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Good, simple, cheap locker/LS unit

C

cantspell

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City, State
Toronto. Canada
Year, Model & Trim Level
1998 xlt
Hi there, I've searched and learned a lot, but I'm still not sure what the consensus is on an entry level type locker/LS unit. I drive about 85% on road, but we have snow a good 3 or more months a year. I have heard that the Powertrax no-slip is good and cheap, is this true?
ANy help would be appreicated, and from the phone calls i've made, it's about 600can pls taxes for a variety of them - is this a good price?

Thanks
Matt.
 



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The Eaton "posi" limited slip is a very good unit. It isn't a locker, but is inexpensive and performs very well. In most cases onroad it is better than a locker IMO.
 






If you want cheaper than the No-Slip, go with the powertrax LockRite. We just put one in Namity's truck and it works great. They are supposed to be a little noiser than the No-Slip, but after comparing the No-Slip in my X to the LockRite in Namity's, I'm not so sure it's that great a difference.
 






What about a spool, or rather mini spool. I understand that this will lock both sides together permanently, but for the rear, is this that bad?
 






On a tight turn, dry pavement, a spool wouldn't be good because it doesn't allow the wheels to differentiate.

General idea is the inside wheel when turning turns less than the outside wheel.

A differential allows this to happen a spool doesn't.

The PowerTrax- No-Slip Locker and Lockrite are not true lockers in that they will also allow wheels to differentiate.

Gee, you learn so much hanging around this place... :)
 






Originally posted by cantspell
What about a spool, or rather mini spool. I understand that this will lock both sides together permanently, but for the rear, is this that bad?
Click to expand...

Unless you have a dedicated drag racing vehicle or trailered trail rig, a spool is a very bad idea.

In short, running a spool will result in broken parts, worn tires, noisy driving, loss of control, not to mention bad driving experience.
 






Originally posted by cdsl227
...The PowerTrax- No-Slip Locker and Lockrite are not true lockers in that they will also allow wheels to differentiate....
Click to expand...


However, under power, it is a true locker and does lock up both wheels. It just automatically releases when you corner under light or no power. If you stomp on it in a corner, it will lock up.

The advantage of a powertrax over a "true locker" like an ARB is that you don't have to disturb the ring and pinion to install it, and it's considerably less expensive. The disadvantage is you cannot manually unlock it and run in an open mode like the ARB. It is really classified as an autolocker.
 






Originally posted by JDraper

However, under power, it is a true locker and does lock up both wheels. It just automatically releases when you corner under light or no power. If you stomp on it in a corner, it will lock up.
Click to expand...

Like I said you learn so much by hanging around this place!!!

I've been reading about the PowerTrax products and you've summed up what I'd been wondering about.

I knew it was an AutoLocker, but I didn't know it'd "lock" up under power on a turn.

Question, does using it (PowerTrax, either unit) on pavement- tight turns, etc...generate a lot of wear?

I'm hard on the pedal...

I've been considering dropping one of these in...well having one dropped in :D , that work is just a wee bit more than I'm willing to chew.

For the front I'm waiting to see if the SAS conversions hold up well...any thoughts on SAS for a daily driver?

I want to be able to hit a trail (if I can ever find one nearby) and drive daily with an SAS.
 






SO it the cheapest the lock-rite then? And then the no-slip? What about the Detroit EZ locker? The price, I've gotten for the lock-rite is about 460can (over the net, so i'm sure i can get that knocked down a little).

My question though, is the lock-rite the cheapest reliable unit?
 






Originally posted by cdsl227
Question, does using it (PowerTrax, either unit) on pavement- tight turns, etc...generate a lot of wear?

I'm hard on the pedal...
Click to expand...

The no-slip will eventually drive you nuts if you drive with a heavy foot around turns. You have to tone it down in turns. You generally can't gun it until you are nearly straight. But, I love mine.

The wear on my tires has not changed much due to the locker cause I am careful not to bark the tires.
 






jobunn's right, you have to modify your driving habits when cornering or you will constantly be feeling it "thump" as it locks up and you will chirp your tires a lot. Once you get the hang of driving with it, it's not bad at all. Biggest complaint I had was turning corners at a stop sign. Lots of tire chirp if you didn't start the turn before getting on the throttle.
 






Ewww...this (NYC) is the land of stop and go, Stop Signs and Red lights...

You're starting to make me wonder...

But hell, I'm not going to be doing anything until I put the suspension lift on and bigger tires...I figure I'd do the gearing and either one of the PowerTrax options or an ARB locker in the rear when they have it apart for the gearing...

What, what's that sound....oh...ka ching $$$$

Damn I hate that sound!
 






Isnt there some magnetic (mabey Eaton) e-locker that acts as a LSD when unlocked? I'm sure its not ultra cheap, but then again you get LSD and locker all in one.
 






Originally posted by nweibley
Isnt there some magnetic (mabey Eaton) e-locker that acts as a LSD when unlocked? I'm sure its not ultra cheap, but then again you get LSD and locker all in one.
Click to expand...

If it's not ultra expensive then it's definitely an option...

Thanks...more food for thought...
 






It's about $900.

My LS was about $300.
 






Yea, Eaton and Detroit (soon) make E-Lockers that are LSD when not locked. They are by no means cheap tho.

Robb
 






Originally posted by Alec
The Eaton "posi" limited slip is a very good unit. It isn't a locker, but is inexpensive and performs very well. In most cases onroad it is better than a locker IMO.
Click to expand...

Tell me more...

How does the posi compare to the no-slip (off and on road)? I assume that it's a lot cheeper than eaton's selectable locker, but I haven't been able to find that anywhere...

I'm reasonably sure that I don't want to be locked 100% of the time, so I thought my only option was a selectable locker, but this posi may be a viable (and cheeper :D ) option.
 






I don't think the Eaton Elocker is available yet, dunno about the Detroit.

The Ptrax no-slip is an automatic locker; either on or off. The Eaton posi is a limited slip with a full range of lock. The Ptrax is better offroad in hardcore situations, but in most other situations I think the posi is a better choice.
 






Will the posi (like the ptrax) give me trouble in the snow??
 



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If you use too much power, yes. However, if you know how to drive ;) No.
 






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