Powertrax noslip rear locker update: Springs

[Bored_2wd]

Hi everyone,
Recently I had brake work done, and needed someone to do it. They had to open up the differential to get the axles out,and in the process found that some of the springs had broken in the locker. They replaced them, and everything was fine. I had a significant amount of driveline slop before the work was done. In the process I found that the leaf spring bracket was broken off the frame. The leaf spring was resting on the bottom of the bed of the truck. Replaced that, and let me tell you the difference. The truck is riding AWESOME. It's got 1/10th the driveline slop it had, shifting is better, it steers straight again, everything is better. I have no idea if the driveline slop was from the broken spring hanger or the internal springs that were replaced or what, but I'm loving it! Just a note to those who have a powertrax that is several years old and are experiencing driveline slop, you might want to get replacement springs for it. It's a cheap thing to do, and well worth it.
--Bob
--Bob

 

[Doug]

Hrm, I have alot of play in my rear drive line as well with my lockright, I'll have to try replacing the springs in the lockright hopefully that'll solve the problem.

 

[Bored_2wd]

I'm not sure it was the locker, mind you. I also had leaf spring problems. But I swear the driveline slop is less than it was in the past year, and the leaf spring definitely broke this summer.
I'm theorizing here, but if the springs broke inside the locker, then there wouldn't be equal and strong force to lock up the mechanism, and this would cause perceived driveline slop. Make sure you post if you find the same thing!
--Bob

 

[Bronco638]

I'll bet the broken leaf spring bracket accounted for the majority of your driveline "slop". Although, broken springs in the locker would keep the locker from working as designed, too.

 

[Bored_2wd]

Hi,
Yeah I agree, the broken leaf spring added a lot of slop. The thing is, there is no way the leaf spring bracket was broken all year. I'm guessing the bracket broke sometime in July, that's when the tailgate sound started and I noticed the bed was leaning to one side.
I'd be very curious to see if anyone else replaces the springs in their locker and sees any difference. Anyone???
--Bob