Yukon Gear & Axle Products
- Traction Devices
- Axle Shafts
- Overhaul Kit
- Ring & Pinion
- DURA GRIP: POSITRACTION
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OVERVIEW OF A DURA GRIP
The Yukon Dura Grip is an example of the popular clutch plate limited slips that appeared as OE equipment. Steel clutch plates, half of which are covered with a friction lining material, are sandwiched behind the differential side gears inside the carrier housing. These plates are alternately tabbed to the carrier or splined to the axle shaft. The tabbed pieces are called plates and the splines are called discs. The side gears are preloaded with springs placed between the side gears. This preload provides greater traction to both axles. In a turning situation, the Dura Grip allows a speed differential mostly because the torque loads will be low enough to allow the differential to operate.
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When a Dura Grip is sold, it is beneficial to sell a carrier installation kit. This kit will include new carrier bearings and shims which should be replaced to insure optimal performance of the Dura Grip and make the installation easier. A complete Differential Installation Kit is also a good alternative option since it will replace all bearings and seals in the differential.
Yukon Dura Grip Positraction
The four-spring clutch-style positraction has been around for years because of its great reliability and rebuildability. Because of its popularity Yukon has released its version – the Yukon Dura Grip. It’s available for all popular GM and Ford applications, and more applications are arriving all the time. Dura Grip units are assembled with heavy-duty 4320 Chromoly spider gears and composite clutches for reduced chatter, and they are fully rebuildable. Yukon chose the 4-spring design because of its race-proven background and years of use by GM.
- GRIZZLY: MECHANICAL LOCKER
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OVERVIEW OF A GRIZZLY
Yukon Grizzly Locker is an automatic, speed sensing locker. It will lock up when there is a wheel speed difference side-to-side. They are fitted with internal components that allow for differentiation in turns. Automatic lockers are very popular in the four-wheeling world and are touted for leaving the driver to concentrate on other elements of driving and letting the locker figure out when to engage. Automatic lockers are also used on performance cars, most commonly for acceleration.
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When a Grizzly Locker is sold, it is beneficial to sell a carrier installation kit. This kit will include new carrier bearings and shims which should be replaced to insure optimal performance of the Grizzly Locker and make the installation easier. A complete Differential Installation Kit is also a good alternative option since it will replace all bearings and seals in the differential.
Grizzly Locker
Mechanical positive-locking differentials have been the staple for drag racing, circle track racing, off-road use and a variety of other performance applications for decades. Yukon Gear & Axle is proud to introduce the Grizzly Locker, the latest in locking differentials. The Grizzly Locker features an 8620 case, forged 8620 internals and a patented design which reduces common locker failures. The inner clutch teeth have an improved design, with a larger radius at the base, improving strength over back-cut designs. Larger teeth help to avoid breakage against shock-loading or in the event an axle breaks. The internals are hand fitted, for faster engagement. These units provide maximum traction and strength for many performance applications. Grizzly Lockers are available for a variety of car & truck applications, with new applications being added all the time! ASSEMBLED IN THE USA!
- ZIP: AIR OPERATED LOCKER
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OVERVIEW OF A ZIP LOCKER
If you’re looking for the latest in on-demand traction, then the Zip Locker is for you. The Zip Locker is an air operated locking differential designed with severe offroad use in mind. Its 8620 case & 4320 steel internals provide maximum strength against failure and give you piece of mind on the trail. Each unit comes with a variety of small parts for installation and operation, including air line & fittings, seal housing, shims (if applicable), operation switch with front & rear covers, zip ties and more. A variety of air sources can be used for operating the Zip Locker, including air compressors or onboard air systems. Yukon also offers an industry-first “competition series” Zip Locker that defaults-to-lock if the air pressure is interrupted for any reason. Competition series units are available for Dana 60 in 35 spline. ASSEMBLED IN THE USA!
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When a Zip Locker is sold, it is beneficial to sell a carrier installation kit. This kit will include new carrier bearings and shims which should be replaced to insure optimal performance of the Zip Locker and make the installation easier. A complete Differential Installation Kit is also a good alternative option since it will replace all bearings and seals in the differential.
Air Operated Zip Locker
A selectable locker is preferable in recreational four wheeling and off-road racing applications. The ability to unlock the differential for tighter turning and lock the differential for maximum traction on-demand gives you the best of both worlds. While air is used to lock the differential in standard applications, Yukon is the only manufacturer to offer a competition unit that uses air to unlock the differential. The advantage of this design is that during competition if the air pressure is interrupted for any reason, the unit defaults to lock for continued traction. If air pressure is interrupted with a standard unit, it defaults to unlocked, costing traction and severely hampering a race vehicle’s performance.
- HARDCORE LOCKING HUBS: LOCKING HUBS
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OVERVIEW OF A HARDCORE HUB
A locking hub simply disconnects the axle from the wheel hub, allowing the axle to be at rest. In vehicles that do not have manual locking hubs, even when they are in two wheel drive the front axle is still turning during normal driving. The benefit of a manual locking hub is reduced wear and maintenance on front axle components due to it no longer rotating during normal driving operation. Greater fuel economy is also seen due to reduced drag when the hubs are unlocked. Hardcore Locking Hubs feature all steel construction, a low profile bezel and selector to reduce impact with objects when traveling off-road, and a default-to-lock design in case of a failure.
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When Hardcore Locking Hubs are sold, it is beneficial to sell front wheel bearings, spindle bearings, and seals. This is a great opportunity to replace the bearings and seals to insure optimal performance for your locking hubs.
Hardcore Locking Hubs
These heavy-duty lockouts feature all steel construction, including Chromoly internals, for the ultimate in durability & strength. The Hardcore Locking Hubs will not disengage under high torque applications and defaults to the locked position under use. Engagement comes from just a 1/3 turn of the all-steel, low-profile bezel. The Hardcore Locking Hub is not only great looking, but features a low-profile design to minimize impact with obstacles, and a proprietary coating on the locking gears for decreased friction & long life. Hardcore Locking Hubs are an easy, bolt-on installation for all spline Dana 60 & Dana 50 outers from 1977-2004. All Hardcore Locking Hubs feature lifetime warranty against defect.
OVERVIEW OF AN AXLE
An axle shaft is the final part of a differential that transfers power to the wheels. Front and rear axle shafts have different construction details. A rear axle mates to the wheel via a flange on the end. A front axle consists of two shafts, an inner and an outer, that mate to each other via a universal joint to allow for turning. Front axles connect to the front wheels via a hub assembly. Factory axle are typically made from a 1040 alloy steel, while aftermarket performance shafts are made from a 1541H or 4340 Chromoly alloy for significant strength gains.
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When an axle is sold, it is beneficial to sell axle bearings and seals and axle studs.
A common reason for axle failure is bad bearings and seals and replacing these is critical. These parts are inexpensive and will guarantee longevity and optimal performance.
ANATOMY OF AN AXLE
OEM Replacement Rear Axle Shafts
Many people don’t realize that over time axles wear out and need to be replaced. Yukon manufactures OEM axles to fit most domestic rear-wheel-drive passenger cars as well as 2WD and 4WD pickup trucks and SUVs. Yukon’s performance rear axles are heat-treated deeper than the factory axle shafts to ensure added shaft strength and durability in the bearing and seal area.
High Performance Rear Axles
Rear axles are one of the most important parts of a hot rod or extreme-built 4x4. A weak axle can leave you stranded when you least expect it, so don’t compromise. Get the best, get the Yukon advantage. Yukon’s high-performance rear axles are made from high quality 1541H and 4340 Chromoly steel. These axles are engineered to stand up to the extreme conditions of hard street driving, trail running or weekends at the track.
Chromoly Front Axles
If you’re looking for strength and durability, we can help. Yukon Replacement Chromoly front axles for Spicer® 30, 44, 60 and GM 8.5 are made from only the best steel available and are engineered to withstand the most extreme off-road conditions. Yukon Chromoly axles use a state of the art, dual heat-treating process to provide maximum strength and long life. This dual heat-treating along with the high-quality material gives you a 35-40% strength increase over stock axle shafts.
OVERVIEW OF AN INSTALLATION KIT
Having all the right components and small parts for a differential rebuild is essential. A complete differential overhaul requires the use of a master overhaul kit, which contains all of the essential, high quality, components necessary for a rebuild. Some lesser jobs can be done with a less complete kit, such as a bearing or pinion installation kit.
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When an installation kit is sold, it is beneficial to sell axle bearings and seals since you will have everything opened up. This is a great opportunity to replace the bearings and seals on your axle shaft to insure optimal performance of your differential.
KITS
These are the most complete kits on the market, specially tailored for each application. Kits almost exclusively use all Timken bearings. High quality components used throughout. Comprehensive Instruction Manual including ALL necessary specs involved in Differential set-up.
OVERVIEW OF A RING & PINION
A ring & pinion set transfers power from the driveshaft to the axles. The pinion gear is mated to the driveshaft via a yoke and universal joint and drives the ring gear. The ring gear is mounted on a carrier assembly which in turn drives the axles and wheels. Different gear ratios are desirable for different applications and usage. Gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of teeth on the pinion gear. The higher the number, the lower the ratio: a 5.29 gear has a lower ratio than a 4.10 gear. With a lower gear ratio the drive shaft (and thus the engine) turns more for each revolution of the wheel, delivering more power and torque to the wheel for any given speed. Lower ratios are generally desirable when going off-road. Higher ratios are better for freeway driving since they run at lower RPM’s and offer better fuel economy.
PRODUCT ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES
When a ring and pinion is sold, it is beneficial to sell a Differential Installation Kit since you will have everything opened up. This is a great opportunity to replace all of your bearings, seals, bolts, crush sleeve, shims and other small parts to insure longevity and optimal performance.
OEM-Style Replacement
Yukon manufactures a full line of high-quality OEM replacement ratios to accommodate most SUVs, light trucks and rearwheel- drive passenger cars. Yukon duplicates, and often exceeds, the OEM specifications. This is the case with the GM 8.5” (below) and Chrysler 9.25” gears. These gears are engineered to last longer and run cooler and quieter than other aftermarket gears. When properly set up Yukon gears are extremely quiet.
Heavy Duty Towing
In many cases the factory ratios are not low enough to give you the pulling power you’re looking for from your tow rig. Yukon has the answer to all your trailer-pulling needs. We offer a full line of gear ratios from 2.73 thru 7.17 for most 2 and 4WD trucks and SUVs. So if you’re looking for more power or you’re correcting for larger tires, Yukon has you covered.
Racing and Performance
Yukon is always working hard to maintain its position on the cutting edge of the racing world as well as the differential industry. We offer a large variety of ratios for the Ford 9”, GM 12-bolt passenger car and many more. These gears are built to withstand high horsepower and to survive under extreme conditions. For the weight-conscious racer, Yukon offers Ford 9” lightweight gears in ratios from 4.22 to 7.33. These gears lower the rotating mass, which translates into more power to the ground.