1973 K20 front D44 Spartan locker install

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Craig Nedrow

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350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
The carrier can be washed and readed for the reinstallation of the Spartan parts. Pins and springs, (that will put tension on the gears that lets them lock, but also slip when needed,) are installed in the gear set, and held in place with 1/16 inch pins. This will aid in assembly down the road.
 

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Craig Nedrow

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Once both primary gears are installed, the two intermediate gears are installed. The cross shaft fits all these pieces, so all must be lined up. I could not get mine quite lined up, book said to bend the 1/16 inch pins, but I just removed one and got the shaft started. The only thing to remember is that the cross shaft is retained by the spring pin, so the hole in the shaft will need to be installed in line with the carrier hole. This does not have to be perfect, close will do as you can turn the shaft to align, run a punch to align them drive in the cross shaft retaining pin. Than is how I installed it and was easy, no surprises.
 

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Craig Nedrow

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This completes the bench work, and carrier is now ready to be reinstalled in the housing. Soooo, I just shoved it back as close as I could to being centered on the bearing bore and beat it in in with my handy dead blow hammer. Again it is a snug fit...snug is good. Install the bearing caps, bolts and pull it in evenly, and final torque to 60 ft. lbs.
 

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Craig Nedrow

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K10, K20, C20
Engine Size
350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
The book states that the gap should be between .140-.170, mine was .164. This completes the install minus the reassembly. Note on reassembly, I used a c-clamp on the caliper to push it into the housing to aid in the reassembly of the pads. Also grease the upper joint as you cannot grease it assembled. I greased everything with my awesome Milwaukee electric grease gun.
 

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Craig Nedrow

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350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
Also, I re-greased the hub bearings while I was at it. Fill with 80-90 gear oil, or 90-140 royal purple. We still have lots of snow, and it is compacted and heavy, and I only have 31X9 inch Wildcat tires, not my BF Goodrich all terrain ta. Having said that, I took it out on the back 230 ac, but it was tough going. However Warn hubs locked in, low range behind that good 454, throws snow, rocks and dirt with all four tires at a high rate of speed.
 

Craig Nedrow

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350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
I was gonna be nice to the tires... but they came with the truck, and not near the traction of the 12.5X33 so what you gonna do?
 

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Craig Nedrow

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Engine Size
350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
If anything is unclear, post me and I will try to expound further. Just for fun...Elk below the house.
 

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bucket

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Nice write-up!
 

Craig Nedrow

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Thanks Bucket, got more coming!
 

68post

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What's your driving impression = on pavement and off ?
 

Craig Nedrow

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350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
Driving impression, Not for the parking lot, i am very rural, so with the hubs locked and not in 4x4, was doable, but lock in the transfer case, and you can feel every rotation of the front axles. With the transfer case in two wheel drive, hubs out, drives just like it used to. Off road, it is a grubber. With the right tires, I think this would hold it's own with any comparable rig, young or old. I wanted a Yukon, like the one in my 14 bolt FF, but Randy's didn't make one and Spartan does have a good name. There are a few reviews around and they are favorable. Me, as a machinist, the hubs are made of 9620, great stuff as it can be through heat treated. It is also stable, tough because of the nickel. I think there design is good, I like Randy's big spring instead of the four small springs, but it works. Up hill four low locked in with 31 wildcat's was a joke. My old BF goodrich All Terraine T/A were pretty good, and I had some coopers discoverer's that were good. I like the way the 12.5X33 fit my truck, and I do not want it any taller, as I might have to raise the cab to clear the 4l80e I am in the process of building. I will do a different write up on that one. Cheers!
 

Craig Nedrow

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1973 (have two), 1985
Truck Model
K10, K20, C20
Engine Size
350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
Forgot to say that yes, all four tires throw snow, mud and rocks everywhere, the 454 is running excellent!
 

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