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Install
the Powertrax
At this point, we're ready to install the Powertrax No-Slip
locker into the carrier. This is the easy part. For more detailed
information regarding this process, please check out our first
Powertrax No-Slip feature in which we install it in the
rear axle. You can also read the Powertrax instruction guide
online here.
The process is nearly identical, but it is easier for two
reasons:
- We're
working on a bench.
- No
annoying C-Clips to worry about.
The Powertrax
No-Slip instructions are extremely detailed. In addition,
the assembly is very self-explanatory. Remember to seat the
8 saddle springs in the two drivers! That is an easy step
to forget, especially if you're used to installing Lock Right
lockers.
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| The
locker is freshly installed in the carrier, and now all
we do is reverse the process and put everything back together. |
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| Finally, we got
done. As you can see, day turned to night. We ended up
doing the install twice because we accidentally pushed
in dirt from the axle housing, and it was preventing the
locker from operating properly. More incentive to stay
out of mud. |
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It's
So Easy!
Let me take a moment to talk about ease of install. I'm sure
many of you seasoned gearheads have noticed that I'm not an
experienced mechanic. I'll be the first to admit that! Basically,
if I can install, uninstall, and re-install these Powertrax
lockers in my own vehicle, almost anyone can do it.
On average,
I suppose it costs at least $1,200.00 parts and labor for
a shop to install automatic lockers that are full carrier
replacements, such as a Detroit Locker or ARB Air Locker.
For roughly
$700.00 worth of parts, I can install two Powertrax No-Slip
lockers myself, and have very functional, reliable, well-mannered,
traction devices. You can't beat that with a stick.
I'll let
those of you who build rock buggies with 1-ton rigging draw
your own conclusions as to what lockers you should buy!
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Testing
it Out
When the locker was first installed and I drove it around
in the parking lot outside the shop in figure eights, every
time I initiated a new turn, I'd hear and feel a single noticable
"click." I was wary of this at first, fearing something
wasn't right.
I then
put it in 4-LOW and drove over some nearby rocks set up outside
the shop and it climbed nicely.
We determined
that the locker was installed correctly and just needed some
breaking in. The two hour drive home from the shop was very
pleasant and did just that.
The Powertrax
No-Slip was invisible, and it remains 99% invisible today,
as long as the transfer case is in 2WD. Only an occassional
muffled "click" is heard when turns are initiated,
but they are heard seldomly.
|
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| Hellicopter
Pad in Tellico a week after installing the locker. Did
it make it up? You bet! Twice! |
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Lock Right lockers
instal in a similar fashion to the Powertrax, yet while in 2WD,
a front Lock Right would ratchet noisily as the vehicle turns. With
a Powertrax No-Slip Traction System in the front, you might hear
a single click, but otherwise it is invisible and feels just like
an open differential until you try to use high range 4WD. Then,
it is very noticable and almost unpleasant. If you need to use high
range 4WD for many months out of the year, then you may want to
consider a switchable alternative, such as the ARB Air Locker.
This locker
is best suited for trail rigs that double as daily drivers. If your
trail rig is a weekender, then you can do just as well by purchasing
Lock Rights, which cost about $100.00 less per rear. Both options
provide great off-pavement traction, however, the Powertrax is a
much smoother operator.
 Bottom
Line:
The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System is 99% invisible in the
front of the Jeep. In this position it really seems to shine, even
more so than the rear position. I'd estimate that it is only 70%
invisible in the rear position, due to the rear differential being
under load in 2WD, however, it is still very tolerable.
The locker provides
excellent lock and off-road traction installed in both positions
when driving in low range 4WD. The bottom line is that the Powertrax
No-Slip Traction System offers great performance at a reasonable
price.
Please contact
me if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!
cshontz@rockcrawler.com
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4 (Technical Information) --->>>
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