Posi Worn Out!

[FordNut]

At 45k mi, noticed the one-wheel-peel. Upon clutch replacement, it was found that the spider gears were shot too. Whole carrier was replaced under ESP extended warranty. My past experiences with Ford traction lock rears is that you're lucky if they make it to 50k, so I'll probably have to have another one before the 100k ESP is over. After that, I'll swap over to the Auburn ECTED electric posi. Prolly about 2-3 more years. Maybe something even better will come out by then!

[LimoMerc]

I had full synthetic put in the rear diff. at 30k, is that likely to help? What are your driving habbits like? and how much does the system cost that you will switch to in comparison to our OEM posi? Thanks for the info.

[Bradley G]

Hey Brian,

Did the dealer give you any warranty dispute due to your 4:10 gears?I assume this is your heavily(wow) modded Black Marauder.
Bradley G

At 45k mi, noticed the one-wheel-peel. Upon clutch replacement, it was found that the spider gears were shot too. Whole carrier was replaced under ESP extended warranty. My past experiences with Ford traction lock rears is that you're lucky if they make it to 50k, so I'll probably have to have another one before the 100k ESP is over. After that, I'll swap over to the Auburn ECTED electric posi. Prolly about 2-3 more years. Maybe something even better will come out by then!

[MikesMerc]

I'm sticking in a bullet proof eaton next week and replacing the factory unit before it has a chance to puke.

Glad they covered you under warranty.

[FordNut]

The lube specified is full synthetic, so that is what I have always used, too. Really doesn't make much difference in clutch life. The ECTED rear unit costs about $550-$600 plus installation. I do drive pretty hard, but I have had similar clutch lifetime experience with other Fords that I drove much easier. Driving habits could have an impact on the spider gear wear, I suppose.

No warranty questions, but if the gears had been damaged that would have been a problem. I did go to a mod-friendly dealer. Realistically, the gear ratio has little to do with clutches, axles, and bearings but some dealers will claim a gear change voids the entire rear end warranty.

If I didn't have the warranty, I would be going with the bulletproof aftermarket unit also. But since it's free (actually the ESP cost about $1300) except for the $50 co-pay, I figured I would use the OEM unit for awhile.

[CRUZTAKER]

I managed to only get about 20k out of mine....:shake:

The Auburn HP LSD seems to be holding up nicely, but I expect it to meet its maker eventually.:rolleyes:

[Krytin]

The only time the spiders are turning is when the axles are rotating @ diff. speeds - clutches slipping, or gone!

[Joe Walsh]

I'm sticking in a bullet proof eaton next week and replacing the factory unit before it has a chance to puke.

Glad they covered you under warranty.

Eaton Posi... :up: :up: :up:

I've smoked lots of Ford OEM Traction-Lok rears in various Mustangs and have an Auburn in one Mustang now....But, after a ride in my brother's CV with a new Eaton Posi, I'm convinced. The Eaton is the way to go when my Marauder's OEM Traction-Lok expires. The Eaton housing is MUCH more stout than the Ford plus it has Carbon Fiber Clutch plates!

[Warpath]

I'm with CRUZTAKER. I am only able to get about 11k-15k miles before the plates wear out. Consider yourself lucky.

[WantOneSoBad]

What are you guys talking about, I'm really looking into getting a Marauder very soon, just a matter of trying to get someone to finance me. Being 20 years old with no established credit is hard. Anyways, I'm just wanting to learn what everything about the car and what not.

[JohnE]

I installed a used Trac-Lok about 40,000 mi ago. Rebuilt it w/o shims and an extra clutch in each side, then used an F-150 S-Spring. And during all this time I've worn out 3 sets of tires with a heavy foot and the power of a supercharger. I have seen no degrade in my ability to lay 2 black stripes any time. And when I finally wear it out, another $70 and I'm good again.

Some pics on supermotors (http://www.supermotors.org/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=3628&s=12822#content)

[Stocker]

Short life probably due to mods and driving habits.

[Krytin]

Mostly driving habits - the posi really takes a beating when making turns under power. The wheels will try to turn at different speeds causing the clutches to slip and eventually wear out.

[metroplex]

To everyone here that wore out their Traction-Lok at under 100k miles:

This is the reason why (the pic on the left):
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/627new_sig_pic_11X17.jpg

Stop it, and your transmission will thank you.

Most of the burnout videos come from Marauder owners. It comes as no surprise that the people who are complaining about short Traction-Lok lifespans also drive Marauders.

The Auburn and Eaton are heavier duty clutch POSI's, but they're NOT bulletproof. You can wear out the clutches just as easily.

For a true bulletproof differential, get a Detroit Locker.

[CRUZTAKER]

To everyone here that wore out their Traction-Lok at under 100k miles:

This is the reason why (the pic on the left):
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/627new_sig_pic_11X17.jpg

Stop it, and your transmission will thank you.

Most of the burnout videos come from Marauder owners. It comes as no surprise that the people who are complaining about short Traction-Lok lifespans also drive Marauders.

The Auburn and Eaton are heavier duty clutch POSI's, but they're NOT bulletproof. You can wear out the clutches just as easily.

For a true bulletproof differential, get a Detroit Locker.

OH, So now I am the poster child for spent LSD's.:P
More so, I probably ruined my LSD by NOT hooking up equally at the track. IE., one tire had plenty of water and the other didn't.

I use a Hurst Line Loc for warm up burnouts, and as long as BOTH tires hit the water equally, I doubt I am causing any further wear by 'easing' into a wheel spin at the track.

[FordNut]

OH, So now I am the poster child for spent LSD's.:P
More so, I probably ruined my LSD by NOT hooking up equally at the track. IE., one tire had plenty of water and the other didn't.

I use a Hurst Line Loc for warm up burnouts, and as long as BOTH tires hit the water equally, I doubt I am causing any further wear by 'easing' into a wheel spin at the track.
Easy now... The poor souls just don't understand.

I've been driving Ford products with OEM traction lock rears for over 30 years and never had one last more than 50k, no matter how easy or hard I drove it.

I will agree to one thing, that the damaged spider gears are likely due to one-wheel-peels after the clutches are toast.

[metroplex]

Ford Traction-Lok differentials do not provide 100% axle lockup. So ANY burnouts that you do will start to wear out the clutches.

I know people that can get 100k+ out of factory Traction-Lok differentials, and i've heard of people roasting the clutches in 10k miles.

This is why I went with a Detroit TrueTrac in my Vic. I need a daily driver, not a trailer queen.

If I were building a trailer queen/drag car, a Detroit Locker will go into the pumpkin.

[Warpath]

...I've been driving Ford products with OEM traction lock rears for over 30 years and never had one last more than 50k, no matter how easy or hard I drove it...

Same here except for the 30 years part. The clutches in daily drivers that were never abused, no burn outs, etc., never lasted more than 20k miles. It may be all the snow and ice around here that wear them out quicker.

[metroplex]

Interesting. I've never heard that before on Crown Vics. Most CVPIs and Mustangs have Traction-loks that last from 10k miles to 100k miles.

That's one reason why I went with a Detroit TrueTrac.