powertrax rear diff.....

[tygraine]

just wondering if anybody has a powertrax rear locker in there truck. i'm looking to purchase one.

when i take a hard turn, and get on the gas, i hear some noises coming from the rear end.
150k on the ty, time to freshen it up.

any input is appreciated!



Dan
92 Ty 1605

 

[ed hess]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

i have one sitting in the old rear in my shop.

if you are interested in it let me know as i no longer need it.

ed

 

[tygraine]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

i'll take it ed.....talk to you monday

 

[big gear head]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

I've had one in my S10 4X4 for over 8 years. I drive it about 60 miles a day. No problems with it so far, except for the poping and jerking.

 

[ed hess]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

hey big gear head

shut up, cant ya see i'm trying to make a sale here. joke lol

 

[tygraine]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

poping and jerking?...geeez i thought it clicked a little in the corners?

 

[Loeryder]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

Other option is too upgrade to the 8.5"
Beefier and more street friendly.

As for the 8.5" rear housing, you will have to get one from a 4x4 model as that housing is 4 3/4" wider than a 2WD model housing. They are easily found on http://www.car-part.com & run around $500-$700. Get only a '98 up version to get the rear disc brake type.

There was just a thread on here about the 8.5 rear swap.
Thats gonna be the route I go as well.

 

[NOJIMMY]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

...okay, with the following available for our vehicle:

- GM 7.5 in Rear End in our vehicle (e.g. is it the axles, posi, or ring/pinion that are weak with MT ET Drag Radials/slicks?)
- GM 8.5 in 10 Bolt Rear End (any advantages over the following below?)
- GM 8.875 in 12 Bolt Rear End
- Ford 9.0 in Rear End
- Currie 9.0 in Rear End
- GM 9.5 in Rear End
- GM 10.5 in Rear End

I dont understand why some of these other diff`s arent mentioned in builds: like a Dana 35 (30 spline locking differential), Eaton GM 8.875 12 bolt (30 spline posi), Auburn GM 10 bolt 8.5 (30 Spline), GM 8.5 posi 28 spline limited slip locker 10 bolt or a spool for racing purposes.

Is it pricing, compatiblity, strength, or support that determine selection?

thanks
Larry

 

[ed hess]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

poping and jerking?...geeez i thought it clicked a little in the corners?

thats about the only thing i ever noticed with it.

 

[ed hess]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

...okay, with the following available for our vehicle:

- GM 7.5 in Rear End in our vehicle (e.g. is it the axles, posi, or ring/pinion that are weak with MT ET Drag Radials/slicks?)
- GM 8.5 in 10 Bolt Rear End (any advantages over the following below?)
- GM 8.875 in 12 Bolt Rear End
- Ford 9.0 in Rear End
- Currie 9.0 in Rear End
- GM 9.5 in Rear End
- GM 10.5 in Rear End

I dont understand why some of these other diff`s arent mentioned in builds: like a Dana 35 (30 spline locking differential), Eaton GM 8.875 12 bolt (30 spline posi), Auburn GM 10 bolt 8.5 (30 Spline), GM 8.5 posi 28 spline limited slip locker 10 bolt or a spool for racing purposes.

Is it pricing, compatiblity, strength, or support that determine selection?

thanks
Larry

to answer your question.... it was the axle i broke.... note the pic in my sig as the axel/tire/wheel assy is follwoing the truck just before i did a 560 deg spin on the center line.
the sparks are from the caltrac rubbing the track saving the cladding & undercariage.
Wow man what a ride! lol

btw when the rear one broke it then broke one in the front also

ed

 

[big gear head]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

My truck has a 5 speed manual. My brother had one with an automatic and he didn't notice the poping and jerking much at all. It seems like the torque converter absorbs a lot of the harshness of the locker. I have a Detroit Locker in my 4 speed 427 '69 Camaro, so I guess I'm use to the way they act with the manual transmissions. I've put about 100,000 miles on the one in my truck and some of it hasn't been easy. I take it off road from time to time and drop the clutch on it often with 30 inch mud tires. It has held up well.

The lockers actually work better than a clutch type posi in a drag car because the locker can not slip under power. If you watch the 5.0 Mustang street cars when they are doing their burnouts you will notice that a lot of them will spin both tires in the water for a few seconds, and then one will quit spinning. This is common with the clutch type posi. Unless something is broke a locker will never do this.

 

[kue]

Re: powertrax rear diff.....

I have a 5 speed s10 with a powertrax as well. I had a problem with the clunking and jerkiness with the locker when I first installed it. After a week or so, I learned to how to "drive" the truck with the new locker and the jerkiness is gone. Another side effect is the clicking the diff makes when it "opens" while making a turn. I don't know how many people have told me the rear end of my truck is broken because there is a clicking.

The traction is awesome, much better than the standard s-series limited slip and Torsen limited slips I have used. If I am at the track or in the snow it works like a miracle.

One tradeoff is what I would describe as accelerated tire wear. If I am accelerating at all during a lower speed turn (0-15mph), the diff will "lock" and you can hear one of the tires squeal in protest. If you are in a parking lot, people will look at you like you are nuts.

All in all, I like the Powertrax diff alot, but I don't think I would put one in my Typhoon. It is a fantastic for my 2wd S10 or if it was used for off roading in a 4x4. In a sy/ty the traction is good to begin with - so a powertrax unit may bring along some of the clunkiness of operation without a significant improvement in traction.

It is important to note that I have not run one of these in my Typhoon, so maybe there is none of the clunkiness or so little is it a none issue. Hopefully if someone has installed one in a sy/ty they can give their take on it.