OX Locker (mechanical) and beefy steering (Clydesdale)

[Bronco Junkie]

So after reading the thread about a full-time locker in the front I have been looking into on/off lockers for my D44. I really like the idea of the mechanical/cable operated OX locker. But after looking into it...I see I would need to use an over-sized OX differential cover. The problem I may have with that is I have already purchased the Clydesdale steering system from WH and after seeing the OX diff cover...I am wondering if the 2 will fit together.

I know it's a longshot....but is anyone running this combo already or something similar? Or does anyone have knowledge about this combo and if these 2 things will fit together? Thanks.

 

[BroncKrawler]

The diff cover is quite a bit bigger and beefier than the stock D44 cover, but my recommendation with running the OX locker is to run TRO steering for added clearance.

 

[SteveL]

I've got an ox on the shelf but didnt think about clearance. I think most guys have diff cover issues more with the trak bar than tie-rods.

 

[70_Steve]

I'm running an OX with Chebby 1Ton steering TRO with 79 F150 knuckles. All that means is the tie rod is right in front of the OX cover. Yeah, the OX cover is beefy, but I don't think it sticks out much further than the stock sheet metal cover. That Clydesdale steering uses 1 5/8" tubing where I'm using 1 1/4". I don't think the extra 3/16" will make any difference.

Let me know if you want pics of the tie rod clearance to the cover at full lock.

 

[Bronco Junkie]

Thanks 70_Steve. I think your setup is about as close as I will get to what I want to run. Glad to hear it clears.

 

[Bart]

I LOVE my OX and run a high steering setup without issues. The steering is a cut down F150 originally from BCB. It's pretty stout. I also welded on 1" heavy angle iron on the front of the drag link and the shaft from the pitman arm to the passenger side of the drag link (forgot its name) but still don't have issues with interference. One thing no one tell anyone is that it's easy to get the OX to engage by making a slight turn while pulling on the OX engage handle. I usually turn to the right.