Traction Lok question

[Blue)(Fusion]

Today I had installed my new Ford Racing 3.55 gears and a used Trac-Lok.

The guy that does this for a living told me that it's not worth rebuilding the trac-lok since it looked like it did not have many miles on it. So we did not put in new clutches.

My 2 questions are:

1) What are the signs of the clutches being worn out? I've heard a clicking noise may be heard in addition to only one wheel spinning when power is being put to the pavement.

2) What if too much friction modifier was added? I had used Valvoline 80W-90 gear oil which contains a "limited slip additive." In addition, we put in a full bottle of Motorcraft friction modifier. If the fluid comes with friction modifier built in and we added additional FM, can this cause the clutches to be too slippery and not lock as well as it could and even burn out the clutches faster than normal?

[way2old]

Go to an empty parking lot and drive the car in a tight circle. Wheels locked either right or left, then do it about 10 times. Then reverse the circle for about 10 more times. This will force the fluid in between the clutches better and allow for more locking. You did nothing to the clutches by adding the extra modifier. Where was the rear end from? If it had many miles on it, it needed replaced. You can not look at them and see if they are good. You need to measure the clearances in the carrier to determine what shape it is in.

[Blue)(Fusion]

Originally Posted by way2old

Where was the rear end from? If it had many miles on it, it needed replaced. You can not look at them and see if they are good. You need to measure the clearances in the carrier to determine what shape it is in.

Does it matter how fast or how much power I use in the tight circle (as in like idle speed vs some light throttle to put some load on the tloc)?

I wanted to rebuild it but the guy said it'd be a waste of time and money to do it and I trusted him. After watching and helping out where I could, I'm confident I could remove the carrier, rebuild it, and put it back in so long as I don't mix up the two shims. I'll hold on to my t-loc rebuild kit for when that day comes.

It is out of a Marauder that upgraded to 31-spline axles. He did not tell me how many miles are on it, unfortunately.

When it stops snowing here, I'll do that tight circle thing. So far it locked well today when getting around in the snow. And I was able to do a brake stand on it yesterday to test it before I hit the highway back home.





P.S. I will never do that again on these Pirellis! They leave a ton of tread on the road unlike my old Michelin Symmetries (which I never ever liked).

[way2old]

Just get the vehicle going fast enough that you do not lose traction in the circle. The clutches need to be almost to their limit to allow the fluid to pass through and be sure they are completely coated. Usually if the clutches slip, you will definately know it. On the turns you are making it will sound like the rear end has fallen from the car.

[Blue)(Fusion]

LOL well hopefully nothing actually does fall off. When the snow stops and the parking lots get cleared, I'll go do that.

Thanks way2old!