Locking rear diff??
 

I'm embarrassed to ask this, but I know next to nothing about rear differentials....


I've got a 1972 C20 Suburban. Rear end is a Dana 60 based on both the options list on the glove box door, and the casting on the differential housing itself. My question is, on my 2wd truck, is the Dana 60 lockable, and if so, how? I don't do any aggressive "off roading" or "rock climbing" but the truck does see a fair number of camping trips and un-paved excursions. Airing down the tires and the ability to lock the rear diff would cover almost any situation this truck will ever find itself in.

Thanks for the help,
Greg

Re: Locking rear diff??
 

I don't know much myself but I believe that Dana 60 could have been ordered with a Power-Loc option. This would show on your option list and if you jack up one rear wheel (in neutral) you wouldn't be able to turn it easily.

I think you can upgrade to power loc for some Dana ratios like 4.10 for around $3-400 plus set-up cost. But like I said, I really don't know much. If you have a locker, it would be automatic, not something you could turn on for special occasions. -BA

Re: Locking rear diff??
 

Hmmmm....interesting, I'll have to take a closer look then.

Re: Locking rear diff??
 

Dana offered three different differential cases for the Dana 60.
An open case - non limited slip.

The Trac Lok which is a clutch based limited slip differential case usually offered in car lines.

And the Powrlok which is a limited slip with a movable pin to exert even more power to the clutches.

The aftermarket has many choices for the Dana 60 including cable, air and electric actuated lockers.

Re: Locking rear diff??
 

Howdy,
I see you over on the Corvette board, love your car.

One of the least obtrusive and very effective diffs would be a TruTrac which is a Gleason style gear limited slip.

The cheap way is the TracLock and the best OEM setup from that vintage is the PowerLock.

But there are many more solutions out there for the Dana 60. My 72 Sub has the HO52, so the only option is the Maximum Traction (Detroit) differential.

Most of this echoes what Big Dave said, and I see he has a mid-year as well!

Re: Locking rear diff??
 

Thanks Mike, and thanks for the info! I'll have to first figure out what exactly is in my truck, and then shop around to see what I want/need for this application.