Traction-loc is dead,,,RIP
 

Well, after reviewing video from last weeks test and tune it has been brought to my attention that I am a: One wheel wonder/Peg Leg Pete.
I should have known that after 134k miles that the 8.8 would be a little tired. Phone calls to local shops resulted in price quotes between $250-$300 to replace the clutch packs inside the rear end. Well, courtesy of Al Gore (who supposedly invented the internet. NOT :protest: ) I went to Google and went hunting. Low and behold look what I found. Now, this shows that the ring gear was out of the car, but the clutch packs can be replaced w/the ring gear still in the car. This way I dont have to remove it and re-set the backlash. I'll let ya know how it goes. Enjoy the link.

http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5o...5ohtech001.htm

134k is not bad. Good luck on the install.

i always thought that the traction lock unit let the axle to one wheel slip a little when in a bind.and if the clutches went bad it just locks up tight to create a solid axle and both wheels turn.

Nope, dont think so. If im correct, the traction loc is so when you are really honking on it from a stop you have both wheels pushing. And under normal driving allows for one wheel to "drive" the car. This is because the outside wheel actually travels further in a corner, hence the word "limited-slip." If it was true positraction all the time, the first time you get on it in a corner and it's a little wet,,you will be going for a ride and WILL NOT be able to catch it.

If I had the money I'd love to do the Auburn posi unti that FRPP sells or even the Eaton air locker, but for $60 I should just try rebuilding the clutch packs. First time doing it so wish me luck. :violent1:

good luck and i would like to hear if you are able to do this without removing the gears like you mentioned earlier.

You can replace the clutches without removing the diff from the vehicle. Remove the diff cover c-clips and axles, then pry out the spring. then you can rotate the side gears so you can remove them. Then the clutch packs just fall out. The hardest part of the install is reinstalling the spring. I use a couple of needle nose vise grips to compress the spring slightly then I tap the spring in with a hammer and a block of wood. It is helpfull to have sombody hold the spring while you tap it in. Before I assemble the clutch packs I soak them in friction modifier for 15 minutes, this will keep them from chattering.

Thanx Mike, Im going to attempt this job in a couple weeks. First purchase will be two pair of needle nose vice grips. Heard nothin but horror stories about getting that spring back in.