Eh, when mine goes, i'll probably just get a better one anyway.

 

Do you not like the Auburn? I've been thinking about going with a Detroit Locker whenever I do switch to an 8.8

 

We'll, I have nothing to compare it too. I've heard mixed opinions from various mechanics. Some say Auburn is junk and other swear by them. To me, it doesn't feel like it locks up fast enough, and even when it does, it doesn't fully lock up.

For instance, every now and then I test it to make sure it's working properly. I grab some wet grass and punch it from a stop. Go until I stop tearing the grass up and get out and look at the grass. It seems that even though both my tires spin at once, the left one always seems to tear up more grass then the right. So my left tire is getting more power than the right tire.

This might by typical for a Diff, then again like I said, I have nothing to compare it to. I would prefer a diff that completely locks up both tires equally when punching it from a stop, but maybe they're just not made that way.

 

Very scientific How long have you had the diff in? Maybe the clutches are slipping and not really locking those axles together.

And to answer your earlier question about Mustang rear ends...Ford has 3 different rear ends for the Mustangs. The V6, GT, and Cobra all have a different kind. The V6 has a 7.5 solid rear axle, the GT has an 8.8 solid rear axle, and the Cobra has an 8.8 IRS. Do you guys have a solid rear axle or IRS?

 

Solid rears, and my diff only has about 4 thousand miles on it, so i don't think it's worn out already. I just think that perhaps there are better ones out there.

There are two Auburn models available. The High Performance and the Pro. I got the High Performance, not by choice, that's just what Steeda put in when they installed one. I didn't know about the Pro Series, which is the better one, until a few weeks later when my brother told me that's what he has in his. Then I researched the web and found that the Pro IS the better one. maybe I'll get that one next time instead??

Tom

 

Give it a try. Like I said I have an Eaton and I'm happy with it, but when I get a new one I'm gonna get a Detroit Locker...just to see if I like those too

 

I've heard the Detroit Lockers are great.

 

Ive heard they are great, but I havent seen anyone carry them for the 8.8"?????? Also, Tom, if you want some crazy LSD, go out and research Powertrax no slip differentials. Thats what you really need, especially since you gave up on the drag scene...you know...by getting a lift and all :-P

Garrett

 

Yeah, they make them for the 8.8. I just gotta wait til I get my 8.8 so I know the axle diameter and the number of splines

 

I was at Powertrax website last night, coincedentally, and it seems as if they only make a locker that goes inside your already existing open diff housing, but they don't make a full locking diff, only the inside clutch pieces.

Hear is a brief description from their site.

The Powertrax Lock-Right Locker is the original locking differential that could be easily installed in existing case assemblies without any special tools or setup equipment.

so it's not a full diff, it installs inside the clutches of your original oem open diff.

I'll have to call them and see if it can fit inside my Auburn if I gutted it.

Tom

 

I just sent them this email.

Hey guys,

I installed an Auburn High Performance LSD and find that in the sand and mud that sometimes only one wheel still spins. I'd like to replace the guts of the Auburn with your No-Slip Traction System. Is that possible??? I have a 2003 F150 2wd 4.2l V6 with an 8.8 and 31 spline.

Tom

 

Check this out Tom...may be what you are looking for!

www.tractech.com/docs/DetroitTruetrac.pdf

I think this is a great combo. The thing I dont understand about P-trax, is, is it an actual unit, or is it just the internals? Very confused!?! A locker is an actual unit right? just like steeda would the auburn...its something you install into the rear end, even if ya dont have an LSD.

Am i right here?

Garrett

 

Garrett,

The PowerTrax is different. I called and talked to them.

Apparently, the powertrax is made so that anyone can install it, because you dont need to take you stock open diff out. this little gear (it's smaller than it looks on their site) somehow slips inside your stock open diff. They say anyone can do it, then all you gotta do is bolt your cover back on and fill it with oil. But I thought that the price was kind of high for just a piece that fits inside. Powertrax claims that it will out-perform my Auburn.

I did the test last night in the sand at my buddies house. I goosed it in the sand and both rear tires spun at the same time and kick up sand everywhere, so I know mine is locking up when it's supposed to. I think i'll just keep mine. Auburn is one of the more well known more popular brands so it must be a decent one at least.

Tom

 

So, let me get this straight. Off the dealer, you have an open differential. Open = one wheel peel. You install the powertrax gearing and they make it act more like a locker. Is that correct? Or am I way off?

Garrett

 

Close.

Your open diff has splines in it that can rotate both tires. Just not at the same time. the only difference between an open diff and, say an Auburn, is that the Auburn looks exactly like your stock open diff except it has springs inside with 2 clutch plates that press up against the spline plates on both wheels. The springs press the clutches up against these two plates, semi locking them together. There is no such thing as a true lock up, unless you weld your drive shaft together, then you would never be able to turn any corners because both of your wheels are turning the same speed.

How it works, I think, is when one tire starts spinning it heats the clutch up and grabs which then turns the other tire. Since there is already pressure on both clutches, when you hit the gas from a stop, both tires engage at once.

Your stock diff is the same as an LSD diff without the clutches, which is why they nickname it an open diff, because it's basically empty inside. All the Powertrax is, is the missing clutch plate system that fills the empty hole in your stock open diff.

Basically, that's how it works. I'm sure it's more technical than that but I'm not a "real" mechanic, I'm just good at taking things apart and putting them back together. A "Mr. Fix-It" so to speak.

Tom