Rear end options?

[ckhorne]

My first project to tackle is figuring out what I can do about the rear-end on my '67 Patrol.

Somewhere along the way, someone replaced it with a CJ5 rear-end (diff and axles) and the axles are locked together, for reasons I can't explain. This makes driving (turning, mostly) pretty difficult. Diffs are a new things for me, so I need to explore my options.

- Can anyone offer an idea as to why the axles would be locked? Unlocking them could be my cheapest option, if it's possible. Of course, then I'd want to deal with the 6 vs 5 lug nuts on the wheels issue...
- Assuming I'd need to replace the rear end: I'm guessing finding a 60-series rear-end will be impossible? I also see that a 1970 Toyota Landcruiser is a near drop-in fit.... is that likely my best option?

Any help / insight is appreciated-
chris

[moore_rb]

Well, the CJ5 rear end might have a locking differential, like a Detroit locker , or a lock-right. These are very common off-road modifications to improve traction

Or, someone might have gone in there and welded the spider gears together - off road gear heads call this a "Lincoln Locker" (as in Lincoln arc-welders)

if it has a true locking differential like a detroit, then getting over the chatter and tire chirping when you turn a corner is pretty easy, just teach yourself not to apply the accelerator when turning.

Accelerate before the turn, then take your foot off the gas and coast through the turn- this allows the locking diff to disengage during the turn, and will make the turn much smoother- the only thing you will hear is a mild ratchetting sound

If it has welded spider gears, then there is no way to make turning any easier- welded (or spooled) rear ends are always going to be herky-jerky through the turns.

As far as options go for replacing the rear end, yes, Toyota FJ40 rear axles work, and they have the bonus of matching the Patrol's 6 lug wheel pattern (there is actually an FJ40 rear axle located near me for sale that is already modified to fit the Patrol), and there are in fact Patrol rear axles out there for sale, the trick is finding one that isn't on the other side of the country (or the other side of the planet, for that matter )

or you could simply have an open differential re-installed into your existing CJ5 rear end - This would probably prove to be your easiest, and least expensive option

I would imagine you could find an old stock CJ5 open differential in a junkyard for 50 bucks or so, and any decent rear end shop would probably charge about $350-$500 to swap it out for you.

[ckhorne]

Awesome - thanks for the info - this gives me some places to start looking.

I hadn't tried lifting off the accelerator while turning, but it's worth a try just to narrow down what's going on. I'll do that when it warms up a little...

Interesting option about the open diff installed on my existing rear end... I'll look into that as well.

Thanks!

[faux40]

I know that I'm a bazillion miles away in Sunny Northern California, so shipping may be ridiculous... or justification for a road trip! Anyway, our green '66 parts patrol has axles that I'd be willing to part with. PM me if you're interested.