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Topic: Trac Loc Rebuild (Read 1861 times) previous topic - next topic

Trac Loc Rebuild

Saw the post about the 2.73 to 3.73 swap, Tom posted alot of good pics in there. Didn't want to derail that thread with my question so asking it here.

What do I need to rebuild my Trac Loc in my TC. And what should I do while I'm in there?

Side question is there anything better I can upgrade to for not a lot of mula?

My TC is doing the one wheel peel lately :(
88 Turbocoupe: Coast High Performance 331 kit 28oz balance, Comp XE264HR14 cam, 58cc 185 afr heads, 1.7 roller rockers, Mass-Flo EFI (was POS to setup and their techline is a joke at best)
Full 1 5/8 primary equal length headers, 2 1/2 exhaust, Full manual reverse VB c4 and baked off clear coat "BECAUSE RACECAR"

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #1
You can replace the trac lok with a powertrax for about $4-500 (at Summit Racing).  They do not use clutches or require any special additives.  In addition, they can be installed in your driveway without having to remove the carrier or disturb the diff setup in any way.

 

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #2
First off you can rebuild you unit right in the car with an update kit. We use them all the time. Shim it tighter and use an F250 S spring for a better clamping on the clutches. But the Hog units are so cheap you can get a FORD motor sport unit for 200 Bucks on SALE. They now are around 250 bucks with 28 spline axle capability. We buy them on sale at places like JEGS ETC. Install it with new carrier bearings and you are DUN. This is the best way in my opinion. As for the POWER TRAX we have used them from time to time. But the company was sold and their QUALITY CONTROL went down the tubes. Installing them is not as simple as it seems and installing the C CLIPS is a bear if they have to be removed. They chatter and some don't like them. Either way you cant use them in a posi carrier any way. They are designed for open units. They do work but for 500 bucks you are better off replacing the entire posi unit with a FORD MOTOR SPORT UNIT. They are real cheap and are beefed up quite nicely;




Bellow is a brand new posi unit from JEGS. On sale it cost me 190.00 BUCKS.

I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #3
Quote from: TOM Renzo;400145
First off you can rebuild you unit right in the car with an update kit. We use them all the time. Shim it tighter and use an F250 S spring for a better clamping on the clutches.


I see the F-250 spring commonly recommended but I'd think on the street about all it does is wear the clutch packs more quickly(those tight clutch packs have to slip going around turns/corners)... Anyway I installed fresh clutches and steels in mine back in '01, then shimmed it till I had to lightly tap the pin back in place and reinst orig spring... After approx 650 drag strip burnouts and launches, it will still pull both tires without issue...

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #4
I read about installing a f150 spring on a couple sites.

If I rebuild mine can I reuse shims in there and it be back in spec or would I be better off putting in new shims? I haven't rebuilt a rear end before but from the little write ups I see it doesn't look so bad. Easier than an engine or the C4 I built for the car.
Wanting to kill this 1 wheel stuff, its embarrassing.

PS thanks for the replies guys.
88 Turbocoupe: Coast High Performance 331 kit 28oz balance, Comp XE264HR14 cam, 58cc 185 afr heads, 1.7 roller rockers, Mass-Flo EFI (was POS to setup and their techline is a joke at best)
Full 1 5/8 primary equal length headers, 2 1/2 exhaust, Full manual reverse VB c4 and baked off clear coat "BECAUSE RACECAR"

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #5
Ok about shimming it tighter, what should clearance be
Is this the right rebuild kit?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4700-B/?rtype=10

And this is the guide I found and been reading
http://www.corral.net/tech/drivetrain/gears.html
88 Turbocoupe: Coast High Performance 331 kit 28oz balance, Comp XE264HR14 cam, 58cc 185 afr heads, 1.7 roller rockers, Mass-Flo EFI (was POS to setup and their techline is a joke at best)
Full 1 5/8 primary equal length headers, 2 1/2 exhaust, Full manual reverse VB c4 and baked off clear coat "BECAUSE RACECAR"

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #6
Packing the clutches is best dun with the small spider gears. Once they have a snug push fit they are set. Note new clutches. Then fit the axles and cross pin. If the cross pin wont fit you trim the axle buttons. As far as the 150 and or the 250 spring goes. Simple answer!!!! Pickups make turns as far as i know??? The heavier spring is always used when i build a POSI UNIT!!! Just me could be wrong!!! But replacing the entire unit is the best way and this is from experience. More work and money but the outcome is better by far!!
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #7
Not that I can add a lot of info here, but this: keep it all cleaner than the inside of your eyelids.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #8
Plan on giving it a good cleaning and switching to synth fluid.

Is the 250 spring heavier than a 150?
I'll probably try to start getting parts for this sometime soonish. Right now in the process of fixing under hood wiring, lots of bare spots I found. Not sure if mice did this or whatever ford joined wires with just evaporates after 20+ years.
88 Turbocoupe: Coast High Performance 331 kit 28oz balance, Comp XE264HR14 cam, 58cc 185 afr heads, 1.7 roller rockers, Mass-Flo EFI (was POS to setup and their techline is a joke at best)
Full 1 5/8 primary equal length headers, 2 1/2 exhaust, Full manual reverse VB c4 and baked off clear coat "BECAUSE RACECAR"

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #9
Quote from: TOM Renzo;400197
As far as the 150 and or the 250 spring goes. Simple answer!!!! Pickups make turns as far as i know???


True but the clutches were worn out in my 8.8" at 100K mi and it was a stock 2.3T & A4LD automatic that likely had never spun a tire on dry pavement in it's life... The orig spring is working fine for me, think I'll keep using them...

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #10
If your not into real racing just repack your pack. You can do it without worrying about shims and stuff.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #11
You know the S spring puts very little load on the clutches. As the matter of fact you dont even need it. But i like a little extra edge. The S spring is for loading on slippery roads like snow or mus. It biases the clutches on slippery roads. Ford makes thicker and taller S springs for the truck series 8.8. So in some cases the original S spring can be used. Fact is the spider gears load the clutches. The S spring is for a slight loading on turns. If you ever built a JEEP 8.25 and i have built numerous ones. They dont have any springs at all. Just SAYING.

Jeep 8.25 has no springs at all!!! Photo is one of my bullet proof 8.25 corporate Jeep posi units. This rear was completely rebuilt

I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Trac Loc Rebuild

Reply #12
I'll be going with truck spring, and that rebuild kit I posted.

Just finished taping up harness last night, so this is either next project or fix my mystery leak in the trans.
88 Turbocoupe: Coast High Performance 331 kit 28oz balance, Comp XE264HR14 cam, 58cc 185 afr heads, 1.7 roller rockers, Mass-Flo EFI (was POS to setup and their techline is a joke at best)
Full 1 5/8 primary equal length headers, 2 1/2 exhaust, Full manual reverse VB c4 and baked off clear coat "BECAUSE RACECAR"