Replacement for Trac-lock?

[mounty71]

Although i don't know how soon this will happen, i guess i may as well start getting as much info as i can now. In my 2000 2wd mountaineer i currently have the stock trac-lock limited slip. With 86,000 miles it is worn and i want/need a replacement. I am considering both limited slips and lockers. I have been trying to gain more info and advice from past threads and i think i have my choices narrowed down to:

Detroit true-trac
Torsen limited slip (or whatever comes in the ranger fx4 level II)
Powertrax No-slip
Aussie Locker

And if anyone can recommend other options i didnt mention, and why, i would appreciate it.

I mainly use my truck on the street, but i do go offroad a number of times throughout the year, and in the future i will be going more. I do not want driving on the street to be impossible, and i think that with something like the aussie i can manage to lay off the gas going through turns. Besides, a little tire chirping once in a while never hurt anyone When i do go offroad it is for the most part in sand (Pismo Beach) or dirt trails with some smallish rocks (Hungry Valley). Though i dont go offroad nearly as much as i would like, when i do go i dont want to compromise too much.

I have also heard that the stock trac-lock can be refurbished with new clutches, i dont know much about what else has to be done. I will admit that the trac-lock has served me pretty well when it wasnt so worn. But i think i would prefer a geared limited slip as opposed to one with clutches.

And also, with the differentials i mentioned, will i need to get an open carrier when the trac-lock is out?

I am not the most mechanically capable person, but i really want to gain more knowledge and ability too, so i think i might want to try the installation myself, that is with the help of all of you This could be a great lesson for me. And with price being a pretty big factor, paying for labor would just add more to the price tag.

So what do you all suggest for me? Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[mounty71]

Actually, i'm not sure but i think this should be in the drivelines forum instead, i dont know how to move it over there.

 

[IZwack]

Actually, i'm not sure but i think this should be in the drivelines forum instead, i dont know how to move it over there.

This sub-forum also includes "differentials" so its cool here..

As for the requiring an open carrier -- it depends on the unit you're installing. Some units raplaces the entire carrier completey, others require an open carrier, and of course the rest will work with the LS carrier. The biggest difference between the LS carrier and the open carrier is of course the LS carrier has more room machined inside of it for the LS's clutch discs.

 

[JDraper]

If you're happy with the performance of your trac-loc, then by far the most cost effective and easiest thing to do is rebuild it. A new clutch set for it runs about $45 from Summit Racing and is fairly easy to install. See the link below for the kit.

Summit Trac Loc Rebuild Kit

 

[CDW6212R]

Hello Matt, you can use many of the choices you have discovered and do well. The OEM LS will need rebuilding far more often then others, I have used one up in less than three months(mail delivery - unique).

The Zexel Torsen is the most expensive, but it will last the longest. There are no parts which should ever wear out with typical usage. They are not for drag racing. Some people like them for road racing, but that would be abnormal usage also.

I like the two which I have installed, the one in my police Crown Vic works just like an OEM LS in function, it will get you sideways if you hit the gas at a stop, turning. There are no noises, jerking, it is completely seamless in all conditions.

As for off roading, I'd ask people who have pushed them doing that, I've never run my truck off road before. For hard core crawling I think some would like more positive locking between the two sides. The Zexel Torsen carriers need some rpm difference to function. I'll leave that to some expert off road drivers to explain more. Good luck,

 

[mounty71]

oh ya, and another thing about the zexel torsen, where did you get yours from, could you go to ford since the fx4 rangers have them?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I don't have one yet but I say go with the Detroit Tru-Trac as it is gear driven. You will not have to worry about clutches burning up.

 

[mounty71]

Ya, gear driven is the most appealing to me for that reason. I was pretty set on the tru-trac for a while, then i learned the zexel torsen is basically the same thing, and ford offers it in the fx4 ranger so it has been proven and is 'streetable.' Then a few days ago i was reading up somewhere on Ritsui's aussie locker, and he seems pretty satisfied with it, as well as the other members who were running it.

 

[gijoecam]

The Torsen and the TruTrac are both considered 'Torque-biasing' diffs (which, in my book, puts them squarely in the 'limited slip' category). Unlike a clutch-based unit, they do, in fact, limit the amount of wheel slippage allowed when you mash the go-pedal. I'm a HUGE fan of torque-biasing LSDs for that reason.

The Aussi Locker is a simple and effective unit, but IIRC, it requires an open diff for the install. Both the Torsen and the TruTrac will include a whole new carrier as the design is completely different. It's just as effective, although from what I've read, not quite completely seamless in operation, or transparent in daily-driving.

-Joe

 

[FROADER]

Full Detroit locker is my vote. It's fine for daily driving and gets you that much more traction. Plain and simple.

 

[mounty71]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. First of all, this is probably a dumb question, but what does the acronym IIRC stand for. Haha.

So now Froader, i know you are a big advocate for the full detroit locker, and didn't/don't you have one in your truck? How are they on the street, i've heard about backlash, is that just when the unit is disengaging? Does it click when going around a turn? Does this clicking and backlash contribute to excessive tire wear?
And i have these same questions about the Aussie locker. Maybe someone with these units will chime in.

Any input on the no-slip?

Thanks again everyone.

 

[gijoecam]

IIRC = If I Remember Correctly

 

[FROADER]

I do have the Detroit locker in this one, and did in my old explorer that was a DD for over 3 years. There is no clicking, and IMO tire wear is only if you don't learn how to drive with it. It doesn't chirp around corners unless you're heavy on the gas, and the "Winter Season" here is not a factor in DD driving.

 

[CDW6212R]

I think I bought both of mine from Reider Racing.

FYI, the newer Chevy trucks have an interesting rear carrier option. It senses tire spin quickly and locks the axles together. I'd like to know more about those. Regards,

 

[mounty71]

Alright, so i found a good deal on a used torsen LS AND gears, is there anything to look for to show it is in good condition, other than no chips in the teeth or scoring or anything?

 

[CDW6212R]

I saw that, used gears if good should be worth no more than $75, Ford gears. Don't use other gears, they tend to make noise. If you can confirm mileage and usage of the carrier, try to make a deal. Good luck,

 

[tipdrill]

how do you know when ur differential has gone bad?

 

[IZwack]

When you remove the differential cover and see cracks running up and down the carrier

 

[rickcdewitt]

watch out for the zexel torsen ford diff's there was a large recall on them and thousands had to be replaced at the dealerships.what i'm saying is if you buy a used diff make sure the serial #'s arent from the bad batch.:thumbdwn:

 

[CDW6212R]

Good memory Rick, the first group made for those FX4's were recalled. Few turn up anymore because they have been popular finds for quite a while. Some are still out there for sure, contact Ford about the serial/part #'s.