Limited Slip Choices - Rehash

It's been discussed on several threads but I need to rehash the question - Which limited slip is best? I'm rebuilding my Dana 44 rear w/30 Spline flanged axles in 3.73. Oddfirejeeper has a used 30 spline powr-lok 3:73 and down for sale here. (great guy by the way) and yet I'm questioning wether this is the best choice.

Jeep will never see snow/ice and will be used off-road in the mud and some rocky terrian. I'd also need to drive it on the street, short trips but still some street use to the store. I don't want any type of full air locker or such and need to keep the cost within reasonable parameters. Suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

For a limited slip differential the Power-Lock is considered one of the best. You can set it up mild or aggressive, and they are strong.

Which would you use instead? If you want a locker, that's a different question.

 

The Powerloc will be a good unit for what you want.

 

I just put a truetrac in my 44. Haven't tried it out, so I can't offer an opinion...but just sayin'.

 

True Trac is a good LSD also.
As far as strength goes I’ve only heard of one person breaking one and that wasn’t in a Jeep but a full sized truck with a super charged 5.7 V-8, 35” tires and a loose nut behind the wheel.

 

Jeep Corporation never installed 30 splined Powr Loks, but IH did use them.
Jeeps 30 spline limited slip option was Trac Lok.
The Trac Lok is a very good unit but it will not hold up to very hard use and abuse like the Power Lok.
The main difference being Powr Lok has 4 side gears vs 2 for the Trac Lok.
Because of the strength difference and availability, used Trac Loks are generally cheaper.

 

I have to dissent on the trac loc. several years ago I sorted through about 40 of them we had at work. About 30 of them were scrapped because of cracked cases or worn where the pinion shafts go through. That doesn't include the ones that simply had worn parts.
I'd say ok for a vehicle with small tires and low hp that sees street duty only but that's about it.

The Powerlock is at the top of my list as is the Tru- Trac.
Both are great units. I like the Powerlock a little better as its easily rebuildable and by modifying the clutch packs you can tailor them to the useage.


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X2 on what Nickmill said. I had a Trac Lok in my 71', broke it and fixed it twice, finally after the third break I got smart and replaced it with a Detroit.
As far as a Powerlock goes I have one in the front and love it!

 

A Power Lok will have crossed pinion shafts and four spider gears, you'll be able to see the ends of the pinion shafts from outside the housing. A Trac Lok will have one pinion shaft and 2 spider gears.

Edit: not a great picture but its about all I have on hand.

 

Also, the case on the Trac loc is cast with two large "windows" like an open case. The Powerlock case halves bolt together and are machined on the outside.


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TruTrac would be great for the type of driving you have specified and PowerLok is awesome as mentioned. Not sure how much $ plays a role here, but www.overstockdiffparts.com has the Auburn pro 3.73 and down 30 spline Dana 44 for $279. They are not rebuildable, but they have a reputation of being pretty durable.
http://www.overstockdiffparts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=3242

 

Auburn Gear, thats a good LSD.
One of my uncles runs one in his Chevelle and it's stood up to many a burn out and drag launch.

 

Sounds like the Powerlock is at or near the top choice. It appears I need to figure out which modification to the clutch packs is desirable for my usage.

 

The TruTrac price is attractive.

 

Doesn't Trak Lok have a one piece case? Powr-Lok has a two piece case with 8 bolts to hold it together.

Don

 

Yes with a thin casting. That's one of the reasons they are susceptible to cracking.


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a used unit concerns me but i'm always open to saving money if the quality, function and fit are confirmed. I'm also concerned about configuring the powerloc correctly after reading the threads on modifications. Maybe i need to buy the book.

 

I was mainly just saying Trac Lok is the cheap way to go.
Over the years I have owned 2 Trac Loks.
Neither of those broke their cases.
Because they are 40 years old I must suspect that they apparently hold up fairly well.

I still have one Trac Lok and its in a centered Jeep D44 axle that's For Sale.
I have not, nor do I plan to run a Trac Lok in my own rigs.
Look at my signature.
I have run Powr Loks exclusively with zero breakage for many many years.

I currently own 2 Powr Loks for D25, 2 Powr Loks for 19 spline D44, and 1 Powr Lok for 30 spline D44.
I am hoping to buy a D27 Powr Lok and also a D30 Powr Lok.
That reveals my real opinion concerning limited slips.

No first hand experience but...
The True Trac also has a good reputation, and has been around for many years.
It is made by Detroit Locker and it is an all gear drive limited slip.