Detroit or PowerLock LS?

[LandShark]

I have a thread going in the 911 forum about my Dana 70 pre load shims. I'm taking the truck to Randy's Ring and Pinion in Everett, WA, tomorrow for axle rebuilding and will have them add either a PowerLock or Detroit Locker limited slip. They are reccomending the PowerLock. Any thoughts on which is better?

 

[Hohn]

Powerlock is MUCH better for your usage. it doesn't have the quirks of the Detroit, and your tires will last much longer with it instead of the Detroit.



The Plock is a GREAT diff.



jmho

 

[Fishin Guide]

The Powr-Lok was just installed in my D70.



Of all my rigs, I have never broke a Powr-lok and only one Detroit. ARBs can be snapped like a piece of hard candy if you push the button at the wrong time.



For quiet, automatic operation the LSD are hard to beat. And, with the 4 pinion 2 piece carrier of the Power-Lok, these units are much stronger than the 2 pinion one piece case Trac-Lok. Althought he Trac-Loks have gotten better, if you are gonna spend the money, get the one that will hold up.



BTW, even with this "limited slip" I spend most of my time sideways! :--) :-laf



Dave

 

[ata]

The Powr-Lok was just installed in my D70.





For quiet, automatic operation the LSD are hard to beat. And, with the 4 pinion 2 piece carrier of the Power-Lok, these units are much stronger than the 2 pinion one piece case Trac-Lok. Althought he Trac-Loks have gotten better, if you are gonna spend the money, get the one that will hold up.



The Trac-Loc in the D-80 is 4 pinion two piece case and works vary well if you don't put to much fiction modifier in it.

 

[Hohn]

Mine was and always has been lose as a goose-- even with NO MODIFIER at all!



jlh

 

[Glen Pratt]

I have a Powr-Lok in my truck. Very quiet excellent traction. While the Detroit Locker is an awsome piece, the Powr-Lok would be better if you do a lot of towing. The Powr-Lok doesn't make ratcheting clicks like the Detroit. Go to www.reiderracing.com . They break down each differential showing the strengths and weaknesses.

 

[MPalachuk]

I put a detroit in mine and its the only way to go. My old truck also had one and it was great. I tow a 7500lb tt and never have had a problem, I like nowing its solid. Once in a while it will let you now its there with a bang but nothing bad. Drive it in the ice and no problems. I wouldn't put one in a short wheel base but these are so heavy and long enough it isnt a problem.

 

[LandShark]

Thanks for the replies. I had the Power-Loc installed this morning along with a rebuild of my Dana 70, at Randy's Ring and Pinion in Everett, WA. I let you know how I like it after a little testing this weekend.

 

[Midnite]

Landshark--now that it's in, how do you like it? My guess is you'll be very happy. I had one put in my '92 and absolutely loved it.



Mike

 

[LandShark]

So far it's great. Just limited testing so far because of the break in period. There are a couple of gravel driveways that I would use 4x4 on in order to not tear them up, and 2wd works fine on them with no spinning. Also was in a area where I had to winch myself out of a few weeks ago and now I have no problem in the same spot (it is a bit drier though). I can now back up a grass hill next to my drive way with going into 4x4. Very happy with the unit so far.



ALSO, I should say that the unit is well mannered. In normal driving it's not noticeable at all. If I accelerate hard while turning onto a road from a stop I do get a chirp or two.

 

[Dual EE]

LandShark,



Can you give us an update?

 

[Joe Mc]

Landshark,



What was the damage $$$. Did you keep your ring & pinion, or go w/new?



I'm still dealing with an open end - still can't beleive that LS had to be checked on the order form to get one . . . my 4X4 is actually a 1/2 X 1/2.

 

[JKaltenheuser]

So what is the next best option for us with the dana 80, that cant have a powr-lok???

 

[Hohn]

I thought you could get a P-lok for the 80??

 

[Dual EE]

It is available for the D80. I just ordered one today. No more peg leg. Oo.

 

[zstroken]

how much was the power lock? DOes it replace the center spider gears?

 

[Dual EE]

I pm'd you z.

 

[LandShark]

Total bill was $1454. Here's the breakdown.



Rebuild Kit... ... ... . $ 189. 32

Power-Loc... ... ..... 550. 00

Oil... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 15. 00

Additive... ... ... ..... 5. 00

Rebuild Labor... ... 340. 00

Machine Housing. . 240. 00

Tax!!!!!!!!!!!!... ..... 115. 19



Not sure if the ring and pinion gears were replaced. I can take a picture of the old parts they gave me, if anyone cares. I think new spider gears came with the Power-Loc.



I changed the fluid a couple of weeks ago. Everything looked good. I used Mobile 1 75w90 and no additive.



I'm still very happy with the Power-Loc. You will be impressed! A side benefit is that with a little practice you can make the rear end walk sideways into a parking space!