Is there a conversion for open diff to sure grip?

I have a 489 case with 30 spline open diff.

I want the clutch pack style differential and I am not opposed to buying a sure grip unit but I would like to use what I have if I can instead of ending up with a corner full of unusable parts.

Can someone direct me on this?

thanks!

There is no conversion that takes an open carrier and turns it into a SureGrip short of complete replacement of the carrier.

Closest there is is called a minispool that fits in place of the side gears inside the carrier, but it is by no means a limited slip setup, it permanently locks the axle shafts to the carrier and there is absolutely no provisions for the wheels turning at different speeds as in a turn, IOW straight line use only.

Buy a locker from Dr Diff.

There is no effective band aid you can toss in there. It must be disassembled and have parts replaced.

That ring gear is bolted to the carrier and the carrier does the limited slip work you're wanting.

There is no conversion from open to limited slip. There are drop-in lockers like the Powertrax Lock Right.

Thing is, I don't understand your concern about having a corner full of unusable parts. The only part that isn't reused, except for bearings if you replace them, is the open differential itself.

BTW, the bolts holding the ring gear to the differential are left hand thread.

I have attached a picture of the part that will be sitting in the corner.

R.

Yes, I have had spools before and it's not practical for street use. It's been a while since I have worked with these things so I don't know what I may have missed as far as new parts and technology. I appreciate the information and advice!

I do understand the components of the differential. If I buy a new one I will get in touch with Dr. Diff. Cass was nice enough to get back to me asap last night when I made an inquiry and his price for the new one beats a lot of these used pieces I see. Thank you !

Yes, I do recall the bolts are left hand thread. Thanks for the info!

I found out the hard way that there were left handed, after snapping off three of them first.

don't forget the "lincoln locker".

The drop in lockers are a nice thing also. I run a spool in my Barracuda but my jeep has a drop in locker in each axle. I have over 50,000 miles on the one in the rear and it still works just like it should. It has seen lots of offered work as well. Great functioning piece for the price.

I have never been happy with a limited slip in any kind of performance or offroad situation. You always end up with a one tire fire at some point lol. Its either locker or spool for me.

Lincoln locker, lol. Had to think about that one. I've seen them. I guess if there is nothing else and you absolutely have to have one, then maybe.

LOL...every time I think of a Lincoln locker, I think of this pic from a long time ago.

Which drop-in locker would you use? I wonder since I have 15" wide tires on the back if I wouldn't be better off with a locker. Still trying to figure this out.
Thanks for the info !

Makes perfect sense !

I am not too sure I get it. Why would you want to weld the pinion to the ring gear? To lock the rear end for what purpose? It won't roll. On the other hand I have seen spider gears welded together n dirt track cars to make an instant locked axle...

Can someone explain the term Lincoln locker? Ahh, Lincoln welders!!!!

It was a "Fail" pic posted in a thread a long time ago when someone was asking about welding up the spider gears to make a poor mans "locker".

The term comes from using a Lincoln brand welder to weld up the spider gears of an open diff to lock the wheels together. Calling it a "locker" when it's basically like a spool. Obviously there are other brands of welders, but a Miller locker doesn't sound as good.

Lol!!!!

If you are running 15" wide tires, then I'd suggest just skipping anything else and buying a Detroit Locker. They are about a bulletproof as they can get. I'm attaching the Eaton main differential page address.

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Vehicle/Differentials/index.htm

The drop-in lockers have one major disadvantage and that is they can only have two pinion gears. That also goes for the mini-spool. A purpose-built limited slip can have four pinion gears, like the Power Lock, or it can have a completely different design.

I also like the E-locker as 90% of the time an open diff drives better. Then you just lock the differential when you need to. The Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen has the option of three lockable differential units, one in the front axle, one in the rear axle, and one in the driveshaft. I had a drive in one in a desert setting and when all three diffs were locked it'd just go in a straight line no matter how the steering wheel was doing. Open the center diff and turning was possible, but difficult. With only the rear diff locked it steered almost like an open diff, just some extra effort going around corners.

There is a plethora of limited slip or locker types on the market. Call DoctorDiff.

R.

This is the information I am looking for. I swear it's been so long since I've worked on cars, I have forgotten so much. Not to mention, I am not up on the new products. Thanks again for your help!