Remove a Powertrax? AARGH! C-clip won't come out!

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2005 12:46 pm

Has anyone had experience removing a Powertrax locker (open diff)?

I'm having some driveline shuddering, and I'd like to make sure it's not a problem with the Powertrax before I take it in to the dealer. (Also, snow will be coming soon, and I'd like to put my spider gears back in until spring.)

My main concern is the C-clip. I remember the fun I had getting that bad boy in there, and I'm worried that I won't be able to get it out.

skrracing · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2005 1:35 pm

Yep it not a problem at all. Just remove the PT and install all the stock parts. Not a problem at all. Later...Clint

broncsrule · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2005 1:44 pm

As long as the Powertrax is not damaged, the c-clip can fall right out. Sometimes it takes a little wiggle of the axle back and forth.
It took a lot more effort getting the c-clip to slide through that slot with the damaged unit I had.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2005 7:32 pm

Hey, Can you keep us up to date on any damage.

I don't have C-clips in my dana 35. I am gonna pull mine when I get around to it.

I also noted last time I pulled mine, the very ends of the axle looked like they were hitting something.

krazz1e · **Posted:** Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:06 pm

Uh oh Troy, whats up? Need help removing it? I can come by and lend a hand.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:44 pm

krazz1e wrote:

Uh oh Troy, whats up? Need help removing it? I can come by and lend a hand.

Thanks, that might be a huge help. I'm not really too worried, but I have a mild shudder sometimes when I decelerate. I don't generally feel it when I'm accelerating (after the Powertrax locks in), so I'm worried it may be an issue with the Powertrax, but I think it's more likely a tranny thing...which is covered under warranty.

I'd just rather not take it in to the dealer w/ the Powertrax, because I don't want them to automatically blame it. On the other hand, if I put the spider gears back in and the shudder goes away, that'll save me a trip to the dealer.

Thanks, I'll let you know when I decide to tackle it, in case you're available to help out.

krazz1e · **Posted:** Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:04 pm

Yep, I see what your saying.

Ok let me know. Anytime after 6PM on weekdays or Sat or Sunday anytime.

I live with the in-laws now (while house is being built) and I am in draper near the khols, so just a few blocks from you.

You can put cheap 80w in with the factory gears and the expensive stuff after warrenty work is done.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Wed Oct 12, 2005 3:39 pm

Any damage noticed yet??

the1jferg · **Posted:** Sat Oct 15, 2005 6:47 pm

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:52 pm

the1jferg wrote:

bump

Sorry, I haven't had time to do it yet. I'll post as soon as I do.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 3:55 pm

As I anticipated, the C-clip won't just fall out.

When I installed the locker, I had to nudge the c-clip in with a screwdriver. It wasn't hard to push in, but it took enough force that I can't see how it could possibly just fall out. I've been wiggling the locker parts and axle, rotating the clip around to make sure that the open side is up, making sure the slot is down, etc., for the last hour and a half. No go.

Any other ideas? If it's really just supposed to fall out, I think I'm out of luck, because that's not what's happening.

On the bright side, everything in there looks perfectly fine, so I'm pretty sure it's not the locker that's the problem. I just wish I could get it out and drive around with the spider gears to make absolutely certain.

Any more ideas? Is there any sort of tool I could use to get it out?

1calkid · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 4:54 pm

I'm sure that you tried this but, did you push in on the axle shaft. That's how I had to get mine out and then as you mentioned, make sure that the slot on the c-clip and the locker are lined up. You may want to give the axle a good push in, it may just be that it's not really in all the way.

Good Luck.

KJ04 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 6:59 pm

What wayne said, have someone push the axle in while you remove the clip.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:22 pm

I actually had no problem seeing the clip. I was even able to bend the tip of a straight pin, stick it in so that the bent part was under the c-clip, and pull. No beans. The clip spun freely around the axle, and it was easy to get it positioned to where it SHOULD have fallen right out, but I couldn't pull it out no matter what I did.

I tried pulling the axle in and out (it moved pretty freely), spun it, shook it, wiggled it, spun the locker around, etc., and nothing I did would get that clip out. Frustrating.

But I'm not too concerned--I put it all back together, because it looks just exactly how it did when I installed it, so I really don't think it's the cause of my shudder. I was half expecting to see locker parts lying on the bottom of the diff case.

Anyway, I'm off to the dealer early next week to give them a shot. I just hope they don't drain the $35 worth of diff fluid I just poured in there. :shock:

krazz1e · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:47 pm

Hey Troy, I think you tried calling me earlier, sorry was in a movie (doom) & my voicemail isn't working yet. Glad you got a good look at it though, if you wanna try it again just let me know.

Which dealer you taking it to?

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 9:33 pm

krazz1e wrote:

Hey Troy, I think you tried calling me earlier, sorry was in a movie (doom) & my voicemail isn't working yet. Glad you got a good look at it though, if you wanna try it again just let me know.

Which dealer you taking it to?

Actually, I didn't call today--I wasn't planning on doing it today, but the weather was so nice I thought I'd fiddle w/ the Jeep while my kids rode their bikes around the cul-de-sac.

I'll take the Jeep to Larry H Miller Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep. That's where I bought it (and the extended warranty), they're within walking distance of my house and office, and I think they've been pretty good in the past.

(Except they've tried to fix my driver side lock about 10 times and it always stops working again w/in a week or two.)

sibiri · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:29 pm **Posts:** 5

Hi Troy, I installed a powertrax in my libby when it was new, and it was hard to push the c clip, so i used a screwdriver too, after almost a year I broke the locker.
When i try to get the c clip, i found that it was no way to get it out, i have to use a Dremel with a tungsten tip and cut the locker, and man i can tell you it is HARD STUFF. hope you find an easier way if not , the Dremel will do the job.
Now i have a Detroit locker,
Good luck

Bruce

hoss75 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:47 pm

damnit, well I guess I'll never be upgrading to an ARB locker now.. I was worried about this even as I was pushing that dam C-Clip in with a screwdriver...

krazz1e · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:06 pm

This puzzles me because if you remember Troy my install went super smooth and had no problem getting this piece in, I would imagine I could pull it out really easy....

Anyway, good luck man keep us posted.

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

Man I had to tap mine in with a screw driver slightly also. If I remeber correctly, it was only a light tap or two so hopefully I can get it out if needed. When I installed a powertrax in chucklestart's KJ I filed a little of the c-clip away and if just slid right in there. If I had to do it again I would file down the c-clip on every install just incase it needs to be removed.

Remove a Powertrax? AARGH! C-clip won't come out!

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