alright guys anyone who can explain how to install a traction lock

[83countrysquire]

i m considering buy mrtld's traction lock but idont know how to install any suggestions

[89LincolnTWNcar]

its really hard. I don't know that much about it but I know its a pain in the ass. there is valve lash to set, you have to use special paint and rotate the gears to check if they are meshing properly, you have to pull out the axels (another big PITA). Its better just to take out the whole rear axel and get a shop to do it.

[mrltd]

Fairly straightforward.


1Remove cover
2Remove pin bolt
3Remove pin
4Remove C-clips
5Pull axles out
6Remove bearing caps
7Remover carrier
8Remove ring gear from carrier
9Install ring gear on traction lock carrier
10. Do steps 6-2 and check for lash and wear pattern. Adjust as needed.
11.Install cover
12. Fill with fluid

[89LincolnTWNcar]

straightforward eh? don't you have to take off the rear wheels and the suspension and the brakes to get the axels out??

[mrltd]

Um, no.

I would suggest getting a mechanic to do it. I have yet to do one myself. I always get a friend to do it.

[89LincolnTWNcar]

well I definately don't know anything about rear gears...... how do you adjust valve lash, is there infinite positions or is it like one way and not another?

[83countrysquire]

how much do you think that would run me to get it done by a mechanic

[89LincolnTWNcar]

i would expect 200-300

[89GrandMarquis]

Installing a Trak Lok is not hard - but you had better know what you are doing. Here are two links from google:

http://www.corral.net/tech/drivetrain/gears.html

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144780

I've got another link at home - and I'll add it later. Is the best one, and is a magazine article with lots of pictures.

[89GrandMarquis]

OK - found the other article:

http://mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/130_0301_slip/

And another:

http://mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/138_0302_rear/

All of these articles give you an insight into what is required. For me, the biggest pain is the pinion depth, since you have to have the bearings pushed off/on to change the shims.

If you are certain that you aren't going to change the gears at the same time, consider this:

http://www.powertrax.com/nsinstallation.html

Price is high though!!!!!

I'd already have a powertrax if I weren't also going to change the gear set. The only reason that I was considering a powertrax was that it could be installed without removing the differential. That makes it a real do it yourself job. So the question would be - do you want to pay someone to put in a Trak Lok, or use that labor money and put in a powertrax?

Don't get me wrong - Trak Loks are just fine. I had bought a Trak Lok, was waiting to buy some 3.55's when I up and decided to buy my 89 Grand Marq (I had a 89 Crown Vic at the time). The Grand Marq already had a Trak Lok in it from the factory.

[Fordman75]

89 just to let you know it's not valve lash, it's back lash.