Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,087 Posts1,056,107 Members48,434 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | I have a '56 chevy 2ton, open diff creates issues when I'm stuck, it'd sure be nice to have a locker in this thing. Besides spinning only one tire, on a small slick hill parking it with the parking brake on (just holds the driveshaft) it'll also roll forward with an open diff (wheels can turn in opposite directions). Doesn't look like anyone makes a drop-in (or "lunch box") locker for these? Anyone ever try to adapt one to it? Seems like it might be doable with some custom machining. Maybe I'm crazy haha but I love to mod/improve things. Something like this, and adapting it to the correct axle size/spline: [img] https://www.speednik.com/files/2017/05/2017-05-18_04-35-28.jpg[/img] https://www.drivetrainshop.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/spartan_install.jpgI haven't had the rear open yet, so maybe it's just all wayyyy to big to even try a locker made for a dana 60? thx for any advice, Gary | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,598 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,598 | A welder will make it a locker real quick! Don't ask me how I know!
Don 1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck"The Flag Pole"In the Stovebolt Gallery1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most! | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 |
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | HAHA yeah unfortunately I can't weld it up, I still haul big loads with this thing so that'd be an unmitigated disaster when turning on a hard surface with 5 ton of gravel on the back!
There must be some other solution? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 | Have you considered buying tires with some tread on them? It's highly unlikely that every big rig that's ever been produced in the past 75 years or more would have been able to haul untold millions of tons of cargo if all of them really needed a locker to get the job done! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | Have you considered buying tires with some tread on them? It's highly unlikely that every big rig that's ever been produced in the past 75 years or more would have been able to haul untold millions of tons of cargo if all of them really needed a locker to get the job done! Jerry I have brand new 10R22.5 retreads! Nice tires. The other day I was in wet grass and had to back up a hill with a full water tank on the back. Right tire spun out and there I sat. Most of my trouble is on ice in the winter though, and it always spins one side immediately and then all momentum comes to a stop. An icy slope is also where I had a problem with the parking brake not holding it, since it's an open diff. Creates a dangerous situation. Again, this is all with very nice tires on it. I can send pics if you'd like to see them. I live in the mountains, lot of steep terrain and snow/ice/mud. I should also mention I swapped the engine with a new BBC with 525ft-lbs of torque, that doesn't help, haha. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | If you have a heavy load and need a locker, You shouldn't be there in that truck! Like Jerry said, New mud grip tires should do it and have a Ford to lead the way out!
Let the bashing begin! Don HAHA  | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,598 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,598 | A set of chains will be your friend then!
Don
Last edited by 2-Ton; 08/07/2020 12:02 AM.
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck"The Flag Pole"In the Stovebolt Gallery1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 | Maybe you need a driver? I saw a Peterbilt with a 425 Cat and too much traction put three full turns into a piece of 4" driveshaft tubing one day. It was bogged down in a muddy rice field and the throttle jockey revved it up and side-stepped the clutch. The driveshaft ended up looking like an hourglass. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | Maybe you need a driver? I saw a Peterbilt with a 425 Cat and too much traction put three full turns into a piece of 4" driveshaft tubing one day. It was bogged down in a muddy rice field and the throttle jockey revved it up and side-stepped the clutch. The driveshaft ended up looking like an hourglass. Jerry HAHA I'm not side stepping the clutch or using a bunch of throttle. Would a better driver help the issue of parking brake on a slick hill not holding it? Maybe you should show us your skills in fixing that problem, Einstein. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 | Maybe not being on the hill in the first place might be an option? Einstein wouldn't have put three times the engine he needs into the truck. It got along quite well for a few decades with a 235, or maybe a 261 in it. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | A stronger throttle return spring might help. Detroit lockers come for big truck diffs., might be worth changing diffs. to one with a locker.
Might be able to get by with just hanging out 3rd. member?
Ed
Last edited by EdPruss; 08/07/2020 12:44 PM.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy 8flat, Years ago I purchased a "Detroit locker" for my 57 Chevrolet one ton and over the years I acquired a 1959 Chevrolet Spartan 100 Chevrolet dump truck with a two speed Eaton rear axle which was also equipped with a "Detroit Locker, or No Spin" rear axle. So they were out there and available at one time, maybe an Ebay search will turn something up, or post an ad in the parts wanted forum. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | A stronger throttle return spring might help. Detroit lockers come for big truck diffs., might be worth changing diffs. to one with a locker.
Ed Thanks Ed, I took a look at Rockwell but that's more of an involved swap than I'd like. There might be others that aren't so spendy though. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | Hy 8flat, Years ago I purchased a "Detroit locker" for my 57 Chevrolet one ton and over the years I acquired a 1959 Chevrolet Spartan 100 Chevrolet dump truck with a two speed Eaton rear axle which was also equipped with a "Detroit Locker, or No Spin" rear axle. So they were out there and available at one time, maybe an Ebay search will turn something up, or post an ad in the parts wanted forum. That's interesting, I had no idea it was an option on these, very cool. I'll check around, thanks | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | A set of chains will be your friend then!
Don True, I do need a set for winter. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,455 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,455 | Have seen school buses from the '50 that had No-spin axle, may have only been on single speed axle as I recall.
BC 1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc 1949 GMC 250 project in waiting 1960 C60 pasture art Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022 | | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,969 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,969 | Maybe not being on the hill in the first place might be an option? Einstein wouldn't have put three times the engine he needs into the truck. It got along quite well for a few decades with a 235, or maybe a 261 in it. Jerry Play nice Jerry.
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | Have seen school buses from the '50 that had No-spin axle, may have only been on single speed axle as I recall. Interesting, I wonder if they were a clutch-based limited slip design? It'd be fun to find one... | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Detroit Lockers are a specific product, not a generic product, they do not have slipping clutches, sometimes called harsh, but they work.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,455 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,455 | Interesting, I wonder if they were a clutch-based limited slip design? It'd be fun to find one...[/quote] No clutches, built like this (have one in my newer K2500) https://www.randysworldwide.com/product/yglgm14t-30/
BC 1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc 1949 GMC 250 project in waiting 1960 C60 pasture art Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022 | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Google 'Detroit locker' Eaton comes up, follow along there.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 47 | Update: It appears that Eaton still makes a "NoSpin" locker for our rear ends, pretty cool news. This is assuming I have an H110 rear in mine, I need to confirm. The one-wheel wonder days may be in my rear view mirror! Eaton part number: 250S-27 https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...ospin/eaton-nospin-application-guide.pdf
Last edited by 8flat; 09/15/2020 2:27 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy 8flat, thanks very much for the link, I hope you find something that fits. | | |
| |