When I bought my 1981 i/2 ton it had a 3.25 with traction-lok. The ring & pinion developed a whine so I bought a 4.11 traction-lok from Ford Motorsport and the clutches went out in about 20K miles ( I was using the Ford brand friction modifier in the differential). Then I thought "I am going to put all this rear end problem behind me" and bought a rebuilt "N" case 3.89 with a new Detroit Locker and Daytona pinion support (31 spline). Now I hate the detroit locker on the street, not the noise but the play in the drive line and turning sharp corners the driveline starts oscillating and is a pain. I am thinking of going back to the original 3rd member, change it to a 3.50 and rebuild the traction-lok with AMERICAN parts (especially clutches). Any thoughts on durability. I think the Motorsport rear end was using inferior clutches made in another country. I am not afraid of breaking the unit as much as I want a smooth LONG-LASTING unit. Anybody with experienced suggestions would be helpful before I spend more money. I really don't want to get into another hassle with some kind of differential that does not perform that I can have confidence in. Thanks for your help.
The truck has a 300 ( looking at changing to a V-8 as I think the mileage might go up), 3 speed with overdrive.

 

if you want something that will last long go with a spool. now you will still get the chirpping going around corners but you wont have any clutches to replace in 20k miles. also, i wouldn't swap my 300 for a v-8 ever. just my opinion.

 

But be advised that true spools can be dangerous on the street, especially if you like to take corners fast. And if your rear tires have good traction, you can even break an axle. Your traction loc should have lasted longer then 20K. I'd rebuild it first and see what happens.

 

The spool on the street is not a good idea. You'd be risking a broken axle/neck. Your safety is more important.

 

No spools on the street. I bought a Traction Lok from ebay for 50 bucks, and a motorcraft rebuild kit for 80 that gives you new shims, pin bolt, clutches, metal disks, and 4oz of friction modifier. I had a traction lok in my old truck with 110k on it, not sure if it had been rebuilt but I don't think so. I like them. If you need something more agressive, you can buy two clutch rebuild kits, and use 4 clutch disks on each side vs the stock 3. That will give you a very aggressive LS, works the nuts.

Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member