Powertrax or Detroit Locker?

[Rev]

I am tired of having to redo my Traction-Lock every couple of years. I'm considering some kind of locker, but I keep hearing negative things from various sources. What I want is the smoothest transition from open differential to locked axles.

Some say the the Detroit Locker will drive you crazy with the clicking ratchet going around corners. I was all set to buy a Powertrax, but the local differential shop that would install it says they are very "harsh" in the locking-unlocking and that I wouldn't like it on the street.

Any experience , advice, or opinions with either of these I would very much like to hear it. I guess I could just keep redoing the limited slip clutches every 2-3 years.

Rev

[Fat0eknee]

i just recently installed a powertrax locker in mine and the noise isnt all that bad and as time passes you learn not to notice it - my exhaust is pretty loud so that helps a bit. the best description i could describe the sound is like running over rocks with your tires and it makes that little popping sound - although occasionally when im backing up it will make an extremely loud pop but thats still normal. id say go with it all you need to do is go in a straight line anyways

'68 coupe - 1993 5.0L EFI implant/B&M AOD-2400 stall/ 9 inch rear-3.70:1/ 80 shot of da pimp juice

[302 LX Eric]

Originally posted by Rev
I am tired of having to redo my Traction-Lock every couple of years. I'm considering some kind of locker, but I keep hearing negative things from various sources. What I want is the smoothest transition from open differential to locked axles.

Rev

Rev, why not go with an Auburn Pro? I really like mine. Smooth as silk around the corners but locks up everytime with I give her the gas.

Just another suggestion.

E

[Rev]

The only thing that worries me about the Auburn Pro is that they aren't rebuildable. Seems like they must hold up pretty well as 302 LX Eric and Dan both use that limited slip.

Rev

[tireburner163]

suck it up and spool it old man










-Josh, aka the tireburner

[69fastback]

I have a detroit locker in my 69 and I don't really hear much noise at all. You have to take it easy going around corners with one other than that it is great no problems at all. I want to put one in my 91gt eventually.

[LX5liter]

Originally posted by Rev
The only thing that worries me about the Auburn Pro is that they aren't rebuildable. Seems like they must hold up pretty well as 302 LX Eric and Dan both use that limited slip.

Rev

I thought the Auburn Pros were rebuildable, but the regular ones weren't.

[andy669]

Rev, Look in to the Detroit TrueTrac. I think you'd be real happy with it.

Andy

[LX5liter]

Originally posted by andy669
Rev, Look in to the Detroit TrueTrac. I think you'd be real happy with it.

Andy

Looks interesting, I'll have to look into those when the Trac-loc gives up.

[Rev]

I did want one of those, but I need something that replaces the Traction-Lock carrier. The PowerTrax and TrueTrac only work in an open differential application(I think). If the True Trac will fit in my differential to replace the Traction-Lock carrier, I will buy one. I guess I need to call Tratech again as they didn't answer the phone last Fri.

The Auburn Pro still sounds pretty good too, if in fact it can be rebuilt (even if it has to go back to the factory).

Rev

[Rev]

Originally posted by tireburner163
suck it up and spool it old man

When I was your age, I did do stuff like that (run a spool on the street). Actually, we just welded up the spider gears to get a permanently locked rear end. Was fun in the rain, hee,hee.

Rev










-Josh, aka the tireburner

[Rev]

After a little on line and telephone research, I've learned what is available for my 8" Traction-Lock.

1.) No PowerTrax is available for the 8" TractioLock carrier, only for an open 8" differential.

2.) No TrueTrack is available for any 8" Ford differential.

3.) The Auburn Pro is supposed to be a fine limited slip unit and will hold up well. Auburn does have an exchange program for units 4 years old and newer for about $150. No other rebuild options are available from any source including the Auburn factory. If it fails after 4 years, you can just buy a new one if you still want one.

4.) A Detroit locker is available for the Ford 8". The Tracktech rep said that on the street "you will hear it and feel it every day". Not encouraging to me.

5.) The Traction-Lock that I have now is always available, but will need a rebuild every 2 years or so the way I drive it.

I think I'm going to go with the Auburn Pro even though they won't stand behind their product very well. Everyone I have talked to says they are good. I do wonder why they don't cater a little more to the customers that buy them? If it fails in 5 years and I have to throw it away, I'm gonna be pissed.

I do want to thank everyone that gave me insight on this thread. Wish me luck with the Auburn Pro.

Rev

[Tony Frank]

detroit lockers are indeed loud. if your using it on the street id stay away from them.

[Rev]

Originally posted by Tony Frank
detroit lockers are indeed loud. if your using it on the street id stay away from them.

Wondering what you use in your 8.8", Tony?

Rev

[Rev]

Sorry for this post. They won't let me delete it. I can only edit it?

Kevin, please delete this post if you get the chance. Thanks.

Rev

[Tony Frank]

i dont use the locker in the 85, i have conventional posi track.

the detroit locker is in the 82 drag car that we are trying to put back on the street, which is a problem with noise.

[Rev]

Thanks for the advice. That's what I had heard before. Strong but loud and abrupt for the Detroit Locker. I'm still gonna go with the Auburn Pro. Mine's mostly a street car, a little racing here and there.

Rev

[BowTie Eater 5 Liter]

spool or weld it. lockers are harsh when locking/unlocking, and expensive