Rear Axle Traction Enhancer

I can’t answer Ryan’s question but I have yet another one. Allow me to expose my ignorance, if you will…

The D44 I have for the project has what look like ‘clutches’ outboard of the axle gears:



Having never been inside a Dana 44 in my life, are these standard parts?

Jon B.

 

That's a Trak-Loc limited slip: https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-19400284-dana-44-trak-lok-posi-3-73-down.html

They are somewhat hated by forum members because they are known for breaking. On the other hand, some people have used them for years without issue.

 

Yes, your standard Trac (trash) Lok. This is an inexpensive LS that uses friction discs to transfer torque.

So, early traction diffs used friction to help "lock" the two axles together. While they will still differentiate, there is mechanical force (friction) which resists that action, transferring torque to the axle with traction.

There were two ways to do this. Clutches and cones.

Cone'd diffs use a cone behind the axle gear to provide friction to the housing.

This is how the LS units in the Quadratrac T case in CJ7's work. While the cones can be replaced, there is no getting around the wear on the casing.

The other system is clutches.

These use a set of clutches behind the axle gears instead of cones. They can be rebuilt by replacing the clutches.

Both the clutches and cones are loaded with springs. Either coils or a bellevile washer.

For us, the most common friction traction diffs are the Trac Lok and the Powr Lok.

The Trac Lok has garnered quite a reputation for grenading, causing catastrophic failure of the diff. If you are planning on using yours, I suggest an inspection of all high mortality parts and a rebuild.

I would recommend an upgrade to, well, anything else.

 

Oh, more fun

 

I ran the Trak Loc for quite a few years without breaking it. A couple of years ago, the clutches were getteing pretty worn out, so I decided to install a lunch box locker in the Track lok case. I thought I could get away with a cheap upgrade.
Amazon.com: Powertrax 9204443020 No-Slip Traction System (DANA 44, 30 Spline T/LOK) : Automotive
BIG mistake. It worked great off road but was TERRIBLE on the street.
So, I bit the bullet on a selectable Eaton E locker. $2K later (I paid for a pro installation) I absolutely love that thing! It worked flawlessly on last fall's Utah trip. It's great to be able to lock & unlock on demand.

 

Jon,
As I look closer at your diff, I see it is broken.
In your first picture:
The steel plate has a bent ear and the sides of the keeper are broken. The keeper is moving out of the pocket.Those keeper pieces are probably down in the bottom of the diff somewhere.

You caught a great example of one of the issues with the unit.

If you are going to use it, you will, at the least, need to replace the clutch pack and keepers.

 

Oh. Like this, you mean?



Are we amazed that it didn’t do its job? No. No, we’re not!

Jon B.

 

I’ve taken into consideration your opinions, and thought about what I intend to do with this vehicle. This morning, I ordered another TrueTrac from Summit. (Price has gone up $50 since I bought the other unit a few months ago!) Most likely, this will never be a rock crawler or see the Rubicon. It’ll be in dirt, mud, some sand and maybe snow, so I can’t justify the extra expense of a selectable locker and accessories - air, etc..

An installation kit and axle bearings & seals are ordered as well. R&P are good on this end.

Jon B.

 

I like mine for the multiple surfaces I drive on. Just gotta keep up on maintenance & don't try to beat the tar outta it . If your "wheelin" a lot........It's not the best option . ' Got Posi ' ??? Here's a pic of my test after I installed mine :

 

Yep.
Trash loc .

 

Do you still have the track loc?

 

No, sold it to another member here.