Powertrax lockers ????

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:19 pm

the more i go offroad , the more i get bogged , desperatelly need a rear locker . I have an 89' LJ71 SWB landcruiser with open diffs , have been considering gettn a powertrax locker in the rear of the 8" diff , don't want the "Lock right" as they seem to harsh in a SWB daily driver. i hear the powertrax are really quiet & smooth operating . This will be my 1st mod of many to come .

Has anyone got a powertrax locker or know of someone who has , what are they like , would you recomend them to someone else , etc ?

mroffroader · Post by **mroffroader** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:28 pm

i have a powertrax in the back of my suzuki ( a powertrax is a lockright) i would never buy another they clunk and bang and are so shi to drive on the road save your money and buy a air locker or fit an LSD....i only bought it cuz im a cheap ass lol :oops:

mroffroader · Post by **mroffroader** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:32 pm

or buy one and put it in the front but only if you have power steer!!! becuase you dont drive in 4x4 on the road and put a LSD or locker that you can engage and disangage in the rear :wink:

my $0.002c worth

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:45 pm

that where your wrong , Powertrax is a locker company that bought out "Lockright" , Lockright was an aussie company as i remember . Powertrax have their own model which is sapposedly alot smoother & quiter & designedc for the daily driver , lock right was purpose built specifically for offroaders i think . if you think i'm wrong , then do a google search for powertrax lockers .

turoa · Post by **turoa** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:52 pm

I wouldnt put a non selectable locker in the front

Post by **mike** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:57 pm

turoa wrote:I wouldnt put a non selectable locker in the front

I did and I love it :wink:

and I think its a powertrax as well. but cant comment on how it is on the road as the front is only ever engaged just pass where turoas LR gets stuck :lol:

Mike

wjw · Post by **wjw** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 9:04 pm

PowerTrax is US, Lockright is Oz if I remember rightly... Have two on the shelf here to install into the Prado, I got the PowerTrax ones because I was told they are much better on the road than the Oz ones and operate quietly.

turoa · Post by **turoa** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 9:06 pm

mike wrote:
turoa wrote:I wouldnt put a non selectable locker in the front

I did and I love it and I think its a powertrax as well. but cant comment on how it is on the road as the front is only ever engaged just pass where turoas LR gets stuck

Mike

Too bad the surf cant actually get past where the LR is stuck to engage the front locker

Reason I wouldnt put one in the front is because on greasy hill climbs, one side can suddenly grab traction, and pull you around, which might send you rolling down the hill

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 9:08 pm

powertrax bought out lockright as i remember , bloody yanks with all the money are buying out Aussie & NZ wicked ideas & making shitloads of $$$ from them, poor little Aussie;s & Kiwi's - LOL

IcedJohnno · Post by **IcedJohnno** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 10:05 pm

I think you will find the Aussie auto-unlocker is called a Lokka.

The Lock-Right box for the one that went in my front end says LOCK-RIGHT by Richmond made in USA on the box but mentions Powertrax in the owners manual. I suspect that Powertrax may have bought out Richmond which as I understand it, is/was another US company.

Ive had a rear type diff-carrier which normally has 4 sun wheels as opposed to the front diffs 2, fitted with a Lock-Right in the front of my 71 series Prado for three years.

I love it and have had no issues with it so far. The lock has not changed at all, the steering is only marginally heavier after selecting 4wd and it goes way better off-road. No CV's broken to date and I'm not known for being particularly easy on vehicles. No issues with sidling on top of a 35 degree side angled snow/ice covered track apart from my own heartrate!

WACKO · Post by **WACKO** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:13 pm

could you fit a factory eletric locker from a hilux in there?

IcedJohnno · Post by **IcedJohnno** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:35 pm

could you fit a factory eletric locker from a hilux in there?

Yes you can. All you need to do is grind out part of the diff housing flange where the diff-head bolts in.

I looked at buying one of these as I already have a factory rear electric diff-lock but the 2nd hand price was outrageous. They come out of 80 & 100 series Cruisers too. They are dearer than ARB and thats saying something! :roll:

Looking back at the original post by Adventure-more, you should have no probs with a Lock-right in the front end of your SWB 4x, I dont. And fit it to the front end as this is where more work gets done, this has been proved by tests front versus rear diff-locks. There are post on this from Aus somewhere.

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 4:59 pm

i had a look at e few of the websites last night and found out that Richmond has bought out Powetrax , so it started as "Lockrite" made in Aussie , then a USA company bought them out and then made an improved version for the daily driver based off the origininal Lockrite and called themself Powertrax while still selling it , then Richmond bought out powertrax . Plus there are other similar lockers around called Lokka , Aussie locker and detroit ( tractec ) has there own version too , etc ,

I'm gettn one for the rear first as half the time you can get by without chucking it in 4x4 if you have a locker in the rear . will see how the rear goes to see if i want a locker in the front as plan to be doing a bit of driving up the mountains come winter with snow & ice on the road , last thing i want is to lose the front end up a steep narrow section of road .

IcedJohnno · Post by **IcedJohnno** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 11:52 pm

I would still suggest you put one in the front first. I only engage my electric rear in really dodgy places where I am pretty sure I will get stuck.

I can't remember where in Aussie the front versus rear 1st locker debate was accurately tested and finally put to bed but I am sure if you Google it you will find it. The findings were that about 80% of the effort is done with the front end whilst getting over stuff in a forward direction. I know this is contrary to the factory setups but this is what they found.

[/quote]last thing i want is to lose the front end up a steep narrow section of road .[quote]

I very much doubt you will make the truck 'push' and lose the front end on Ice/snow. I have not managed this yet either here in NZ nor on Ross Island.

In terms of snow driving I suspect I know more than most. 1 winter in Antarctica and 25 years driving a piece of ski-field 4wd track called the "Horror Stretch". This cannot be used during the ski season due to the steepness of track and amount of snow coverage, the top of it is at 5500 ft. I am usually the first to cut a track thru this as the ski season comes to an end and I have maintenance to do. I am always the last person to drive it as the ski season approaches and I have yet more maintenance work to get done prior to opening.

With only 31 MTs and a vehicle that is not lifted but using two sets of heavy duty Vee-link Icebreaker chains and both diff-locks engaged once I'm getting stuck, I can cut my way up through 650mm of snow provided I can break thru it.
The fun starts when there is a heavily frozen crust, it is a week since I've been there and Ive got all four spinning. Sometimes when this happens and I'm throwing rocks, the Prado suddenly lifts up and gets on the plane so to speak. I find my self driving relatively fast up on top of the snow surface and on the same angle as the drifted snow, usually that of the hillside, bloody steep. Not to be recommended and dont try this at home :lol:

These days I get the job done earlier or someone on the D4. Thats been equipped with Ice grousers at 90 degrees to the normal direction so it doesnt slide sideways..... :shock:

.

The point is I have never regretted fitting a auto-unlocker to the front end and I drive in far more dangerous mountainous terrain than most. There is a drop-off ranging from 1000 to 1500 ft off the side of this!

The other point is that with an auto-unlocker in the rear end you always have it working and the yaw is most noticeable on the open road.
With it only in the front end you only use it on loose surfaces once your hubs are engaged. On the loose stuff the acceleration and deceleration yaw from the front end is a lot less noticible.

When ever I get to a windy shingle road the first thing I do is get into high 4 and start using that Lock-Right. Recently I chose not to use hi4 and to drive quite conservatively :shock:

and compare the difference between 2 & 4wd. Even at a slow speed I still got surprised on a corner where the surface got looser (freshly graded) and the corner tighter. The front end pushed, (2wd) then as I backed off the engine braking locked the rears enough to cause the rear to drift. I corrected the slide but got caught out by the SWB's very fast snap back. Truck drove up a ditch and then I'm looking at the ground thru the side window :oops:

cruza · Post by **cruza** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 4:27 pm

Good point iced johno. I have a 70 series 89 swb cruza. use it only for hunting trips/back country access around the south island. I had brought(imported) 2 arb lockers, But decided to try a powertrax lock right( usa) in the front first as they are quite cheap. Lokka is a similar product and is made in aust. lock right has been fitted 4-5 years now , sold arb lockers (unused 2 yrs ago) and run a std lsd in the back , as the hassle fitting arb locker/airsource and $$$$ vs little more traction in a few situations, isn't worthwhile for me., the lockright works very well , quiet and only quirk I have found they steer a little wider on engine braking down hill bits. No bangs! and you'd never know its there when running with hubs engaged in 2wd on the tarmac.Huge traction gains , just put my front diff back together last month after twisting a half shaft & breaking a cv, Lockright showed no wear ,apart from breaking the 3 shear pins ($30) Was suggested I'd set my tolerances to wide, so closed gaps alittle on re assembly, but given the abuse it had I wasn't surprised. For the price they give a lot of traction gain, I wouldn't put one in the back , as they can be a bit clunky if you do a lot of tarmac work,ie corners under power, I really only get stuck now on diffs etc , where I'd be winching even if I had a locker in the back too. Best $500 you could spend, and still have $1500-2000 leftover for some decent chains, tirfor etc.

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 5:19 pm

been searching ho & low for the original Powertrax "No-slip" locker here in Christchurch , most 4x4 shops have never heard of them, they only know the noisey , harsh & crappy " lockrites" under the powetrax name , spins me out when i search for something i want that i have seen in Aussie 4x4 magazines or from the USA and alot of places in the south island have never heard or seen them " just open your eyes to the rest of the world & have a look " - friggin hell , i'll end up ordering them straight out of the states & gettn them shiipped/freighted out here the way things are going . and whats with the price of LPG out here , just under a buck , in Aussie its between 40c - 65c , USA is even cheaper still , But Unimogs are cheap , maybe i should i just get one of them -lol

I'm putting a locker in the rear 1st , why because i want/choose to ,nothing else and i have manual hubs on my series 70 ( t/case doesn't have a central diff )and don't want to be locking and unlocking them when ever i go from dirt to road & to dirt & road again and so on ,etc . ( if i had the $$ i'd get something like theEaton " E-locker" or the detrot version - that is LSD until you press the button)

I may piss a few kiwi's off with this post , but hey at the end of the day , you can't please everyone !

wjw · Post by **wjw** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 5:26 pm

I bought a few Powertrax locks from the states a couple of years back, have two still on the shelf in the garage ready to go into the Prado. They were $350NZD each delivered. I ordered mine from http://www.rocky-road.com and shipped them to my brother in New York, who then sends them sea freight. takes 4-6 weeks but cheap as chips. Have a ring and pinion set plus two 3 Ton hinges on their way right now.

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 5:33 pm

I'm definatelly doing that then , cheers Bill for the advice. are yours the better & smoother "No slip" or the "Lockrites" ? 350 bucks NZ is so cheap ! if they are still similar price , then i'm definatelly gettn back and front !

here i pasted the powertrax "No-slip " brochure off that for everyone who think i am full of it - LOL

No-Slip Traction System

The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System is the latest design in locking differential technology. It combines the smooth operation of a limited-slip differential, with the traction performance of a locking differential.

A precise synchronization mechanism eliminates the ratcheting sounds typical of other locking differentials. Special gear and spring design reduce the backlash and therefore driveline windup. Only ultra strength material is used which is 67% stronger than titanium.

Installation is simple because no ring and pinion set-up is required. In addition, no special tools or oils are needed. Step by step model specific instructions are provided with every kit.

The No-Slip Traction System is the ideal solution for just about any light truck, sport utility, and muscle car on the road today. Whether you need the safety of added traction for daily commuting, recreation, work, or just so your muscle car puts power to the pavement instead of burning one wheel up, the No-Slip Traction System is your answer.

DON'T GET STUCK AGAIN!!
The No-Slip Traction System will significantly enhance the traction of your light truck, sport utility vehicle, or van by sending the engine power to the wheels that need it most. Yet on dry pavement, the No-Slip Traction System will allow for full wheel differentiation to prevent additional tire wear. Operation is smooth, quiet and dependable.

UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE!!
The No-Slip Traction System performs under a variety of rugged conditions. Whether it be snow, ice, mud, sand, gravel, or the street, the No-Slip Traction System will help get you to your destination. Its extremely rugged design has been tested and proven worldwide.
[/img]

wjw · Post by **wjw** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 6:00 pm

Mine are the lockrights, but I haven't installed them yet...

http://www.powertrax.com/lockright.html

In some vehicles, you will hear a light clicking noise as the gears are overrunning themselves and allowing the wheels to differentiate in a turn. This is normal of most lockers on the market today

The No-Slip is different:

http://www.powertrax.com/noslip.html

Although I've been told the lockrights don't 'click' give it a month and I'll know first hand.

$350 ea was for 5. Including Courier to NY, USPS to NZ and GST (Duty).

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 6:06 pm

the "No slip" is US$380 on that site , probably get it cheaper if i look around online , maybe http://www.summitracing.com and a few others, did you have other vehicles or some mates that needed some too when you ordered 5 ?

callum007 · Post by **callum007** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 7:13 pm

if you are trying to save pennies.. id buy a Lokka from 4wdsystems.com.au. $500nz or less.. i ran a detroit in my old cruiser. I noticed no difference in operation between the 2..

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 8:13 pm

i won't buy lokka's , lockrites, etc for the rear as this will be a daily driver and it won't be an hardcore offroader , more an expedition/exploration 4x4 set up for adventure sports ( white water , rock climbing , surfing , tramping , exploring , etc ) to get into certain area's when you could'nt otherwise with most other 4x4's definatlly now will get a "No- slip "-rear and maybe a lokka or lockrite for the front as its parttime 4x4 with manual hubs.

Horeses for courses- or how ever you put ( everyone is into different things )

wjw · Post by **wjw** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 8:48 pm

adventures_more wrote:the "No slip" is US$380 on that site , probably get it cheaper if i look around online , maybe http://www.summitracing.com and a few others, did you have other vehicles or some mates that needed some too when you ordered 5 ?

I needed to pay for mine :-)

sold them on TradeMe and to a few guys I knew...

Post by **mike** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:44 pm

I've had one in the rear of mine for a year and I love it on shingle roads, feels like rallying but at 30km per hour :lol:

Mike

IcedJohnno · Post by **IcedJohnno** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:05 pm

... and I love it on shingle roads,

Yeah but whats it like on the blacktop Mike? I seem to recall that careful use of the throttle was required thru the corners! :lol:

By the way Mike, Nice Breasts! How is the hormone treatment coming on! :lol:

They are lovely to watch, specially on dial up in slow motion but rather disconcerting at work where my monitor is up high for everybody to see...

Post by **mike** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:10 am

Its certainly different on the blacktop, but I have got used to it and know if its the locker making the truck do weird things under power in and out of corners. Once the SAT's went on the surf it wasnt the locker I had to worry about :shock:

Driving to survive with SAT's mean I didnt notice the locker anymore. Still wouldnt have it any other way, alot of places I never had to engage 4wd as the rear being locked just pushed you through. Having the front locked as well in the south island is not so much of an issue as it is up north as we dont have the slippery hills down here to climb off. 80% of my 4wding down here has a rocky base to it.

I can send you a bigger version if you want to make it your wall paper at work
:wink:

Mike

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:50 pm

those tittys are anoying as making my head spin -lol , just need to see a "HOT" chick bending over for you , now that would be a good avatar !

i just searched on Google.com.au and found a post from an Aussie forum and came across guy who has 70 series cruiser and just bought 2 powertrax "No slip" lockers >>>>>

2 x lockrite noslip lockers $1193.00 including $115.00 US postage landed here from the USA took 5 days from postage date, to buy the same lockers here $1760 or $880.00 each. I'm sick of being lashed.From now on everything I buy will be researched on the net, and buying off who saves ME the most cash......

Now that is damn cheap for the best "Lunch box" locker that you can get, cheaper than "Lockrites" out here , i was qouted something like $1500 from a 4x4 shop here in CHCH just for one .

Post by **mike** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:30 am

adventures_more wrote:those tittys are anoying as making my head spin -lol , just need to see a "HOT" chick bending over for you , now that would be a good avatar !

Now that is damn cheap for the best "Lunch box" locker that you can get, cheaper than "Lockrites" out here , i was qouted something like $1500 from a 4x4 shop here in CHCH just for one .

Where did you get quoted that? leave my breasts alone btw.

Mike

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:06 pm

the same place that someone on here suggested go there for some stuff 4wd something .... - don't want to give them bad publicity when they could be really good as never been there , just wrang ovber the phone .

Going to freshn my 2LT to get me around , rebuild t/case so theres no bloomn "Hummming" noise anymore , then will order 1 front & 1 rear Powertraz "No slip" from the states & have a smile from ear to ear when they are in ! ( puttn off 13BT build to later this year so can have fun NOW )