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I have a 97 F-250LD with the Sterling 10.25" semi-float rear end with no limited slip. I was looking at getting a limited slip or a locker. The only one I can find (and afford $345 at Summit) is the one that Power Trax makes. It is called their Lock Right Locker. They say it is a pretty extreme locker not really for everyday use. I want to know if anybody has one and how it is on tires and everyday driving? Also I don't mind the noise of the ratchet, my buddy has one in his Dodge . Also if anybody knows of any other limited slips or lockers more for everyday driving.
Thanks for any info, Michael
From what I have read and heard, they are a pretty good unit. My factory Trac-loc in my 2001 will drag a tire if I accelerate around a corner. It is good and tight. Just the way I like them.
Jimmy
With the SF 10.25 you don't have any. I saw on reider racings site that they listed an eaton limited slip but I don't know if its right. Otherwise, there is an arb (not sure if it is for SF or not), the original trac loc (not bad, better than the original from 20 years ago) and the trac loc.
The Lock right works well at locking up. However, its harsh, very harsh. It will usually be locked when powering out of a turn, or from a stop rounding a corner (skipping one tire the whole way). Its VERY NOISY. I also noticed that it would be locked up when on roads that slightly curved. I can only recommend the lock right if you are routinely in situations that leave one wheel hanging, as there is no way to get the trac loc to grip in that situation. As you can see from my sig, i no longer have the trac loc.
You may want to try ebay. My unit was brand new, but I couldn't return it and sold it for $200. A loss of $150. Bad news for me, good news for you. They do show up every now and then. I bought the Trac Loc online from a ford dealer new for $190 shipped to my door.
With a long wheelbase you will rarely notice the locker unless you are on ice or something really slick. The ratcheting isn't all that noisy, at least in an older truck that's noisy already. They do lock and un-lock in corners and such depending on your driving style. If you power on through a u-turn and break loose the inside tire, it will lock up and try to push the front straight ahead. They are very similar to frontwheel drive cars in that they tend to push pretty hard if you drive them hard in corners. Otherwise on the straights you will never notice them. In the dirt, I would choose the locker over a l/s any time things get nasty. That and the drop in units are somewhat cheaper. Before you buy you should call powertrax or whoever and talk to one of their tech guys. I bought one because it was cheap, then I had to throw on an extra $80 almost in side gears because the ones I had wouldn't work.
I am really happy now that I have it working correctly. *( The ford 9 inch version has a lot of variables due to all the aftermarket support and things being changed out on a 30 year old truck by prior owners.)
Thanks for the info and anyone that also posts later also I was wondering if user : aldridgec if could you tell me the name and how you contacted the Ford dealer you got the trac loc from for $190 thanks again, Michael
They seem to be the most consistently cheap. The will charge sales tax, but ship for free over $100. There was a site I found, but didn't bookmark that linked to about 20 online parts Ford parts sites and I just typed in the number on each till I found the cheapest. I'll have to dig up the part number though.
Willd, I guess thats the difference, an older truck. There were very few times I could take off a corner and not have the thing locked up, maybe 30% of the time no matter how I drove. And it was VERY VERY noisy. It may be the 10.25 version thats noisy as I've heard it in other cars and it didn't seem to be as noisy. Sounded like I was going up a roller coaster. Very loud inside and outside most of the time when I was making a turn. It turned heads if someone was around like something was really wrong. You have to be going PERFECTLY straight not to notice it in my truck/opinion. This only applies to a LOCK RIGHT locker, not a detroit locker or other similar models. They are much quieter, but not available for the SF 10.25.
Thanks,
I tried looking there. The site is confusing. Is it under Differentials, f150 heavy duty payload. It doesnt tell you what size, or anything for it. Any help would be great. By the way im looking for the Trac lock unit for my ttruck
THanks again
The lockrite is a great locker.....it wont eat tires........however that price seems a little expensive. You might see if this company makes the Aussie Locker for that axle: http://www.offroadlockers.com/