| Author | Message | ||
     Tarek Khalil (Pharaohdisco) New Member Username: Pharaohdisco Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2003 |
I have just installed in my 1996 D1 a Detroit Locker for my rear differential with a 4.1 ratio ring and pinion set. In the front I have also changed the ring and pinion to a 4.1 ratio together with a heavy duty (4 planet gears) open differential. I have acquired all the items from Ashcroft transmissions in the UK who also manufacture halfshafts for Land Rovers. I have discussed with Ian, their technical manager whether it was necessary to change the halfshafts to stronger ones. He mentioned that it was not necessary and that the original 24 spline Discovery halfshafts are strong enough and the Ashcroft halfshafts or those from KAM or Quaife or GBR can only be 15-20% stronger due to some changes in the steel specs. and not 100% stronger as Great Basin Rovers claim on their website. He also mentioned that Ashcroft had a discussion with GBR over this issue and have asked GBR to present them with some figures to prove that their halfshafts were 100% stonger than the original Land Rover 24 spline halfshafts, but GBR did not present any figures. Ian from Ashcroft states that the new 24 spline halfshafts used in Land Rovers whether original or aftermarket can be 100% stonger that the older 10 spline halfshafts, that is why it is recommended to change from 10 spline to 24, but if you have originally 24 spline halfshafts, there is no need to change them and original Land Rover 24 spline halfshafts are very close in strength to the aftermarket 24 spline halfshafts which was proven through various stress tests. Does anybody have any information or comments on this subject. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1002 Registered: 08-2002 |
Do a search. Tons of information. Short of it is with a locker, larger tires than stock and heavy wheeling, you will break stock axles and are much less likely to break GBR. I don't know about how much stronger they are percentage wise but I have seen the GBR axles put through a hell of a lot of abuse. Check out Brian Friends gallery he beats them up on a regular basis and I guarantee he has toasted his stock ones. I have purchased front and rear drive shafts from GBR and I have absolutely no reason not to believe Bill. I think you will find everyone here speaks very highly of him and that he has a good reputation. | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1420 Registered: 02-2002 |
You will break stock 24-spline rear shafts with a Detroit at some point and if you lose an axle - and it can take the Detroit with it. Can't answer why Ashcroft said what they did, but it might be a case of sour grapes because the GBR axles break less frequently than the Ashcrofts (based on lots of posts over the years here and elswhere - not personal experience). So you gotta ask yourself - you just spent a bunch on diffs, gears, setup, etc - why risk breaking something and/or getting stuck somewhere you don't want to be! Call Bill at GBR to get his side of the story - I'd bet he'd be interested in what ashcroft is saying  I can't say I blame him for not responding to Ashcroft (if that was the case)- why give away tons of info for them to use against their competition - that just wouldn't make sense. Bill | ||
| Tarek Khalil (Pharaohdisco) New Member Username: Pharaohdisco Post Number: 13 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thanks for the information. I will call Bill at GBR. | ||
| Nadim Samara (Discodino) Member Username: Discodino Post Number: 206 Registered: 02-2003 |
Anyone using KAM? | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 230 Registered: 05-2003 |
Post your question at the P.O.R. website. Those guys are hardcore and have tried every combination of axels, lockers, cv joints, etc., you could think of and more you can't. Funny, I don't think I've ever read that anyone at P.O.R., in the Land Rover section, is using Ashcroft axels. Be forewarned - if you post this, flame retardant underwear won't be enough. It can get brutal. But it will make interesting reading. | ||
| Tarek Khalil (Pharaohdisco) New Member Username: Pharaohdisco Post Number: 14 Registered: 12-2003 |
I just contacted Bill at GBR and I ordered a set of their heavy duty rear halfshafts for my D1. He was very helpful in explaining the differences in the various halfshafts. I did not know that their halfshafts were made by MaxiDrive in Australia. They do have a very good reputation. |
