Limited Slip...Posi...Locker differences???
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Limited Slip...Posi...Locker differences???
Hello,
I am looking at putting a new rear end in my truck and i need to know what the differences are between Limited Slip...Posi...Locker, what one will be great for off roading but still good in the city? and what does each one do...i know what the limited slip is, but what about the positraction and the locker? maybe you guys can help me out? What would you recomend?
I am looking at putting a new rear end in my truck and i need to know what the differences are between Limited Slip...Posi...Locker, what one will be great for off roading but still good in the city? and what does each one do...i know what the limited slip is, but what about the positraction and the locker? maybe you guys can help me out? What would you recomend?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
"Posi" or positraction is just the GM name on their limited slip differentials. It's a series of clutches similar to whan an auto tranny uses. Personally I wouldn't buy a LS diff to install in something. If I was gonna make an upgrade I'd go with a locker or ideally a selectable locker if it's in the budget.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
what ivan said!
however if the axle already has a L/S they will work decently in the city on those slick rainy days. they dont do hardly anything offroad though, you will need to look into a real locker, automatic or selectable!
-cutts-
however if the axle already has a L/S they will work decently in the city on those slick rainy days. they dont do hardly anything offroad though, you will need to look into a real locker, automatic or selectable!
-cutts-
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Well, there are two.....three kinds of lockers. An automatic locker is gonna be locked all the time. However from what I understand it lets one wheel spin faster when cornering in the city. Yet it will fully lock both wheels while in a straight line. A selectable locker is the best. They normaly remain open/limited slip while unengaged. Then when you engage it it will lock both wheels 100% even if you are cornering. These are the best choice because you choose when to have them locked or open. Third, there is the option of a spool. These are alot cheaper than any other kind of locker. However they lock your diff 100% all the time. Even going around a corner the wheels would be locked. These will eat your tires alive if you put one on the road. Trust me I have one in my Bronco.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: the side of a mountain
trac lock is ford's version of a limited slip, posi is gm's they are just limited slips, a detroit is an auto locker that when you let off the gas on corners it disenguages and lets one wheel spin faster than the other when you get on the gas it lockes them both back.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
Normally I don't like to nit-pick but just a couple things I want to mention. A spool is not a locker, it's a spool. "Locker" indicates that the differential can lock and unlock - hence when you say "And automatic locker is gonna be locked all the time" this is incorrect. If it were locked all the time it would be a spool. An "automatic" locker, like a Detroit, will allow the wheels to spin at different speeds under cruise but will lock the diff to spin both tires at the same speed under power. This is where the fun driving happens, when you're taking a corner and you hit the throttle . . . the rear end can come around on you. And yes, selectables function as an open diff until engaged and then they function like a spool.
I could be wrong but if I recall correctly Trac-lock is a limited slip, not a locker. Someone correct me if I'm wrong there. Detroit lockers are about the strongest and most reliable locker money can buy.
I could be wrong but if I recall correctly Trac-lock is a limited slip, not a locker. Someone correct me if I'm wrong there. Detroit lockers are about the strongest and most reliable locker money can buy.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30
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From: canada
I just rebuilt and installed an 8.8 with a Factory Trac Lok in the rear, and installed a loaded Dana 44 IFS Trac Lok in the front, of my 1990 F150 4x4. This set up works perfectly for me and I couldn't be happier with it. I plow snow in the winter and raise Hell the rest of the year. I want one wheel to be able to "slip" if it gets caught up on someting or whatever the case may be. I don't want any serious breakage occuring due to bindage. I did all of this for roughly around $500.-600. Canadian. Feel free to contact me if you need Factory part numbers.
Its Comin Right for us!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,219
Likes: 2,676
From: GA
whenever i hear posi i have this ringing in my head i have heard from 1000000 people with mullets
"Man its got a 350 4 bolt main bored XXXX over, holley, high rise intake and 4.11 positraction locker, small block chevrolet...getcha some"
sorry rant off
limited slips are great for a vehicle that sees little offroac time, but after a few hard one wheel wonders they loose their initial tightness and almost become worthless. Except of course the gear type l/s's
"Man its got a 350 4 bolt main bored XXXX over, holley, high rise intake and 4.11 positraction locker, small block chevrolet...getcha some"
sorry rant off
limited slips are great for a vehicle that sees little offroac time, but after a few hard one wheel wonders they loose their initial tightness and almost become worthless. Except of course the gear type l/s's
Last edited by KubotaOrange76; Mar 14, 2006 at 11:17 PM.
i have seen that movie WAY too many times, but there aint nothin wrong with that its got brittany daniel and jamie presly in it.