Traction Lock - fluid change?

driller

driller

El Presidente
Staff member
I'm beginning to believe the traction-lock in the '93 is slipping. With street tires, I get two even burnout trails, but with the drag tires I'm feeling slippage at launch and getting suspect burnouts.

I am considering a set of 4.30 gears with a Detroit True-Track Locker differential but meanwhile someone suggested draining and refilling the rear with new gear oil and friction modifier.

It has about two years, 14,000 miles and a couple hundred or so track runs. Is the fluid change a waste of time and money? Or is it rebuild time?
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

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I'm beginning to believe the traction-lock in the '93 is slipping. With street tires, I get two even burnout trails, but with the drag tires I'm feeling slippage at launch and getting suspect burnouts.I am considering a set of 4.30 gears with a Detroit True-Track Locker differential but meanwhile someone suggested draining and refilling the rear with new gear oil and friction modifier. It has about two years, 14,000 miles and a couple hundred or so track runs. Is the fluid change a waste of time and money? Or is it rebuild time?
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The Ford traction lok wasn't designed for continuous drag racing. I would suspect that the clutch plates in the unit are going out. That's why I had an Eaton installed...it will take a lot longer to wear out the plates.

I'm curious about the lockers. Have they been able to eliminate the clicking noise for the most part? If they have, they would be a superior upgrade than any posi rear end.
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

[div class="dcquote"]I'm curious about the lockers. Have they been able to eliminate the clicking noise for the most part? If they have, they would be a superior upgrade than any posi rear end.
[/div]

From what I understand, the infamous 'clicking noise' is inherent in the original Detroit Locker design. The "Detroit Truetrac" limited slip differential provides the same performance of the Detroit Locker with reduced noise.

http://www.detroitlocker.com/DL.htm
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

Maybe a new clutch pack and maybe a little more preload shimming would do the trick.
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

I heard that they are supposed to last about 50k miles... but it would depend on how much you beat on the car. I would suspect worn clutches as well. A rebuild kit is only $40... so it's not too bad.
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

Driller, when I visited this subject with Lidio he went straight to the Eaton setup as he believes it is the most durable. What you are experiencing now is definetely clutch pack degredation (they need to be replaced). If you go to the 4:30 setup I would definitely use an Eaton, otherwise just rebuild what you have.
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

I used 4.30's with Ford trac-loc with no problems but I only had about 10-15 runs on it.
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

Another option:

http://www.powertrax.com/

I recently bought one, but haven't got a ring and pinion gear, yet, to install with it. Supposedly very little noise, just a click or two when cornering. Does NOT need clutches or friction modifier. Relies on syncronized gears engagement. I'll let you know how it is, when I can. It's going to be awhile before I have some free time to install it.

Jeff
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

"Couple Hundred Runs"?? I'd say you got your money's worth! I'll bet with a fluid/modifier change the T-Lock will come back. Worth a try anyway. If you take it apart/rebuild it, you can add another friction and steel and use a higher preload spring (F-150 I think).

mark
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

Yeah. I think it's worth a shot too. I'm due for a service since the trips to St. Louis and Carlisle, so I'll get the gear lube and friction modifier ready. The next track date should tell the tale then.
 
RE: Traction Lock - fluid change?

When you change you gear oil don't add the friction modifier as it will make things slicker . The friction modifier is to keep the clutches from chattering (or clunking ) during tight turns. You may want to wash as much of the old stuff out as possable with fresh gear oil.
You may want to try one of those electic lockers auburn has one out now.
Kenny
 
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