Powertrax driveability?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 82
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From: Mentor, OH
Powertrax driveability?
I know this question has been brought up before. I know I have brought it up my self. So i am sorry for asking again and that it is so long but I really have a problem. I have a 97 F250LD with the 10.25 Sterling semi-float. I know its not easy to find a cheap LS or Locker for this. Power trax has a Lock-Right Locker for it at a price I can afford and easy install. I could buy a factory locker on ebay and have a buddy of mine install it for me (he is a certified Ford Mechanic everybody should have one
). I can not afford a new factory one or an auburn or detroit. I was just wondering which I should buy the Ford LS or the Power Trax. The Ford is more streetable but the Trax is cheaper. For anybody that has a power trax how is it to drive everyday and does it do a bad number on the tires when going in corners. Since i have read some reviews saying it does not always unlock in the corners. I need help deciding and greatly appreciate any thing that you could reply with I am really stuck on what to do. Thank you for anybody that replies.
Thanks agian, Michael
). I can not afford a new factory one or an auburn or detroit. I was just wondering which I should buy the Ford LS or the Power Trax. The Ford is more streetable but the Trax is cheaper. For anybody that has a power trax how is it to drive everyday and does it do a bad number on the tires when going in corners. Since i have read some reviews saying it does not always unlock in the corners. I need help deciding and greatly appreciate any thing that you could reply with I am really stuck on what to do. Thank you for anybody that replies. Thanks agian, Michael
New User
Joined: May 2003
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If you want a lot of detailed info about insertable lockers, i would suggest one of the 4X4 boards - i like off-road.com. I have had lockrights on two Toyota 4runners over the past 5 years. For serious offroading there is no substitute for a locker - they are awesome. And the insertables are pretty simple to install and cheap. But, i would not suggest one for a daily driver vehicle and not unless you use it for serious offroading. The driving manners are pretty bad. You get the weekly really loud bang for no reason. It wears the rear tires. You have to coast around all corners. They are scary in the rain and insane on ice. You also get the occasional lane change on the freeway when it decides to lock or unlock at highway speed. My wife won't even drive our locker equipped 4runner! Maybe thats a good thing! For our F-150 that i wanted more traction on the boat ramp, i got a used limited slip rearend from a boneyard. All that said, if you decide on an insertable locker, i have had great luck with lockrights on my Toyotas. Hope this helps.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
Yeah, we've been here before.
How is the powertrax cheaper than the ford? IF you can find the 10.25 LS used and then spend $70 on a rebuild kit it will probably be clost to $170, when a new one is $190.
The powertrax new is $350 and used about $200.
Long term tire wear I can't comment on, but I would guess it would have an effect. How badly I don't know, but not sure it would be measurable.
The powertrax is harsh, but if you go anywhere that you get a wheel off the ground you will need the powertrax as the ford won't do any good, no matter how much you try to make it bite with the parking brake. It uses wavy washers between the clutch packs to set preload and they don't do a very good job.
We discussed this alot in the past, so do a search if you haven't already. If you are looking for specifics on tire wear, good luck I haven't really found any regarding the 10.25.
How is the powertrax cheaper than the ford? IF you can find the 10.25 LS used and then spend $70 on a rebuild kit it will probably be clost to $170, when a new one is $190.
The powertrax new is $350 and used about $200.
Long term tire wear I can't comment on, but I would guess it would have an effect. How badly I don't know, but not sure it would be measurable.
The powertrax is harsh, but if you go anywhere that you get a wheel off the ground you will need the powertrax as the ford won't do any good, no matter how much you try to make it bite with the parking brake. It uses wavy washers between the clutch packs to set preload and they don't do a very good job.
We discussed this alot in the past, so do a search if you haven't already. If you are looking for specifics on tire wear, good luck I haven't really found any regarding the 10.25.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
I think that it really comes down to wether your truck is a daily driver or not.
If so I'd reccomend a rebuilt Ford LS unit, great unit for the average joe, and super cheap on ebay. (I paid 40 bucks for my 9.75 LS and that included 3.55 pinion and ring gears as well as spacers too)
If not I'd reccomend the power trax....just remember the comments from Fordman, cause they are very true.
I personally put a ford LS in myself...and I see quite a bit off road, but nothing that warrants a powertrax in my case.
If so I'd reccomend a rebuilt Ford LS unit, great unit for the average joe, and super cheap on ebay. (I paid 40 bucks for my 9.75 LS and that included 3.55 pinion and ring gears as well as spacers too)
If not I'd reccomend the power trax....just remember the comments from Fordman, cause they are very true.
I personally put a ford LS in myself...and I see quite a bit off road, but nothing that warrants a powertrax in my case.
