Spicer® Components Bulletin

Differential Lock Conversion

Parts Information
Truck Components
AXIB-9501
1/91

This bulletin contains the necessary information to convert DC/RC461, 521, 581 Controlled Traction Tandem Drive Axles and
DS/RS461, 521, 581. Single Reduction Tandem Drive Axles over to DD/RD461, 521, 581 Tandem Drive Axles w/ Wheel Differ-
ential Lock. The conversion table below shows the kit(s) needed for converting each particular model, and the page number
within this bulletin detailing each kit and OEM supplied parts.
You MUST pay close attention to all NOTES and WARNING symbols.
Bulletin 91-04 dated January 1991 and Instruction Booklet AXDR-0130 are available to assist customers with the operating
instructions and features of Spicer wheel differential locking axles.
 SPICER PARTS LISTING

Spicer

CONVERTING SINGLE SPEED DRIVE AXLES TO EATON DlFF-LOCK AXLES

To change a vehicle that is equipped with a Single Speed Tandem Drive Axle over to a Wheel Diff Lock model, the following items or conditions
are required:

• Working Air System, 1211 PSI required

• In-Cab Misc. Shift Control Components and Body Wiring Harness OEM supplied and outlined below
• 1 Extended Spline Axle Shalt for EACH Affected Axle (1 Forward Axle,1 Rear Axle)
• Diff Lock Exchange Carrier Assemblies – SEE NOTE BELOW
• Shift Unit Switch Wiring Pigtail – offered by SPICER through OEM

..NOTE: Because of the extensive list of parts and their cost, cost of labor and warranty issues, Spicer recommends that customers order Spicer
Exchange Carrier Assemblies. (See page 2 for proper exchange unit).

Shown in Figure 1 is the plumbing schematic of the Spicer Tandem Drive axles, DO & RD461 axles w/Wheel Diff Lock.
Reference this schematic when retrofitting your vehicle. Spicer recommends the following procedures and/or parts be used when retrofitting
your vehicle:

• The use of a Pilot Control Valve to disengage the Diff-lock in high range.
• The use of Cab Mounted Diff-Lock Control Valves, automatic reset type only.
• The use of Dash Indicator Light(s), mounted next to the proper valve(s) – SEE WARNINGS BELOW!
• The Wiring Harness MUST be installed per OEM instructions I diagrams.
• Warning label mounted in the cab close to the Diff-lock control valve where the driver can easily read it (Included in Conversion Kit).
 WARNING! Installation procedures for Spicer Diff Lock other than those covered in this bulletin
are NOT approved by Spicer.

Spicer Components

Spicer Components

Spicer Components

Spicer

WARNING! FAILURE TO INSTALL THE INDICATOR LIGHT(S) MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE BY
OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH DIFF LOCK ENGAGED ABOVE 20 MPH OR UNDER UNSUITABLE CONDITIONS*
SEE SPICER PUBLICATION AXDR-D130 WHEEL DIFF LOCK DRIVER INSTRUCTIONS.
CONVERTING CONTROLLED TRACTION DRIVE AXLES TO SPICER DIFF-LOCK AXLES

To change a vehicle that is equipped with a Controlled Traction Tandem Drive Axle over to a Wheel Diff Lock model, the following items or conditions
are required:

• In-Cab Misc. Shift Controls Components and Body Wiring Harness- OEM supplied and outlined below
* 2 Extended Spline Axle Shafts (1-Forward Axle, 1-Rear Axle)
* Diff Lock Exchange Carrier Assemblies – SEE NOTE BELOW
• Shift Unit Switch Wiring Pigtail – offered by SPICER through OEM

•• NOTE: Because of the extensive list of parts and their cost, cost of labor and warranty issues, Eaton Corporation recommends that customers
order Spicer Exchange Carrier Assemblies. (See page 2 for proper exchange unit).

Shown in Figure 1 is the Plumbing schematic of the Spicer Tandem Drive Axles, DD & RD461 axles w/Wheel Diff-Lock. Reference this
schematic when retrofitting your vehicle. Spicer also recommends the following procedures and/or parts be used when retrofitting your vehicle from
Control Traction Axles to Diff Lock Axles:

• The use of a Pilot Control Valve to disengage the Diff-Lock in high range.
* The use of Cab Mounted Diff-Lock Control Valves, automatic reset type only.
“ The use of Dash Indicator Light(s), mounted next to the proper valve(s)- SEE WARNINGS BELOW!
* The Wiring Harness MUST be installed per OEM wiring instructions I diagrams.
* A Warning Label mounted in the cab, close to the Diff-Lock control valve where the driver can easily read it (Included in conversion kit
* Use Modified Shift Unit Part Number 73503 (Part Number is stamped on mounting flange) on the FORWARD Tandem Axle location.
* Use Modified Shift Unit Part Number 73507 (Part Number is stamped on mounting flange) on the REAR Tandem Axle location.

WARNING! Installation procedures for Spicer Diff Lock other than those covered in this
bulletin are NOT approved by Spicer.

Spicer Components

Spicer Components

WARNING! FAILURE TO INSTALL THE INDICATOR LIGHT(S) MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE BY
OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH DIFF LOCK ENGAGED ABOVE 20 MPH OR UNDER UNSUITABLE CONDITIONS*
SEE SPICER PUBLICATION AXDR-D130 WHEEL DIFF LOCK DRIVER INSTRUCTIONS.
CONVERTING CONTROLLED TRACTION DRIVE AXLES TO SPICER DIFF-LOCK AXLES-CONTINUED

Spicer Components

WARNING! FAILURE TO INSTALL THE INDICATOR LIGHT(S) MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE BY
OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH DIFF LOCK ENGAGED ABOVE 20 MPH OR UNDER UNSUITABLE CONDITIONS*
SEE SPICER PUBLICATION AXDR-D130 WHEEL DIFF LOCK DRIVER INSTRUCTIONS.
EXCHANGE CARRIER UNIT & AXLE SHAFT CHART

WARNING! DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT DIAMETER SIZED AXLE SHAFTS ON A VEHICLE.

PLUMBING SCHEMATIC FOR DIFF-LOCK

Spicer

Attach the warning label close to the Diff-Lock control valves where the driver can easily read it.
* Note: If two axles with wheel Diff-Lock are shifted by one control valve, a quick release valve should be installed within 10 ft. of the
Diff-Lock shift units.

** The maximum capacity of the pilot control system should be 2 cubic inches or less.
Dana Aftermarket Group
PO Box 321
Toledo, Ohio 43697-0321

Warehouse Distributors: 1.800.621.8084

OE Dealers: 1.877.777.5360

www.spicerparts.com

AXIB-9501 Printed in U.S.A.

Copyright Dana Limited, 2012.
All rights reserved. Dana Limited.