Topic: Are V-6 3rd's really needed?

[Volcom]

I've got an 85 PU that I'm started to turn into a rockcrawler.  It's a 22R and stock axles.  I am going to run an 86+ rear axle.  I'll probably run either an aussie or ARB in the front and either weld or aussie in the rear.  I'll either run 37" MTR's or 36" Iroks.  My question is that do I need to upgrade the 3rds to V-6's?  How many of you are still running stock 4cyl 3rd members? 

Thanks
Aaron

[Rockhoppa]

 I have been running 4 cyl thirds for 3-4 years in the rocks open and locked with no problems. But just got a v6 rearend that will be going in really soon. I dont think its " really needed"  but I got a bro deal on it.

[trollbum]

i know i'm hijacking but will an aussie lock be enough in the rear if i'm running 4.10 and 37"s i don't want to shell out money for re-gearing if i'm gonna get dual transfer. i've been told the only route i should take is getting a detroit full carrier locker??

[Jack8542]

I dont see the big deal with v6 thirds, all they have on 4 cylinder thirds is bigger blades or whatever you call them to disipate heat better.  I would save the    and keep what you got.

 trollbum: I think the best way to lock the rear end is to   weld up the spider gears, i did it and i love it.  It does eat up the tires a little more than a detroit, but it works great off road.  Just make sure you weld the gears together and not just put weld in between the gears.  

[jvministries]

the v6 thirds are stronger than a 4cyl third
the carrier is beefier and the gears are different
and the bearings are bigger I think

but many run the 4cyl thirds with no problems
it really depends on how you drive

really heavy foot then go strong

you could just get one as a spare and run yours welded
lunch box lockers are ok in a 4cyl third with 35's but irocs are sticky stuff

wheel spin/wheel hopping in the rocks or climbing then sliding back down putting full weight and traction with big tires will break stuff pretty regularly
I have a buick v6 and for years ran with 35"s and 4cyl 4:88's with no issues

[Volcom [OP]]

i know i'm hijacking but will an aussie lock be enough in the rear if i'm running 4.10 and 37"s i don't want to shell out money for re-gearing if i'm gonna get dual transfer. i've been told the only route i should take is getting a detroit full carrier locker??

I'm in the same boat, I'll probably regear so I can drive it somewhat around town.  Anybody here use the Aussie Lockers?  How are they in the rear of a truck?  I'm thinking of welding the rear up but the only thing holding me back is that sometimes I carry a bed full of rock or dirt (trying to finish up landscaping the backyard).  Do rear lockers or a weld rear just hate all that weight in the bed?  Last summer on one of my loads, I had 3000 pounds worth of rock in the back.  The rearend was just alittle low 

I'm loving the Aussie Locker's price.  Anybody run bigger than 37's on them?

[cgbemis]

The v6 thirds have bigger bearings, bigger fins on the side (to try and control housing flex, not cooling), the housing itself is a thicker material, and there are also ribs in and around the carrier bearings. To run a 36" tire, you don't need to upgrade to the larger diff., as long as you don't lay down the law with the skinny pedal, and alot of horsepower. I know several people that ran 4cyl. diffs with bigger and heavier tires than 36" Iroks, and had very good success with them.