posi to open diff

[Pickupman_69]

can someone explain the steps to do this,im curious if its simple or even possible, i ask this because an open diff locker is way cheaper and thats my goal

 

[unclemeat]

Possible but not practical. The differential has to be removed and dissambled. Reassembly requires setting up the gears. If you were going through this process, you could just install real auto locker, like a Detroilt locker.

You may be able to replace the clutches in the stock limited slip differential without removing. You can research this option here on the site.

 

[Pickupman_69]

But is it just as simple as swapping the guts from an open diff in and taking the posi gears out, then setting the gears? I still see this as a cheaper option than buying a 700 $ locker for a posi.

I can get an aussie locker from east coast gears for under 300

 

[boominXplorer]

You can swap in an open carrier but you will have to reset the backlash on the gears. You might have to get a shim kit since the factory comes with exact shims. It can be done but expect spending an extra $150 if you do all the work yourself and correctly.

 

[corkey]

it's not that tough, if he uses the same gears on the new carrier he shouldn't have to reset the pinion depth, maybe just the backlash to make sure he has the right clearances, and pattern,

but !!!!

for the cost of a carrier and the time to do it, may be able to find a used 2nd gen axle with disc brakes and just swap the whole thing , than sell the posi axle complete,,
maybe break even,, or even make a few bucks for your time

 

[rookieshooter]

I assume you never set up gears before? If you do the work yourself, I would strongly suggest having a friend who might have set up gears before to give you a hand. But with that said there is enough info out there that with the proper tools you can do it. It is not some kind of Black magic thing. I just did my front D44 with a gear change and an Aussie install not mentioning the ARB and 5.13 in the rear D70. Keep in mind that they're are Carrier breaks for certain gear ratios above and below a certain ratio. For example, I installed 5.13 gears in the front D44, so that carrier that had the 3.73 gears was no good. Had to go to another carrier to allow for the difference in ring gear thickness.
There is a lot of work that has to be done right. I even have several set-up bearings so I don't have to keep pressing them on and off again. Not trying to scare you, but I would really spend a lot of time researching this topic on how to and tools required.

 

[Pickupman_69]

Thats why I came here first. I just find it insane that a locker for a posi rear end is three times as much as on for an open diff and I refuse to spend that amount of money if it was simple to do.
I have a buddy who is a mechanic I would ask for help and to do it in his home shop. he is helping me do a SOA soon anyways. I figured while we were in the business just do it all.