)

Also, there is no carrier break on the explorer front diffs, they all use the 3.55+ size (when something can be used in the jeeps they will show a carrier break)

I looked at the aussie locker application guide (http://www.aussielocker.com/downloads/dana35_bom.pdf) and the 1997 explorer front uses the same aussie locker as a 1997 ZJ so, the only thing I can think of is your getting reverse rotation stuff?

The reason I'm thinking that is AFAIK, the carrier break doesn't change the width of the carrier, just where the ring gear sits..

Before I forget, some places call it an AMC 35 instead of Dana 35.. no idea why...

hopefully that helps...

~Mark

glenn_a · October 22, 2014

Maniak said:
You have a DANA 35 IFS with standard rotation.. The TTB front end is reverse rotation (1st gen explorer)

Also, there is no carrier break on the explorer front diffs, they all use the 3.55+ size (when something can be used in the jeeps they will show a carrier break)

I looked at the aussie locker application guide (http://www.aussielocker.com/downloads/dana35_bom.pdf) and the 1997 explorer front uses the same aussie locker as a 1997 ZJ so, the only thing I can think of is your getting reverse rotation stuff?

The reason I'm thinking that is AFAIK, the carrier break doesn't change the width of the carrier, just where the ring gear sits..

Before I forget, some places call it an AMC 35 instead of Dana 35.. no idea why...

hopefully that helps...

~Mark

thanks for the reply...

I searched and searched and found nothing and no one can come up with a straight answer and just found out there is no such thing a front locker for gen2 Explorer beside Auto locker...

I have returned both lockers I bought and end up ordering an Auto locker we call it Lokka here in Down Under, I hope it user friendly because Ill be using this Explorer for outing's with my family..

We see how it goes and I'll let what I think about this Auto Locker, Lucky Summit Racing helped me out for all this trouble and they end up sending me a replacement Ring gear Standard Rotation Urgent....

thank heaps Mark...

Dono · October 23, 2014

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407636&highlight=front+locker

Im betting [MENTION=12558]boominXplorer[/MENTION] knows exactly what you need.
Not sure about the air locker though.

dkchrist · October 23, 2014

I have worked on the D35 in the front of rangers and explorer and it depends on whether or not you have the CAD (Center Axle Disconnect). The axles on the front IFS d35 are retained by a circlip (not a c-clip) which requires an internal groove to retain them. Most locker do not have this groove to retain the axle. This can allow the passenger side shaft to walk out as you drive. This is where the CAD comes in. It has separate retention for the inner shaft to prevent the walk. As far as lockers go for the front, I think the Lokka or similar is your option. Also the CAD will allow you to turn nicely with a locker in the front.

Edit: It was a lockrite locker in the front of [MENTION=87244]gmanpaint[/MENTION] 's black hole. Had some assistance with my memory!

Maniak · October 23, 2014

glenn_a said:
<snip>
I have returned both lockers I bought and end up ordering an Auto locker we call it Lokka here in Down Under, I hope it user friendly because Ill be using this Explorer for outing's with my family..

<snip>

?? So People from Australia don't call the Aussie Locker an Aussie Locker? Aussie is the name of the manufacturer.. What do they call themselves down there?

As for how it will handle.. You only use the 4x4 when you really need it. The tires have to be able to slip with with part time 4x4 so you won't use 4x4 while driving on hard pack... That means it won't be involved most of the time...

Do you have Manual Hubs? If so, you can lock the hubs, leave it in 2wd and just don't drive as fast. That will hurt your mileage and put more wear on the front but when you put it in 4x4, you will be in 4x4. Also, even when your in 2wd, if the hubs are locked it will make it harder to turn.

If you don't have manual hubs or keep manual hubs unlocked you won't even know the locker is there until the hubs are locked (that means put it in 4x4 with auto hubs, or manually lock the manual hubs)..

~Mark

boominXplorer · October 23, 2014

There are no carrier brakes in the d35 ifs. I am not sure what carrier you received but it's definitely not the right one. The gear set you received looks to be reverse rotation and you need standard rotation. I have a feeling your new parts are for a high pinion ifs dana 35 (pre 95 explorer) which are not the same as an ifs low pinion dana 35 (post 95 explorer).

Most of the lockers from the jeep dana 35 will work in the ifs dana 35. It's going to measure up identically to the one you pull out of the stock housing in size.

An AMC 35 and dana 35 ifs share the same gear sets and bearings, not positive on the carriers. Last I checked other than lunchbox lockers or a torsion l/s there is no selectable locker available. Oh and I am pretty sure Aussie locker got bought out, hence the reason they are hard to find. I think spartan bought them.

Maniak · October 23, 2014

boominXplorer said:
The gear set you received looks to be standard rotation and you need reverse rotation

I'm 99% sure that backwards. I remember it as TTB front ends use reverse rotation and the true IFS (2nd gens) use standard rotate, like the Jeep rear. I know the TTB is reverse, but I could have sworn the 2nd gen was standard.

~Mark

Dono · October 23, 2014

I'm about to muddy the waters a bit, but thought I'd throw the part number of the Torsen front d35 for our Gen 2's out there. 975420-0207B
I understand that the air locker is by far the best in warmer climates, but this one would have pretty good street manners.

boominXplorer · October 23, 2014

Maniak said:
I'm 99% sure that backwards. I remember it as TTB front ends use reverse rotation and the true IFS (2nd gens) use standard rotate, like the Jeep rear. I know the TTB is reverse, but I could have sworn the 2nd gen was standard.

~Mark

Your right, I did a quick Google earlier trying to figure which is which and I'm guessing I picked up 1st Gen info. Just edited my post so I don't confuse anyone.

I run a torsion in the front diff of my ranger and can't even tell it's there on the street. I have an Auburn ected in the rear but it's JUNK. I have had better luck with traction with a stock rebuilt limited slip. I have a Yukon Grizzly on the shelf waiting to swap in.

glenn_a · October 23, 2014

Dono said:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407636&highlight=front+locker

Im betting [MENTION=12558]boominXplorer[/MENTION] knows exactly what you need.
Not sure about the air locker though.

thanks mate! ill check it out! :thumbsup:

glenn_a · October 23, 2014

dkchrist said:
I have worked on the D35 in the front of rangers and explorer and it depends on whether or not you have the CAD (Center Axle Disconnect). The axles on the front IFS d35 are retained by a circlip (not a c-clip) which requires an internal groove to retain them. Most locker do not have this groove to retain the axle. This can allow the passenger side shaft to walk out as you drive. This is where the CAD comes in. It has separate retention for the inner shaft to prevent the walk. As far as lockers go for the front, I think the Lokka or similar is your option. Also the CAD will allow you to turn nicely with a locker in the front.

Edit: It was a lockrite locker in the front of [MENTION=87244]gmanpaint[/MENTION] 's black hole. Had some assistance with my memory!

thanks for the Info... so I guess there is not such a Air locker or E-locker will fir on Gen2 Explorer only Auto Locker..

sorry what is the difference of C-clip and Circlip...?

glenn_a · October 23, 2014

Maniak said:
?? So People from Australia don't call the Aussie Locker an Aussie Locker? Aussie is the name of the manufacturer.. What do they call themselves down there?

As for how it will handle.. You only use the 4x4 when you really need it. The tires have to be able to slip with with part time 4x4 so you won't use 4x4 while driving on hard pack... That means it won't be involved most of the time...

Do you have Manual Hubs? If so, you can lock the hubs, leave it in 2wd and just don't drive as fast. That will hurt your mileage and put more wear on the front but when you put it in 4x4, you will be in 4x4. Also, even when your in 2wd, if the hubs are locked it will make it harder to turn.

If you don't have manual hubs or keep manual hubs unlocked you won't even know the locker is there until the hubs are locked (that means put it in 4x4 with auto hubs, or manually lock the manual hubs)..

~Mark

yes the Aussie locker is same as a Lokka here just different company as USA bought the Aussie Locker and now we don't have that here and its rare but another company opened up a new name called Lokka...

yes the Gen2 Explorer has a standard rotation as shown in the picture, first I thought it was reverse but I have to re-order the standard rotation...

whatg do you mean manual hubs? My 1997 explorer has a Auto / 4Hi / 4Lo, do you think it will be bad if I have an Auto locker? because its Auto?

glenn_a · October 23, 2014

Dono said:
I'm about to muddy the waters a bit, but thought I'd throw the part number of the Torsen front d35 for our Gen 2's out there. 975420-0207B
I understand that the air locker is by far the best in warmer climates, but this one would have pretty good street manners.

Torsen is a LSD right by better...?

I have checked over and over there is no Air Lockers or E-Lockers to suit gen2 1997 Explorer....

Dono · October 24, 2014

glenn_a said:
Torsen is a LSD right by better...?

I have checked over and over there is no Air Lockers or E-Lockers to suit gen2 1997 Explorer....

In my limited knowledge, I agree the LSD would be way better for street use since there doesn't seem to be an air locker for the front.

The locker would be great for an off road rig (better than the LSD), but not so good for street use. Some guys do super serious off roading and rock climbing. Locking diffs would make a huge difference there.

limited slip is a compromise. Probably a good one. I'm not sure about your weather, but a locked up front diff on the ice can be troublesome when trying to turn on city streets.

Maniak · October 24, 2014

glenn_a said:
<snip>
whatg do you mean manual hubs? My 1997 explorer has a Auto / 4Hi / 4Lo, do you think it will be bad if I have an Auto locker? because its Auto?

Forget about what I said about hubs.. my brain automatically goes to 1st gens which have hubs....

What I was trying to say is if the both front tires are connected to the Differential (CAD engaged, hubs engaged etc) then you will feel the locker up front.

If the wheels can freewheel from each other then (CAD not engaged, hubs not engaged etc) then you won't feel the locker.

~Mark

dkchrist · November 4, 2014

glenn_a said:
thanks for the Info... so I guess there is not such a Air locker or E-locker will fir on Gen2 Explorer only Auto Locker..

sorry what is the difference of C-clip and Circlip...?

Sorry it took a while to respond I kind fall off the face of the earth for a couple weeks then find my way back.

C-Clip- Axle cannot be removed with C-clip installed

Cir-Clip-(very generic name short for circle clip) Axle is retained but can be removed with a sharp pull collasping the clip and allowing the axle to slide out.

Need help urgent front diff air locker

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Moderator-Stock 91-94

Well-Known Member

04 GT

Explorer Addict

Moderator-Stock 91-94

Elite Ranger

Moderator-Stock 91-94

04 GT

Elite Ranger

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

04 GT

Moderator-Stock 91-94

Explorer Addict

Explorer Features

Explorer Features

Similar threads