Can someone explain how and why Powertrax no-slip won't click or ratchet like other lockers?

DaveC said:

Hoping someone can help me understand why a Powertrax no-slip locker in the front apparently doesn't click or ratchet like other auto lockers do. I've read all the threads here on the Powertrax, in addition to researching elsewhere, and I see plenty of testimonials on this topic, but none really go into detail on what the difference is between it and others and why or how Powertrax is able to accomplish this when others seemingly don't.

I've got the Dana 30/35 in my 4.0 and will be bumping up from 31s to 33s at some point and will regear and lock at the same time, while also beefing up the rear axle in the process to accommodate an e-locker there. Any input and expertise would be appreciated!

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I have had mine in maybe 2-3 months recommended by @Jerry Bransford. Its real nice. I think mines a bit out of spec on the install. But I get around that. It is silent. I do get the occasional pop. Just disengagement I’m assuming. No regrets over here. It pulls and as advertised not a bunch noise coming from it. In my front. Great product.

Zorba said:

Yea - I haven't a friggin' clue about it either.

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I figure if I can unlock and spin the tire by hand and it keeps going for a bit just from the momentum, there's probably not enough force to worry about wear since what contact pressure there is is divided among 20 teeth. At worst maybe the very edges of the teeth round off a little, but that would only serve to widen the contact area even more, so the more it wore, the slower it would wear. I have seen some with the teeth rounded off but they were improperly installed and it was more of a stripping situation than wear. Probably what would have happened to my LockRight if I'd left it in. I could not get it to unlock at all.

I also have the Powertax No-Slip in my jeep and couldn't be happier.

In order to understand how they're getting away with this, we need to understand how a Lunchbox (also called an Ausie or Spartan Locker) works.

Both the Lunchbox and No-Slip lockers operate under the same principle: When torque is applied to the carrier, the center section (cam gears) of the locker is forced into the axle gears via a large pin that sets into an oblong hole (see video below)



The video below shows how the lunchbox locker repeatedly engages and dis-engages. This is what gives the locker it's well known clicking sound.



The Powertrax No-Slip works the same way, except they have installed a spacer that physically holds the center section (cam gear or Driver in this diagram) in while the locker dis-engages, preventing it from repeatedly engaging and dis-engaging like the Lunchbox.



This video shows the center section (cam gear) in action being held back. There is some clicking noise present in this video, but once the locker is sufficiently lubed in gear oil, it becomes virtually silent.



Hope this helps.

TheBoogieman said:

Who knew Google answered questions? Every time I Use Google, it only comes back with pictures. I Googled tennis elbow and got this.
View attachment 320942

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She will give you tennis elbow if you look at her often.

Obi-Wan said:

I also have the Powertax No-Slip in my jeep and couldn't be happier.

In order to understand how they're getting away with this, we need to understand how a Lunchbox (also called an Ausie or Spartan Locker) works.

Both the Lunchbox and No-Slip lockers operate under the same principle: When torque is applied to the carrier, the center section (cam gears) of the locker is forced into the axle gears via a large pin that sets into an oblong hole (see video below)

View attachment 321058

The video below shows how the lunchbox locker repeatedly engages and dis-engages. This is what gives the locker it's well known clicking sound.

View attachment 321059

The Powertrax No-Slip works the same way, except they have installed a spacer that physically holds the center section (cam gear or Driver in this diagram) in while the locker dis-engages, preventing it from repeatedly engaging and dis-engaging like the Lunchbox.

View attachment 321060

This video shows the center section (cam gear) in action being held back. There is some clicking noise present in this video, but once the locker is sufficiently lubed in gear oil, it becomes virtually silent.

View attachment 321061

Hope this helps.

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Reviving this old thread. @Obi-Wan still liking the powertrax no slip? Thinking about getting one for my winter upgrades.

I absolutely love it for what it is. The future holds e-lockers for my build plans, but over the years, the no-slip has been wonderful.

Obi-Wan said:

I absolutely love it for what it is. The future holds e-lockers for my build plans, but over the years, the no-slip has been wonderful.

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For sure it is not as nice as a selectable locker but for 1/4 of the price I think it will do ok. You ever notice any strange manners while on 2WD?

JoseA said:

For sure it is not as nice as a selectable locker but for 1/4 of the price I think it will do ok. You ever notice any strange manners while on 2WD?

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As far as I'm concerned, in 2WD, it acts like an open diff. You won't even know it's there.