Lock-Right Locker Lockers, Limited Slips, Differentials and the sport  of Offroading. An Overview of Standard Carriers, Positraction & Limited Slips, Locking Differentials, Spools and Mini-Spools

Lock-Right Locker - The Lock-Right Locker is designed as a or drop-in locker that fits into the existing stock differential carrier replacing the spider gear set offering a lower cost alternative to full-carrier lockers.

The Lock-Right locker comes with advantages and disadvantages.  A few advantages of the drop-in type lockers are the fact that they are generally simple devices and are designed to fit into a stock open carrier or in some cases limited slip carrier, reusing stock parts.  Since the ring gear is connected to the carrier and the carrier is reused, the ring and pinion gears generally do not need to be setup again.  This makes it much easier for a backyard mechanic to install a drop-in "lunchbox" locker.  It also allows the locker to be removed and the stock carrier parts be re-installed putting it back to an open carrier (or Limited Slip).  Disadvantages of these types of lockers include the fact that their strength is limited to the carrier they are installed in, which can vary greatly.  Their strength is moderate to less than moderate and for the most part support what seems to be up to a 33" tires and a mild amount of abuse before encountering problems and damage.  Another disadvantage to a drop-in locker is that some have a more severe locking and unlocking feel over a full carrier locker.  For this reason some drop-in locker manufacturers incorporate dampening mechanisms to reduce the backlash and harsh engagement / disengagement creating a smoother operating locker.  For many people they are a good candidate for a first "economy" locker on vehicles that are mildly modified with slightly oversized tires.  These units are not recommended for applications with high horsepower or large tires that can put increased stress on the locker and stock carrier.

Lock-Right Lockers operate in much the same manner as full carrier automatic lockers.  These locker are automatic locking differentials designed to lock both wheels of the axle automatically with power input, when forward or reverse torque is applied, so that both wheels are providing 100% power to the wheels and creating essentially a "spool" that solidly connects the axle shafts together.  When torque is not being applied, the locker is allowed to unlock, permitting a differentiation variance in wheel speed while negotiating turns.  As an automatic locking differential, the primary drawback is their characteristics when they engage such as accelerating out of a turn or going from torque to no to torque to torque again such as when a manual transmission vehicle is shifting gears.  In these situations, the driver must be aware of the characteristics that will affect the handling of the vehicle.  For example during a turn the inside axle will spin slower than the outside axle, which is the basic purpose of the differential.  If torque is applied to an automatic locker during the turn it will engage due to the torque engaging the locker gears.  When the locker engages, it will cause the vehicle to push towards straight ahead or possibly to the inside of the turn.  The net effect is somewhat un-predicable handling characteristics when compared to open differentials.  These effects are much more noticeable in shorter wheelbase vehicles and smaller lighter vehicles. The odd handling characteristics will also be more apparent if road traction is compromised such as in rain or when the road surface is ice or snow covered.  Further noticeable characteristics of automatic lockers can be a banging or clunking noise during engagement of disengagement, delayed engagement, and added significant backlash, also known as slop, in the driveline.  Disengagement can be abrupt and sometimes a ratcheting noise can be heard when cornering.  Most people who use automatic lockers become accustom to these handling characteristics and adjust their driving style accordingly to accommodate it or just simply just get used to it.

The Lock-Right is designed very similar to the original Lock-Right, but incorporates a dampening mechanism meant to minimize the noise and banging of the original. The dampening assembly also helps to extend the life of the teeth and improves disengagement and free-wheeling around a corner smoother with less ratcheting noise.

Manufacturer's Description of the Lock-Right: The Powertrax Lock-Right Locker is the original locking differential that could be easily installed in existing case assemblies without any special tools or setup equipment. It has been widely used in demanding off-road applications around the world requiring extreme traction output and high-strength. For traction output, strength and durability, the Lock-Right Locker rivals much more expensive competitive lockers sold only as complete case replacement assemblies. It is a leading product because the Lock-Right delivers as much traction output, its end assembly is exceptionally strong, is much less expensive, and does not require professional installation (because the complete case assembly does not have to be replaced and realigned with precision calibration equipment). It is Designed to fit into your existing differential carrier, and provides full positive locking of both axles, yet readily disengages for easy cornering. An excellent choice for off-road vehicle applications.  Rugged Power Delivery to Both Wheels Provides Huge Traction Improvement Greatly Exceeds Capabilities of Limited-Slip/Posi's Proven Off-Road Performance Good On-Road Characteristics Automatic Operation Uses No External Controls Helps Prevent Axle Failure Brute-Force Dependability Easy Installation Broad Model Coverage Works in Front and Rear Axles Works with C-Clip axles

POWERTRAX - Richmond Gear
245 Fischer Ave, Bldg B4
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 U.S.A.
Phone 1-800-578-1020
e-mail: info@powertrax.com
www.powertrax.com

 

Overview of the Lock-Right Installation:

LOCK-RIGHT is known for its ease of installation. In most applications, the complete installation takes less than two hours. No special tools or oils are required. Anyone with basic mechanical skills can install the LOCK-RIGHT with common tools (wrench, screwdriver). Detailed instructions are provided with each unit that include diagrams and photos.

There are basically two different types of installation.
  

1.	Differential cases that you can access through the rear differential cover. Most AMC, Chrysler, Jeep, General Motors, and late model Ford vehicles have differentials that require this type of installation. This installation is the easiest because you simply remove the rear differential cover bolts to access the differential case. A summary of the steps are as follows:
	A.	Remove the bolts on the differential cover and drain the oil.
	B.	There is a cross shaft retaining bolt that holds the cross shaft in place. Remove this bolt and the cross shaft can be removed.
	C.	Push in each axle to remove the c-clips (if the vehicle has c-clips). C-Clips hold the axles in place. On some vehicles, the axles are held in place at the outer ends of the axles near the wheels.
	D.	Remove the stock side and spider gears and the thrust washers that are on the these gears.
	E.	Install the Lock-Right gears in place of the original side and spider gears. The thrust washers are re-used. If the vehicle uses c-clips they are put back in place.
	F.	Install the cross shaft, retaining bolt, differential cover and fill with oil.
2.	A second type of installation involves a vehicle with a third member. Third member style differentials are removed from the driveshaft side of the vehicle (Ford 9 inch and most import vehicles). Installation in these types of differentials is easy once the third member is removed from the vehicle.
	A.	Disconnect the driveshaft.
	B.	Remove the third member from the differential carrier.
	C.	Remove the side gears, spider gears, and the thrust washers that are on these gears.
	D.	Install the Lock-Right gears in place of the original side and spider gears. The thrust washers are re-used. Install the cross shaft.
	E.	Put the third member back in place and fill with oil.
NOTE:		This is a brief description of the installation instructions and is not to be used for actual assembly. A detailed owners and installation manual come with every Lock-Right kit. Vehicles that have low gear ratio's (numerically high) can often require a more extensive installation because of the ring gear thickness.

 

 

Differential Differences
Overview of Standard Carriers, Positraction & Limited Slips, Locking Differentials, Spools and Mini-Spools

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POWERTRAX® LOCK-RIGHT LOCKER - INSTALLATION