Trac Loc rebuilding?

[sargentrs]

I've been studying the past couple of weeks trying to choose a limited slip differential. Street use only, occasional barking of tires, no dragging. While I'd love to have a Detroit Tru Trac, I'm afraid that's just too much money. I've about decided the affordable way is the Trac Loc. From what I've read, I'd get good service from one until the clutches go then it can be rebuilt without too much expense. Here's the question, how hard is it to rebuild one? Could a guy with slightly better than average mechanical skills and a decent selection of hand and air tools, rebuild one correctly or is it more of a job shop thing. I'm sure I could replace parts well enough but it's the adjustments and settings that concern me. Anybody done one? Any special tool requirements? How finicky is setting the gear lash, etc? Any advice is, as always, greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

[cozadlance2]

interesting question. I posted so I can read the answers. I am confident that you will get good info and will follow along. BobbyFord has a TracLoc and so do others. I have read no complaints of tracloc. Just don't make the mistake of calling any ford rear a "posi" around here. Folks don't seem to like that here.

[sargentrs]

I tried to do a little research before I even posted the question. Don't want to look like a TOTAL idiot. I don't mind looking like an idiot, just not a TOTAL one. I think the Trac Loc works with my 4F philosophy. Find, Fit, Function and Finance.

[basketcase0302]

Randy,

I had the traction lock in my 76' EB rear axle and remember replacing the clutches in it years ago. I took it to an "old school" mechanic down there in Naples, Florida and had him set the lash for me. He did this with just lithium grease and the sound of the gears spinning in a vise, (not die compound and dial indicators like I was taught in the USN for setting gear lash). Some old school ways are disappearing forever that need to be passed on.
I ran that 9" with the spider gears welded positive and traction lock, (titanium rod for welding the side gears) for another 12 years before almost giving it away last year when the bottom fell out of my economy...
IMO...find an old school shop down there that messes with 4WD's a lot and ask them what they'd charge to set the lash for ya.

[cozadlance2]

I can only say that asking questions is how to learn and that tracloc seems well liked. Your research seems to indicate it would work and you could do worse.

[cozadlance2]

I hope you find one. If I get a 2nd truck the info of your progress will be useful. Good fortune in your search.

[cdeal28078]

I have Richmond Lock Rite in my 71 F100. It does a good job and was around $250 from Jegs about 8 years ago. It is designed to be installed pretty easily without messing up the gear pattern of the ring and pinion. I installed it in the 1st gear and then moved it into another gear set without any troubles.
It locks up both axles solid unless in a turn with little gas and then it ratchets. If you give it enough gas to lock it up both tires will spin and the back end might step out on you. Fun in my book.
In a straight line it is pure positive traction. Jack up one side and it'll pull the truck off the jack every time no matter what side you jack up. I like it
clint

[sargentrs]

Thanks for the tip! I've been checking it out. Sounds like it'd fit the bill and the price is right. Richmond website says it makes a light clicking in turns. Is it very noticeable? Even over, say, headers with dual exhaust and DynoMax mufflers?

[FreakysFords]

Sorry, just now saw the thread.

The TracLoc is about the easiest rebuild out there. There's also plenty of room to play beyond specs. If you want the lock to hold more, shim it tighter. If you want it to ONLY lock under juice, go a tad light. Either way, good lube and additive are the life of the unit.

[sargentrs]

Thanks for the input! It's on my wish list for summer install.

[Fo-Mo-Co]

Anyone done yet. I have to do mine and I want to know where it went. Also where did you get the kits?

[sargentrs]

Haven't started. Late summer project.

[67mann]

Anyone done yet. I have to do mine and I want to know where it went. Also where did you get the kits?

Yeah mines done with one small hiccup while reinstalling axles,but I'll get back to that in this thread http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =4&t=55365

I got my bearing kit at Napa....simply cause if there was a problem--easier return,but there are plentiful places to order from
I got my clutch kit from---Seven Springs Customs....only kit I found with the springs included

[Fo-Mo-Co]

Anyone done yet. I have to do mine and I want to know where it went. Also where did you get the kits?

Yeah mines done with one small hiccup while reinstalling axles,but I'll get back to that in this thread http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =4&t=55365

I got my bearing kit at Napa....simply cause if there was a problem--easier return,but there are plentiful places to order from
I got my clutch kit from---Seven Springs Customs....only kit I found with the springs included

I will check them out. I will have that toploader out this weekend and I will get you some pictures of the linkage setup. It's different thats for sure.