metaldemon7

About two weeks ago I installed a Power Trax locker in my 8 1/4. It does make my Jeep handle strange, but the problem is that on the street after a sharp corner it will spin one tire. I installed it just as the instructions said, and performed the test. I think I may have made a mistake with this thing.

builtnotbought89'

Are you sure your not spinning both tires like the locker should do... or are you talking about tire chirping around corners?

djb383

The inside wheel, in a turn, is the one getting power....when its speed equals the speed of the outside wheel, the diff should lock (both sides).

metaldemon7

No, it is spinning one tire. It has also so made some loud popping noises during slow parking lot turns twice. That also jerks the drive train. If I get on it hard, and spin both tires. The back if the Jeep moves around like it is suppose to.

builtnotbought89'

Sounds about normal. it should disengage around turns where little to no torque is applied, spin out around turns when you get on it, & click (not loud tho) in slow parking lot turns! That's a lunch bow for ya

djb383

Gotta lighten up a little on the gas, in turns on pavement, u get used to it.......so much better than lsd.

Desert Rat

Ditto, mine spins the inside tire on sharp turns if my foots too heavy!

djb383

One side or the other can be installed a tooth or two off and u don't realize it. The test will still be perfect, so u think all is good. I'd suggest u re-check your installation. The shorter the wheelbase, the more noticeable and you're not going to get much shorter than a XJ ('cept maybe a Wrangler). If it pop/bangs a lot, something's not right. The No-Slip is almost as invisible as a lsd.

metaldemon7

It has only popped twice. Once when it was new, and the other day about 400 miles after install. I can feel when it is not locked, and then then hit it the one tire will spin. It will do this in a straight line after a corner if it is not locked. It then makes a clicking sound, like it is trying to lock.

builtnotbought89'

Ya sounds like its working fine!

djb383

Which PowerTrax model are we talking about....the No-Slip or the LockRight?

metaldemon7

It is a No-Slip. They don't make a lock- right for the 29 spline axles. I do have a very heavy right foot. I have always driven that way. It might be my style of driveing, but at 50 years old I don't think I'll be slowing down any time soon. Maybe I should have just spent the money on a Detroit Locker.

djb383

Your driving style is why open diffs are most common.LOL. Sounds like your style may have issues with any traction enhanced diff.

razor02097

How to test the function of your locker.

Grab a helper
chock the front wheels
put in park
Jack up the rear axle
tell helper to turn the wheel forward and hold it
turn your wheel backward it should unlock
turn your wheel forward it should lock
Hold your wheel forward
tell helper to turn their wheel backward it should unlock
tell helper to turn their wheel forward it should lock


If all the above is true then your locker is working like it should. If the person who is holding the tire breaks loose and both wheels unlock then you likely have a broken paddle spacer.

metaldemon7

That test worked when I installed it. I will check it on Monday when I have off from work. I have to replace my rear O2 sensor. It threw a P0138 on the way home from work tonight. I hope it is just the sensor.