Help on deciding what locker to get.

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Mon Jul 11, 2005 11:57 pm

I am having trouble deciding between the PowerTrax NoSlip ($380 after shipping) and doing the install myself, or getting the ARB ($960 for components, $500 for install, probably $1,560 in the end).

What benefits does the ARB have over the PowerTrax other than the ability to control 100%?

Is that extra control help you at all?

Is the lack of control ever detrimental?

I have the factory LSD in the back. How much harder does that make the PowerTrax NoSlip install?

Thanks

JacksJeep · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:42 am

The ARB when turned off is just an open differential. So street handling is unaffected. The No Slip does have a few issues when driven on the street. (I have one.) First, it will squeal a tire when making a 90 degree turn if you are not careful with the gas pedal. Second, the rear end will be a bit lose in slippery conditions if you are in 2wd. It's not much more so than with an LSD in the rear. (I had one). Third, the No Slip will exaggerate the slop in the drivetrain and occasionally give you a little driveline clunk. It's not a problem but it is a bit disconcerting at first.

Installing a No Slip in a Trac-Loc carrier is a bit more than in an open dif. There are two issues. First, if you are doing the install alone, it's a pain to get the spider and side gears out. I had to tap mine out with a chisel and hammer. With a helper it can be done (so I am told) with one person turning the tire and another tapping on the gears. Second, the C-clips are a bit oversized to fit properly in the No Slip slots. I had to use a dremel tool to customize the fit. It's just a matter of a trimming the outer edge of the C-clip till it nicely fits in the slot.

I am pleased with my unit. If money were not an issue, I would have preferred the ARB, but I could not justify the price differential. The biggest issue with the No Slip (or any automatic locker) is in snow and since you live in New Mexico that's probably not a big factor for you. Actually, the LSD is a pain in the snow in 2wd so you probably would not notice a difference. My solution is just to run in fulltime 4wd in the snow.

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

Hey Chuck,

I think Jack basically describes it pretty well. All those quirks do exist, but I personally didn't think is was too bad and nothing that made me want to change it. I've had my girl friend drive the jeep on the road plenty of times and she has never mentioned a thing about the locker. Plus I have towed with it and no problems either. Actually when I installed it I was pretty surprised on how well mannered it was after hearing horror stories on the board. I was expecting MUCH worst. I would have preferred an ARB, but for the price and easy of instillation I had to go with the powertrax noslip and would go that route again.

Also, if you want I can let you drive my Jeep so you can see first hand how it acts.

TheChucklesStart · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:57 am

Well, I just ordered a PowerTrax NoSlip. Hopefully it will be here by this weekend.

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

TheChucklesStart wrote:

Well, I just ordered a PowerTrax NoSlip. Hopefully it will be here by this weekend.

Cool man. Let me know and I will give you a hand on the install.

hoss75 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:57 pm

I just installed mine yesterday, was extremely easy but I did have an open diff, so that makes a difference. I'm still in the 50 mile break-in period where the manual says it can be a bit rough and it's still really not bad.. if it gets even better I'll be extremely happy.. I filled up the pumpkin with Royal Purple 75W-140

Original Bigfoot · **Posted:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 8:44 am

I have had a Powertrax Lock-Right in the rear dif on my Wrangler for about 1 1/2 years and I would say around 20,000 miles, and it has been great overall. I beat the Wrangler pretty hard off-road, and it has helped in every situation. On-road manners are a little rough, and take some getting used to. (It makes a REALLY loud ratcheting sound during turns!) I believe the No-Slip addresses some of the on-road roughness, and if so, I believe a No-Slip is a good choice.

Incidentally, I have a 1969 Wagoneer that happened to come with a Detroit Locker (I don't even think they make the locker for that axle anymore), and even it exhibits some funky behavior once in a while. Tire chirping, banging, etc. I was on the freeway between Santa Clarita and San Bernardino, California once about 6 years ago, doing probably around 60 MPH, and the rear end made a loud bang and it felt like the whole rear of the vehicle shifted about 2 inches to the right. I thought something had broken. I was on the edge of my seat for several miles after that.

6 years later, the engine on that Wagoneer needs rebuilt, but the rear end, including locker, is just fine.

InCommando · **Posted:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:14 pm

Hey Chuckles.....what was your source for the powertrax? $380 looks pretty good...

hoss75 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:23 pm

You can get it for that from Telico 4x4 (with their LOST discount).

jpzkj · **Posted:** Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:24 am

There is one in the "For Sale " section ....Brand New ! I saw it in the factory box and all. It is for an "open" diff however.

mvef · **Posted:** Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:48 am

What about the front? What kind of locker should I get for the front?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:25 am

Check out the threads that are on this same page...

mvef · **Posted:** Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:23 pm

would the factory rear lock fit in the front?

NU ARTY BOY · **Posted:** Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:51 pm

mvef wrote:

would the factory rear lock fit in the front?

No. The front diff is a Dana30a and the rear is Chrysler's corporate axle (8.25"). Two completely different axles.

mvef · **Posted:** Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:02 pm

So does that mean that any diff lock or limited slip that would work on the Dana 30 would fit? Or do I have to look for a specific one like for a Dana 30 IFS?

________________________________
2002 Liberty Limited Black
stock

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:38 pm

mvef wrote:

So does that mean that any diff lock or limited slip that would work on the Dana 30 would fit? Or do I have to look for a specific one like for a Dana 30 IFS?

________________________________
2002 Liberty Limited Black
stock

You need to look for a Dana 30A, different than a dana 30.

Help on deciding what locker to get.

Who is online