Rear Traction Device
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Rear Traction Device
on a 59 short pickup with the in-lne six 4 speed --- I am ready to reassemble my rear end, I am putting it together with 3:10 gears. I have both an original 4 pin traction-loc assembly, and an aftermarket loc-right locker available.
Truck will be used to pull a small camp trailer, and maybe a short fishing boat in the mountains. It will be off-road but not in any extreme territory. The worse she will see is a sandy wash and muddy farm roads.
I have had 4wd to fall back on for the last 15 years, but never really needed it. This truck will replace a Jeep wagon.
Which would be better for my use, the Ford factory traction-loc closed rear, or the aftermarket locker installed in an open rear end?
Truck will be used to pull a small camp trailer, and maybe a short fishing boat in the mountains. It will be off-road but not in any extreme territory. The worse she will see is a sandy wash and muddy farm roads.
I have had 4wd to fall back on for the last 15 years, but never really needed it. This truck will replace a Jeep wagon.
Which would be better for my use, the Ford factory traction-loc closed rear, or the aftermarket locker installed in an open rear end?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
My understanding (which may certainly be flawed) is that the limited slip (posi) won't help much in sand or mud. It won't hook up the outside wheel if the other is spinning. The locker will drive both in those off-road conditions, but is tough to drive on the street.
You'll have to do the trade off of what you want. I like my posi around town, but I wouldn't trust it any more than a standard open rear end to get me out of mud or sand.
You'll have to do the trade off of what you want. I like my posi around town, but I wouldn't trust it any more than a standard open rear end to get me out of mud or sand.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: OK
I used to have a 1994 Explorer Sport 4x4. It had a factory limited slip and did well in sand (I played on the river by me, which is full of sand and it drove good). When the front hubs stopped working, I two wheeled it everywhere and got me through many different situations. I don't have any experience with a locker. I was told for me (I do some drag racing) that a locker would be better than a limited slip. I know a limited slip would make some improvements, but not be as good as a locker for me. The limited slip would probably be fine for you if you are worried about drivability with a locker. If you don't use the locker, you could always send it to me. 
Good luck with your decision.
hotrod48
Good luck with your decision.hotrod48
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Think I'd go with the Lock-right. Easier install but not sure on it's longevity. They do make some noise as they engage and disengage but once they are engaged there is no slipping like the clutches in a posi unit.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
The ARB air locker seems to be an expensive bit of overkill for my application - just the sort of thing I like!
However, I think I will go with the locker I have for now and see how it works. I have an extra punpkin I can set up with the stock traction-loc and switch them out if I want to.
However, I think I will go with the locker I have for now and see how it works. I have an extra punpkin I can set up with the stock traction-loc and switch them out if I want to.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,890
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From: La Verne, California
Limited Slip was Designed to do Just exactly what H.R.48 stated, it was one of the things they had in mind for it to cure when they came up w/ the concept.
Those clutch plates take about 10 years to go through & that also depends as every other mechanical thing goes on how much abuse it is put through as to how often it needs to be replaced.
Lockers are a pain in the **** for a daily driver, you have to stay on top of them regularly or they'll get out of sinc & cause no end of problems.
Great for Drag Racers & Pursuit Vehicles used by Leo's, who have Full Time Mechanics on the Pay Rolls to keep on top of them, but otherwise not worth the hassle.
Those clutch plates take about 10 years to go through & that also depends as every other mechanical thing goes on how much abuse it is put through as to how often it needs to be replaced.
Lockers are a pain in the **** for a daily driver, you have to stay on top of them regularly or they'll get out of sinc & cause no end of problems.
Great for Drag Racers & Pursuit Vehicles used by Leo's, who have Full Time Mechanics on the Pay Rolls to keep on top of them, but otherwise not worth the hassle.
