Trak-Loc

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:15 am

Found the original window sticker to this CRD I just bought and it has the $285 "Trak-Loc" axle in it. All CRDs are 3.73 ratio, correct? So what exactly is the Trak-Loc? Is that a true locker, or just a fancy name for limited slip clutches? Did I even spell it correctly? LOL.

Larry R. · **Joined:** Sun Jan 21, 2007 1:35 am **Posts:** 92

No, I believe its a limited slilp made up of a clutch pack and a spring. Requires a special additive if changing oil

linewarbr · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:34 pm

I don't have the window sticker since I bought it used. How can I tell if I have the Trak-Loc?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 6:49 pm

I think the 2005's came with Trac-Loc (Trash Lock)...the 2006s came with the ESP/TC/ect

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 6:58 pm

My first 05 had an open diff. This one has the Trac-Lok.

I wish this one had the open diff. too so I could easily add a powertraxx locker.

geordi · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:50 am

linewarbr wrote:

I don't have the window sticker since I bought it used. How can I tell if I have the Trak-Loc?

X2... Since I have an 05... What is the way to tell, and why would I truly care?

Or a better question: When I got stuck in a parking lot last weekend doing something stupid on a snowbank... Would having it have helped when I had diagonal wheels with no traction?

Rich · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:47 am

geordi wrote:

linewarbr wrote:

I don't have the window sticker since I bought it used. How can I tell if I have the Trak-Loc?

1. Chock front wheels
2. jack both rear wheels off the ground
3. support vehicle with jackstands
4. place t-case in N
5. spin one wheel, watching other wheel
- If both wheels spin the same direction, you have Trac-Loc. Wheels spinning opposite directions, open diff.
6. lower vehicle in reverse order
7. fin

Quote:

X2... Since I have an 05... What is the way to tell, and why would I truly care?

Or a better question: When I got stuck in a parking lot last weekend doing something stupid on a snowbank... Would having it have helped when I had diagonal wheels with no traction?

Trac-Loc, as mentioned above, is a clutch pack LSD. Within your diff, there is a series of clutches connecting the right and left axle shafts within the diff. When driving straight, both axles are turning at the same speed. When you enter a corner the inside wheel will spin slower than the outside. This action causes the clutches in the diff to start slipping on each other, preventing the inside wheel to chirp and buckle as with a true "locker."

With an open diff, if you were to place one wheel on dry pavement and the other on a patch of slick ice, and attempted to accelerate, power would be given to the unloaded wheel... leaving you stuck.

With a clutch LSD when the unloaded begins to spin, the clutch plates slip against each other, causing friction which forces the loaded wheel to receive some of the power, and pull you off the ice.

Now... is Trac-Loc a Clutch, Viscous coupling, or torsen LSD?

geordi · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:55 am

Considering that when I was stuck on the snowbank my left-front and right-rear were BOTH spinning while the other two did nothing at all... I'd gather that I don't have a track-lok. This was in 4wd-low, BTW, and the driveline was mechanically locked together front-back.

Rich · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:58 am

geordi wrote:

Considering that when I was stuck on the snowbank my left-front and right-rear were BOTH spinning while the other two did nothing at all... I'd gather that I don't have a track-lok. This was in 4wd-low, BTW, and the driveline was mechanically locked together front-back.

check edit ^^^

but yeah, sounds like open diffs.

You have options on which types of LSD or Lockers you want to run... if you want to run them. ...but there are MANY things you need to take into consideration before you buy.

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:17 pm

So Trac-Lok has clutches and therefore is nothing more than a traditional limited slip. Well that sucks.

Because the clutches wear out, and then you can't replace with a real locker unless you change the carrier out too.

Rich · **Posted:** Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:18 pm

LibertyCRD wrote:

So Trac-Lok has clutches and therefore is nothing more than a traditional limited slip. Well that sucks.

Because the clutches wear out, and then you can't replace with a real locker unless you change the carrier out too.

Clutch LSD's have their place, and for a mall-rated mini-SUV they are just about perfect. Cheaper than putting a Torsen unit in, less service intelligence required than a Viscous coupling.

You CAN rebuild a clutch unit, and with proper plates, springs, and fluid can be VERY good units.

DOC4444 · **Posted:** Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:54 am

If your Trac-Lok is working, you can lightly apply the hand brake in low traction conditions (snow, sand, etc.) and it will direct power to both rear wheels.

No '06s came with this and only some '05s. Have dealer run a full VIP report to find the definitive answer as to exactly what equipment your CRD was built with.

DOC

geordi · **Posted:** Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:03 am

LibertyCRD wrote:

My first 05 had an open diff. This one has the Trac-Lok.

I wish this one had the open diff. too so I could easily add a powertraxx locker.

Based on the information in this thread, if I have an open differential then, can install this powertraxx? Would that be a true locking differential or a limited slip? How hard would it be to install? Is there any option for the front differential too, so that all four wheels would truly be in concert for a situation like what I had - two diagonal wheels with zero grip, like they were in midair...?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:19 am

geordi wrote:

LibertyCRD wrote:

My first 05 had an open diff. This one has the Trac-Lok.

I wish this one had the open diff. too so I could easily add a powertraxx locker.

Based on the information in this thread, if I have an open differential then, can install this powertraxx? Would that be a true locking differential or a limited slip? How hard would it be to install? Is there any option for the front differential too, so that all four wheels would truly be in concert for a situation like what I had - two diagonal wheels with zero grip, like they were in midair...?

That would be a lunchbox auto locker and is weak.Get a full replacement carrier LSD like the Detroit True Trac(gear LSD,no additives needed) or a real locker like the Detroit(auto locker) or ARB(selectable locker).

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:26 am

geordi wrote:

LibertyCRD wrote:

My first 05 had an open diff. This one has the Trac-Lok.

I wish this one had the open diff. too so I could easily add a powertraxx locker.

Based on the information in this thread, if I have an open differential then, can install this powertraxx? Would that be a true locking differential or a limited slip? How hard would it be to install? Is there any option for the front differential too, so that all four wheels would truly be in concert for a situation like what I had - two diagonal wheels with zero grip, like they were in midair...?

Yes if you have an open differential you can easily add an Aussie Locker, Powertraxx No-Slip, etc...without even taking your gearset out! I've used these kind of lockers in lots of vehicles...including fullsize trucks! They are super strong, will not break, and will lock both wheels together 100%. I would highly recommend them...and eventually I'll swap my carrier out to an open carrier with a No-Slip.

Trak-Loc

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