2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission locker or trac-loc ?

[Cowboy]

for some unknown reason, my 99 2500 was ordered without a trac loc in the dana 70 rear diff, just wondered if anyone has installed an aftermarket soft locker,and if so,did it require setting gear spacing,pinion depth,etc. also, how did it perform? you guys are a lot more trustworthy than my local speed shop for reliable knowledge. they look at me as if I am fromkandahar when I say its for a 3/4 ton truck. (they only know race CARS)

 

[SRath]

Cowboy, you might want to consider a Powr-trax locker from Richmond Gear. You can install it yourself in an open differential like you say your truck has. Better than a traclok or even a Power lok for traction. Those are NOT lockers, they are limited slips and there is a huge difference. The Powr Trax is a real locker similar to a detroit.

 

[Cowboy]

thanx SRath, sounds like what I need,as I live up a 3 mile dirt road in the mountains (it snows real good here) altho I have a softlocker, still in the box, slightly used, no instructions, I was concerned about installation,and performance,as I really need at least 3 wheels pulling up this hill in the snow. my 02 1/2 ton f150 king ranch 4x4 with the posi rear and all the power of a stud field mouse still gets me up the hill in any weather,wah wah wah I guess Ill look for a power trax, thanx for the shout

 

[SRath]

Watch these videos, especially the middle one:

POWERTRAX BY RICHMOND VIDEO DEMOS

 

[Cowboy]

thanx SRath,I was on the site when u replied, kinda sells itself, dont it? I dont think all2whl drive fords are that good at towing.

 

[SRath]

It sure shows the superiority of a single locker over even TWO limited slips, doesn't it? if you go to Eaton's website, I once found a similar video on an uphill pull showing how a locker whups a limited slip.

And, for the limited slip fans here who say the Richmond video is "staged" with loose limited slips, or the Ford had momentum or whatever, the Eaton video is done by the same company that makes the venerable, top-rated Power Lock limited slip: Eaton. But they also bought Detroit Locker, so they can admit the truth now; even advertise it!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I prefer the genuine Detroit Locker. The Soft Locker version is for cars where the wheelbase is short and the driver doewn't want any jerking or banging when it engages or disengages. With a long wheelbase truck, the stiffer No-Spin is ideal. You will have to set backlash but the pinion and its depth setting won't be disturbed. Measure the present backlash after spray cleaning the lube off the gears so you will get a true reading on your dial indicator. Make up a set of “trial” bearings by having an auto machine shop hone out the inner races so they are a snug slip fit on the Locker. The shims go under the bearings, so you will want to be able to change them until you get the right backlash and then final assemble with the preload shim added (I use another . 005” and realize it will change backlash a little, but not quite as much as the usual rule-of-thumb . 001” backlash change for . 002” shim moved from one side to the other.

 

[SRath]

Good description, Joe. As long as you add the preload shims equally to both sides after setting the backlash, the backlash shouldn't change. At least in theory. I would double check it anyway.

If you have never done it, setting backlash can be tricky. There is only one Right and several wrong ways to set up the dial indicator plunger to read backlash. It MUST be mounted perpendicular to the face of the tooth, not at any angle.

I, too, regard the Detroit as my personal favorite, but I have not tried the PowerTrax yet. It has one huge advantage in Dana 70 and 80 applications over a Detroit: It installs with absolutely NO change in backlash or pinion depth into the existing open carrier using only simple hand tools.

Just like the Detroit does in GM Corporate 14 bolts with 10. 5" ring gears. No need for a different carrier or special tools or expertise.

 

[Joe Mc]

Cowboy,

Lots of folks here talked badly about "Lunch-box Lockers" when I started asking about them. I emailed Richmond asking if it would hold up to 525 HP + 1000 TQ. Disappointing they never replied, but I went for it anyway.

I installed it around 2 years ago. Works great. Just changed the rear oil over the weekend, all looks well.

Pretty sure I shopped around for it and found best price on Summit. See link for application, etc. I just checked the box it came in, Part # 2711-LR.

Powertrax 2711-LR - Powertrax Lock-Right Lockers - Application - SummitRacing.com

Hope this helps.

Joe Mc

On edit: Its a little noisy but you get used to it. Also, you need to learn how to drive it and learn its personality. Nothing earth shattering, just different than you're used to.