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Lock-Right differential locker


Please note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information for the benefit of clients but cannot be held responsible for any use or misuse of this advice.


Summary:

A. Lock-Right Locker

B. Lock-Right / Powertrax - Manufacturer's presentation

C. Lock-Right fitting overview

D. Find the right differential locker for your vehicle




A. Lock-Right Locker

The Lock-Right locker is an economic alternative to full-carrier lockers. It is designed as a replacement locker that fits into the existing, original differential carrier and replaces the gear set.

The Lock-Right locker offers both advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages lie in the fact that Lock-Right style lockers are usually simple devices, designed to fit into an original differential carrier or in some cases limited slip carrier whilst reusing stock components. The conical ring gear is connected to the carrier and the carrier is reused, the ring and pinion gears don't need to be refitted and reset.

life much easier for the home mechanic. It also means the locker can be removed and the original carrier parts re-installed if required.

These types of lockers do have the disadvantage that their strength is directly limited to the carrier in which they are installed, which can vary significantly. Their strength is limited - they don't suit tyre sizes beyond 33" - and resist only limited abuse before running into problems and damage. Another drawback with a ready-fit locker is that certain models have more difficulty switching from lock to unlock compared to a full carrier locker. This is why some ready fit locker manufacturers include a damper mechanism to minimize vibration and reduce harsh action thereby offering smoother operation.

Many clients, with lightly modified vehicles kitted out with only slightly oversized tyres, find that this type of locker offers an affordable first time investment. These parts are not recommended for use with high power vehicles or those fitted with considerably outsized tyres because this type of set-up puts too much stress on the stock carrier and the locker.

Lock-Right lockers work in very much the same way as automatic full carrier lockers.

These lockers are automatic locking differentials designed to automatically lock the side gearings into which the axle shafts connect. When forward or reverse torque is applied, both wheels can provide 100% power with virtually no differential so that the two axle shafts are "locked" together.

When no torque is applied, the locker is able to unlock, allowing for a difference in wheel speeds when cornering.

The main drawback with automatic locking differentials is their behaviour when engaging for example on acceleration out of a turn or alternating from torque to no torque then back to torque again such as when changing gears on a manual transmission.

In this type of situation, the driver must be aware of the inherent characteristics that can slightly affect vehicle control.

For example, when turning, the inside wheel will turn slower than the outside wheel, which is the basic result of the differential's prime role. If torque is applied to an automatic locker during the turn it has a tendency to lock due to the torque engaging the locker.

When the locker engages it will cause the vehicle to either under-steer or over-steer - in other words it will have a tendency to either push straight ahead or even push towards the inside of the turn.

This somewhat unpredictable handling should be compared to traditional "open" differentials. These effects are much more pronounced in short wheelbase and lighter vehicles. This unusual handling will be even more pronounced if road traction is diminished by rain, snow or ice.

Another characteristic trait of automatic lockers can be a banging or clunking noise as a result of drive realignment during locking or unlocking. Unlocking can be sharp and sometimes a ratchet-like noise can be heard when cornering.

Most people who use automatic lockers get used to these handling characteristics and readjust their driving style naturally and rapidly.

The Lock-Right and other Powertrax have gradually improved over time and include a dampening mechanism designed to reduce the noise and banging that was found in early versions.

The dampening assembly also helps to lengthen the lifespan of the teeth, smoothes and improves disengagement and inside-wheel freewheeling around a corner and reduces the ratchet noise.

Using 85W140 grade oil will also considerably reduce noise and lengthen lifespan.


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B. Lock-Right / Powertrax - Manufacturer's presentation

The Powertrax Lock-Right Locker is the original locking differential that is easily installed in existing case assemblies without any special tools.

It has been widely used in demanding off-road applications around the world that call for reliable strength and extreme traction output capacity.

In terms of sheer traction output, strength and solidity, the Lock-Right locker competitively rivals much more expensive lockers sold as complete case replacement assemblies.

It is a leading product because the Lock-Right delivers as much traction output and is as strong and reliable as any other differential locker, whilst remaining significantly cheaper and doesn't call for professional fitting (because original alignment and calibration is not affected).

It is designed to fit into an existing differential carrier and provides full positive locking of both axles, whilst being ready to unlock for easy cornering.

An excellent choice for off-road use:

- rugged power delivery to 2 wheels

- considerable traction improvement

- exceeds capabilities of limited-slip differentials

- pproven off-road performance

- good on-road characteristics

- automatic lock/unlock operation

- no external control required

- helps prevent axle failure

- easy installation

- compatible with a wide range of vehicles

- fits on front and rear axles

- fits on "C-Clip" semi-floating axles


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C. Lock-Right fitting overview



Lock-Right has a reputation for ease of fitting.

In most cases, complete installation takes under two hours.

No special tools are required.

Anyone with basic mechanical skills can install the Lock-Right with standard tools (wrench, screwdriver).

Detailed instructions, including diagrams and photos, are provided with each Lock-Right unit.



There are two different types of installation:


1. Differential cases that can be accessed through the rear differential cover.

- drain the oil and undo the bolts on the rear differential cover

- remove the differential cross shaft having undone the retaining bolt

- if C-Clip (semi-floating) axles are used, remove the central retainer and push each axle inwards to remove the "C-Clips" On axles held in place with an exterior ring the axles don't need to be touched.

- remove the side and spider gears and the thrust washers that are on these gears.

- install the Lock-Right in place of the original side and spider gears. Re-use the thrust washers.

- install the cross shaft, retaining bolt, differential cover and refill with oil.


2. Most Japanese vehicles and Ford 9"

- disconnect the driveshaft axle shafts

- remove the third member from the differential carrier

- remove the side gears, spider gears, and the thrust washers

- install the Lock-Right gears in place of the original side and spider gears. The thrust washers are re-used. Refit the cross shaft and its locking pin or nut

- put the third member back in place, reconnect the driveshaft and the 2 half shafts, and refill with oil.

NOTE: This is a brief description of the installation instructions and must not to be used for actual fitting. A detailed owners and installation manual comes with every Lock-Right kit. Vehicles that have low gear ratios (numerically high) often require a more complex installation because of the thickness of the ring gear.


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D. Find the right differential locker for your vehicle

The "Lock-Right Locker Powertrax" (PBL1011) is now available for various Jeep models.

You can also select directly within the "differential lock" parts category, and discover our full range of parts available for most models made by Toyota, Nissan, Land Rover, Jeep, Suzuki / Santana, UMM...

If you have any questions remember we're here to help - just contact-us!


All the 4x4 parts you'll ever need - just grab a wrench!


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