Powertrax in a front axle

[TexCaliBII]

Anyone here have, or know someone who, installed a powertrax locker in the front axle on a truck that also needs to be a DD? I'm curious as to how it handled. I know the electric/air/line actuated lockers are better but again I'm reigned in by cost. Thanks in advance for your inputs.

 

[4.0B2]

never used a powertrax, but have had aussie's and lockrite's and they are unnoticable with hubs unlocked.. you have manual hubs right?

 

[gwaii]

never used a powertrax, but have had aussie's and lockrite's and they are unnoticable with hubs unlocked.. you have manual hubs right?

this was my initial thought,but being in alaska he's probably running locked a large amount of the time in daily driving.

in this case i would be reluctant to run any locker in the front unless it's selectable.

 

[4.0B2]

Alaska? Ice? Oh yeah get a selectable. Save up and get a good a good one

 

[The_Dealer]

i vote selectable or l/s, would be way more happy with it, locked front will suck in the ice

 

[TexCaliBII]

Yeah,that's what I thought. And yes indeed both my BIIs are manual hubs and I keep both locked in winter here. On the Chevy, I've no choice but to rely on the little button.... Quess I'll be saving up for the selectable locker.... Thanks!

 

[Hahnsb2]

Anything sucks on ice..

I've got an Aussie in the front and love it, no issues in the snow.

 

[Andres629]

Just a thought, but while running it on road, why not just lock one hub? Would handle just like an open diff, but when you get off-road you just lock that one hub and bob'syeruncle, locked. I was going to run an Aussie up front, but I decided to go selectable.

 

[chrwilkins30]

Are you supposed to only lock one hub. i would think this would mess stuff up in the diff.

 

[gwaii]

Just a thought, but while running it on road, why not just lock one hub? Would handle just like an open diff, but when you get off-road you just lock that one hub and bob'syeruncle, locked. I was going to run an Aussie up front, but I decided to go selectable.

uh,sorry dude...with a locker in the front and one hub locked it will pull hard opposite the side of the locked hub every time the gas is pushed....even a little.doing this will make the truck virtually uncontrollable.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Never tried locking one hub because my rig has always been fine with both locked

 

[4.0B2]

I can just say I've heard from people you dont want something like an Aussie or lockrite on ice.. Here in Mississippi, I've never really had ice! Lol

 

[gwaii]

Never tried locking one hub because my rig has always been fine with both locked

when one front axle is busted and you still have to get out to civilization,you find these things out fast.

I can just say I've heard from people you dont want something like an Aussie or lockrite on ice.. Here in Mississippi, I've never really had ice! Lol

lucky you:icon_thumby:

but you're right...a front locker on icy roads is deadly,a rear locker simply scary.

 

[ryan]

i had a lunchbox locker in the front of my explorer and it wasn't terrible in deep snow, but packed snow and ice was not very pleasant. i wouldnt recommend it

 

[CopyKat]

I'm with ryan on this. I had a lockright in the front at one time too. If it's a DD I would advise against it. It was good in the deep snow but sucked when it came to sidehills.

For a wheeler I would say selectable, but for DD keep it open. Lock/spool the back and you'll be surprised at what it can do.

 

[4.0B2]

This is making me think to find a selectable on my front when I do the sas. Even without snow and ice. The Aussie in the rear has never bothered me. I have one waiting for the 8.8 to be built.

But yes, I'm lucky.. I'm in the part of the country where 2 inches of POSSIBLE snow means everyone goes to buy 5 gallons of milk, 4 case of eggs, few cases of water.... Like it's actually gonna stick! Hahahahahaha

 

[TexCaliBII]

All,
Thanks for your inputs. I took a look at the videos Richmond Gears has of the powertrax and just one in the rear looks like it would do quite well for traction. I agree that a full time locker in the front on ice might bwe more excitement than I want. I'm soon to put the axles from my donor ex into my 88 so I'm thinking that along with the new axle and dics brakes why not a locker too? Thanks again!

 

[trail B2]

I put a lock right in my front made it come alive in the snow because its always trying to climb on top.I don't like the ice it makes the back end slide around more on sharp corners.

 

[feellnfroggy]

I was on ice here in sevierville, and believe you me, locker or not I wasnt going anywhere but where the wind pushed me. But I agree with them, save up for a selctable.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Man look at all those ditches I ended up in!