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Powertrax LOCK-RIGHT Locker Installation(Click on any of the pictures for a larger view) |
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I have been running LOCK-RIGHT lockers in the rear axle (GM 7.5") of my GMC S-15 for almost 5 years and in the front axle (Dana 30) for about 2 years. In my opinion, the increase in traction provided by them is equal to any other locker on the market, and they have very good street manners. The front locker has survived 2 broken axles (clean breaks, right at splines) and numerous broken u-joints and looks like it just came out of the box. The rear has had probably 30,000 to 40,000 miles on it and shows little noticeably wear. The only exception to the rear is a recent axle break where the splines on the axle exploded (very jagged break) and caused a hairline crack in one of the couplers. Even then, I replaced the axle and have still been doing some "moderate" four wheeling without any problems. I have decided to install these in the front and rear Dana 44 axles that will be going under my truck. I've written this install as an overview of most of the steps involved in the installation of a Powertrax LOCK-RIGHT locker. Always follow the instructions provided for proper installation. |
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The LOCK-RIGHT locker is a automatic locking differential designed to replace the spider and side gears in an open differential carrier. A lot of applications do not require removal of the carrier from the vehicle which makes them easy for the novice to install. If the carrier does need to be removed (for ring gear removal), installing the LOCK-RIGHT is still an easy project, as long as you keep track of the orientation of the main bearing caps, bearing races, and shims. |
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The contents of the box include couplers (splined for the axles), drivers (driven by the carrier pin), spacers (to retain the c-clips) and four shear pins and eight springs (four small and four large). Some applications include a new (stronger) carrier pin. |
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Disassemble the differential assembly. You will want to look over all of these parts. The side gear thrust washers and differential pin will be reused in the installation of the LOCK-RIGHT locker. Any abnormal wear in these parts or the other parts that are discarded (spider and side gears) is an indication that there might be more problems with the axle assembly. |
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Here the couplers are installed into the carrier with the original side gear thrust washers. You MUST reuse the side gears thrust washers to maintain the proper clearances, otherwise the LOCK-RIGHT will not function properly. |
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Pre assembly the drivers with the spacers and shear pins provided. The spacers are located with the "open" end toward the driver's teeth of the driver. Insert the shear pins into the oblong holes of the drivers, they should sit about flush with the face of the driver. |
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Install the assembled drivers into the carrier. If you are working on a c-clip type axle, with the carrier installed, you will need to install the drivers one at a time. The ring gear side installs first, followed by the axle c-clip, then the other side along with its axle c-clip. At this point, I use a flat screwdriver to hold the drivers against the couplers while I reinsert the carrier pin. You will want to make sure that the spacer are pushed completely against the couplers. |
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With the carrier pin installed you can now install the springs. One of the small springs inserted into a larger one and this assembly is inserted into the "window" hole of the driver. Make sure the end of the spring opposite of the shear pin is fully seated against the inside of the driver. Repeat this step for the other three springs of the locker. |
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The last thing you will want to check is the clearance between the two drivers of the locker. If the drivers are too "tight" they may not disengage properly, too "loose" and it may not lock. On the Dana 44 application the tolerance is between .145" to .170" The measurement of this one was about .150", which is right within the limits. |
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The only parts you should have left are the side gears, spider gears, and the spider gear thrust washers. You are now ready to reinstall the carrier and locker into the vehicle. You will want to rotate the tires and make sure everything is working properly while the diffential is still open. Refill the differential with a good quality gear oil. The LOCK-RIGHT does not require any special additives. |