LIMITED TO LOCKED

INSTALLING the Powertrax No-Slip locker in an 8.8inch axle

- Verne Simons

We've talked about "lunchbox lockers" before, but to review, they're an inexpensive and easy way to gain traction for your 4x4. The fact is, most lunchbox lockers can be installed in an hour or two in just about any shop around the country with a little patience and some hand tools. Still, they have drawbacks, one of which is that they almost always can only be used in open differential carriers. So, when we heard about the Powertrax No-Slip for the Ford 8.8-inch limited-slip differential we were somewhat surprised and pleased. The No-Slip locker (PN 9206883128) fits inside the factory Trac-Lok differential carrier, changing what is probably a worn-out limited slip to a true automatic locking differential.

We recently got a chance to install one of these lockers in our '00 Ford Explorer project and found the install somewhat daunting, but in the end relatively easy. Follow along for the details and a few tips and tricks.

1 Here's the Powertrax No-Slip locker in its lunchbox-sized box. We got it from Summit Racing for about $470. Unlike a full case automatic locker, the No-Slip fits in the existing differential carrier. In this case, that's a Trac-Lok 8.8 limited-slip case. To start the install, pull the differential cover and drain the gear oil.

2 Remove the cross-shaft retaining bolt and then remove the factory cross-shaft from the differential.

3 Push the axleshafts inward to remove the right and left side axle C-clips. We've found that using a magnet on a stick, or some needle-nose pliers, helps to get the clips out of the differential. The C-clips will be reused.

4-5 Next, remove the Z-shaped pre-load spring from between the two side gears.

With it out, turn one side gear and remove both spider gears and their thrust washers from the carrier.