Powertrax lockers

Edbert · Jan 31, 2006

Anyone using the Lock-Rite in their classic? I had one put in my 9", with 31 spline axles and a 3.89:1 gear. I was reading more about it just now (don;t know why really, I already bought it...LOL) and saw these two videos on their website. Pretty entertaining if you ask me, although it only compares their product to opens and LSDs. Anyhow, I thought I'd share...

http://www.richmondgear.com/PTRAX.mpg

http://www.richmondgear.com/PTRAX2.wmv

stangman67 · Jan 31, 2006

had one for my 8", but sold it cuz my axle spider gears were too worn, the height measurement you must do, so buying a spider gear repair kit offset the cost of the cheap locker. I installed one in a dana 70, and boy is it nice, and barley noticable over a 4" exhausted cummins.

coolblue65 · Jan 31, 2006

I have one, can't say I love it but it definately does good job. It also noticably changed the driving characteristics, mostly refering to the way the car responds to application of the gas while turning.

The only thing that really annoys me is that when ever I am pulling in somewhere people look at me like my car is falling apart because they can here the clicking sound...if only they new.

302 coupe · Feb 1, 2006

I have the powertrax no-slip, my experience is the same as coolblue65's.

jerry S · Feb 1, 2006

If you guys had to do it all over again, what LSD would you get? I have been looking at the Detroit Locker "True Trac" LSD but if you have some strong opinions about what the best LSD is, I would be pleased to hear your opinions.

jS

Edbert · Feb 1, 2006

There's no such thing as a silent locker, but would you say the Lock-Rite is quieter or smoother than a Detrroit-Locker?

Regarding the handling, I'm assuming it causes even more push through turns right? Do you notice it much below ~45mph or is it mostly at high speeds or on open track events?

Jerry, did you see those videos? They clearly illustrate what is wrong with LSDs in my opinion. I guess if stright-line traction is not a problem for you (not YOU Jerry, the generic "you") then you wont need a locker, but I have a low opinion of all the clutch-disc diffs. Both my street vehicles have factory LSDs that will probably be replaced when (not if) they wear out, assuming I still have the vehicles (2005-Mustang/2004 4X4 Lariat).

jerry S · Feb 1, 2006

Edbert said:
There's no such thing as a silent locker, but would you say the Lock-Rite is quieter or smoother than a Detrroit-Locker?

Regarding the handling, I'm assuming it causes even more push through turns right? Do you notice it much below ~45mph or is it mostly at high speeds or on open track events?

Jerry, did you see those videos? They clearly illustrate what is wrong with LSDs in my opinion. I guess if stright-line traction is not a problem for you (not YOU Jerry, the generic "you") then you wont need a locker, but I have a low opinion of all the clutch-disc diffs. Both my street vehicles have factory LSDs that will probably be replaced when (not if) they wear out, assuming I still have the vehicles (2005-Mustang/2004 4X4 Lariat).

I guess I was laboring under the mistaken assumption that the the power trax was a LSD and not a locker. I was going to go the LSD route instead of a locker because of all the poor opinions as to how a locker behaves when cornering. My car's suspension is set up for an open track car and not drag racing. Having said that, it will drag from time to time but my main concern is how the car will handle when cornering. Am I misinformed about the locker? Is it the best application for an open track car that sees occasional strip time in the 1/4?

Edbert · Feb 1, 2006

Better ask one of the guys who takes their car to open-track events about the trackability of a locker. But in general yes, lockers are geared (hehehe) towards drag racers. Personally I always thought spools were for drag racing, LSDs were for street cars and parking losts, and lockers were for mixed high-performance. But I am no expert on these subjects and not a good source to answer your questions.

Having said that...I can see wanting to dial-out some push in your road-racer by limiting rear traction, and I can also see some possible weight transfer when the locker slips (they DO slip, it just takes more force to make them slip, so they are mis-named if you ask me). How much this happens or how violent the effect is depends on how tight they are set up or what brand of locker you use. The Powertrax is sometimes referred to as a "soft-locker", maybe that is just a marketing term though.

jerry S · Feb 1, 2006

Edbert said:
Better ask one of the guys who takes their car to open-track events about the trackability of a locker. But in general yes, lockers are geared (hehehe) towards drag racers. Personally I always thought spools were for drag racing, LSDs were for street cars and parking losts, and lockers were for mixed high-performance. But I am no expert on these subjects and not a good source to answer your questions.

Having said that...I can see wanting to dial-out some push in your road-racer by limiting rear traction, and I can also see some possible weight transfer when the locker slips (they DO slip, it just takes more force to make them slip, so they are mis-named if you ask me). How much this happens or how violent the effect is depends on how tight they are set up or what brand of locker you use. The Powertrax is sometimes referred to as a "soft-locker", maybe that is just a marketing term though.

Then this sounds like a question for Open Tracker. I already know Historic's answer in advance; "get a wagon wheel, some old ox cart axels and........ ;-)

5.0ina66 · Feb 1, 2006

I've talked to a a number of open track people that HATE HATE HATE Powertrax, but several of them are running Detroit Lockers and Truetracs with no problem. One of their main gripes with the powertrax was unpredictably and grabby engagement. It speaks volumes to me that the powertrax products are mirrors of Detroit Gear products, and OT guys run Detroit products without problems.

Besides, I've also seen people wreck their cars on the street when the powertrax kicked in too hard and at the wrong time.

302 coupe · Feb 1, 2006

even though my powertrax works fine for its application, I wouldn't want to use it in an open track car or for autocrossing, etc. Its kinda abrupt. Its fine for drag racing and highway driving/cruising around town though.

DrStang · Feb 1, 2006

I have the Powertrax No-Slip version. Somedays it works very quietly and well around corners and somedays it'll ratchet in a parking lot (although it's not supposed to according to Richmond Gear) Would I buy it again. Yes, for drag racing, no, for cruising and rally racing.

Edbert · Feb 1, 2006

I'd like to hear from someone who has driven the Lock-Rite AND a detroit locker. From most of the marketing the former is supposed to me milder/softer than the latter.

I know Ford and Shelby has customers bringing in their Mustangs who hated the Detroit Lockers' violent ratchet, although they were probably not the gearhead types that hang out here.

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