Which axle works harder/most drive go to offroad?

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Chalky.

Well-Known Member
Posts
4,711
Location
Mid Wales
Hi guys, its sounds a bit of a stupid question when I read it back to myself, as I'm fairly sure drive is split 50/50 by transfer box, but just wanted to make sure.

I've just ordered an Ashcroft ATB, as an early Christmas present to myself, and I can only afford one at this time (as funds allow I will purchase a second one next year), so I'm keen to know if one axle is more suited to an atb diff than the other?

I have read murmurings of the front axle doing 20% more work in off-road, slippy conditions, but I can find anything to back that up now.

Looking forward to any pointers to help me decide which axle to uprate first! Cheers in advance! J
 
Rear for the ATB. Spoke to Nige at Xcess 4x4 quite a bit about this, he basically said unless you really want an ATB in the front I wouldnt bother. Best to fit an ATB in the rear and a 4pin open front if you spend more time on road than off.
 
drive is split 50/50, which axles is doing the most is going to change frequently from both the same to either front or back, if your going to fit 1 locker you put it in the rear as front does the steering, in situations where theres good grip rear wheels will deliver more torque as they can use the leverage of the rest of the truck forward of the axle its called weight transference and why tractors had larger rear wheels
 
Last edited:
drive is split 50/50, which axles is doing the most is going to change frequently from both the same to either front or back, if your going to fit 1 locker you put it in the rear a front does the steering, in situations where theres good grip rear wheels will deliver more torque as they can use the leverage of the rest of the truck forward of the axle its called weight transference and why tractors had larger rear wheels

Thanks for the reply guys, good analogy with the tractor and weight transference James, that's sorted then, rear it is! @bankz5152 Thanks both! :)
 
I love my ATB! Youll enjoy it :D

Haha thanks mate!

I ordered it this morning so not sure when it'll arrive. Looking forward to taking a couple of days off to take my old diff out and suss it all out and install this new one, love doing stealthy upgrades! :)

Most importantly, cant wait to try it out! Do you notice the difference then mate? And do you have one or two?
 
On road its the same, bar braking feels more planted and solid. Not had a chance to take it off road yet

One rear, pegged built by Xcess4x4

What is fun, lock the center diff and powerslide away :D:D
 
Hi guys, its sounds a bit of a stupid question when I read it back to myself, as I'm fairly sure drive is split 50/50 by transfer box, but just wanted to make sure.

I've just ordered an Ashcroft ATB, as an early Christmas present to myself, and I can only afford one at this time (as funds allow I will purchase a second one next year), so I'm keen to know if one axle is more suited to an atb diff than the other?

I have read murmurings of the front axle doing 20% more work in off-road, slippy conditions, but I can find anything to back that up now.

Looking forward to any pointers to help me decide which axle to uprate first! Cheers in advance! J

Can you fit what you have ordered in either axle anyway?

You can't with a Detroit, they have to be built for front or rear fitment.

It is usual to fit a full locker in the rear, and either a full front if you are going very extreme, or an LSD in the front. Sometimes a full locker in the rear and open front is hard to steer off road.
 
Can you fit what you have ordered in either axle anyway?

You can't with a Detroit, they have to be built for front or rear fitment.

It is usual to fit a full locker in the rear, and either a full front if you are going very extreme, or an LSD in the front. Sometimes a full locker in the rear and open front is hard to steer off road.

Hi mate! Yeah, I've just got standard 90 axles and standard open diffs, and the Ashcroft atb can be fitted to either front or rear (same unit) or both, just orientated to suit the carrier.

Yeah I do alot of road miles so opted to not have a locker like a Detroit, and budget wont allow me to fit an air operated unit, although I know that is the ultimate!

I'll be happy when both axle diffs have these in, as I do alot of weighted towing across grass and a fair amount in the forestry etc, not to mention greenlaning! So I reckon these will do, if I find I need more I guess a winch will be next! :)
 
Hi mate! Yeah, I've just got standard 90 axles and standard open diffs, and the Ashcroft atb can be fitted to either front or rear (same unit) or both, just orientated to suit the carrier.

Yeah I do alot of road miles so opted to not have a locker like a Detroit, and budget wont allow me to fit an air operated unit, although I know that is the ultimate!

I'll be happy when both axle diffs have these in, as I do alot of weighted towing across grass and a fair amount in the forestry etc, not to mention greenlaning! So I reckon these will do, if I find I need more I guess a winch will be next! :)

OK, so the ATB is like an LSD, then! Never had one.
I would still fit it in the rear first, though.

I wouldn't necessarily say Air Operated is better than mechanical locker either. They both have strong points, and weak points.
When I had air operated lockers, they were always giving trouble, airlines ripped off, compressor leaking, etc. Strong point is they have no effect at all in on-road driving.
Mechanical is just there, it is fit and forget, and you don't have to switch it at all. But it does make a slightly heavier drive on road, and a bit more tyre wear.
 
I’d say there are no negatives to an ATB in the front too.

He didnt say anything negative, just that its a pricey part that isnt really needed unless you really really want it or do some hefty off roading.

ATBs are very similar to LSDs but better suited to off roading as there is always a small amount of load when one wheel has no traction - i.e cross axled etc... They work brilliantly with TC as well
 
My new diff arrived from Ashcroft's today, and as luck would have it a client has postponed the job I was going to do tomorrow, so I plan to fit the diff instead.

:)
 
Last edited:
WP_20171125_14_54_54_Pro.jpg


Well here she is folks, Ashcroft ATB going into the diff! Finished today! :)
 
Just a thought, but when stuck, I would rather the vehicle pulled me out from the front wheels than pushed me through from the rear.
 
Just a thought, but when stuck, I would rather the vehicle pulled me out from the front wheels than pushed me through from the rear.

Bit late for thoughts like that as she's up and running in the rear like a good-un! :)

As I do a fair bit of towing up rubbish, slippery forestry type tracks I reckon the rear is the right choice!

In general greenlaning I'm not sure I makes a whole lot of difference, but the weight being transferred more to the rear, especially gunning up an incline would probably put more down force on the rear axle as James said.....I intend to update the front as soon as I have enough pennies anyhow :)
 
I have read what has been written here. @bankz5152 got his there.
https://megasquirt-v8.co.uk/diff_faq.php
It is worth taking the time to delve into it and having a read.

Cheers

One of the (many) reasons I didn't want a locker, and went for an atb.
They don't transfer anything like the loading a locker would when used with aggression.

I'm not 'upgrading' my half shafts as that'll move the 'weak' spot to the props or the t/box, half shafts are cheap, boxs aren't, and besides, how I drive, I'm not worried
 
Back
Top