Powertrax

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MoJo

New member
I am planning to replace my 1991 Gov-lock with a better unit. I don't need a Ford 9-bolt, Dana 60 or change to a 12 bolt Chevy axle, at least not for 230 HP. A Gov-lock is risky with more than 250 HP and mine is worn out besides. I know the V8 S10 conversions do not retain the Gov-Lock, at least not for very long.

I have done a search and did not find anything that would lead me to believe that a Powertrax No-Slip locker would not be the best to use. The Powertrax No-Slip 92-0776-2885 is a replacement for a 28 spline, 7.625" Gov-Lock and it is relatively easy to install in a couple of hours.

From what I have read, a Powertrax No-Slip appears to be good on the street and not as noisy as other lockers when it locks and unlocks. Has anyone had experience with those? What is popular to use in the S10. ?
 
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Chest Rockwell

Chest Rockwell

Active member
Re: Powertrax

I replaced my Gov-lock with a Detroit Truetrac, and loved it. Not sure how it would compare to the unit you're thinking of, but I had no complaints whatsoever after the work was done.
 
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TY162

New member
Re: Powertrax

MoJo said:
I am planning to replace my 1991 Gov-lock with a better unit. I don't need a Ford 9-bolt, Dana 60 or change to a 12 bolt Chevy axle, at least not for 230 HP. A Gov-lock is risky with more than 250 HP and mine is worn out besides. I know the V8 S10 conversions do not retain the Gov-Lock, at least not for very long.

I have done a search and did not find anything that would lead me to believe that a Powertrax No-Slip locker would not be the best to use. The Powertrax No-Slip 92-0776-2885 is a replacement for a 28 spline, 7.625" Gov-Lock and it is relatively easy to install in a couple of hours.

From what I have read, a Powertrax No-Slip appears to be good on the street and not as noisy as other lockers when it locks and unlocks. Has anyone had experience with those? What is popular to use in the S10. ?
Click to expand...

I believe you'll have to change the carrier also, I don't think it'll fit in a gov lok carrier. A standard carrier is easy to find but it's still added expence and set up. We (me and my son) have personal experience with a power trax no slip. Ran it in the front axle of his truck (10 bolt corp.) with 33 inch tires and a mild big block. It was horrible, the faces of the engagement teeth lost there edge and would disengage constantly in a straight line in mud. (There was NO intsallation errors either. Clearances and pre loads were correct) I think for $500 and needing another carrier you should upgrade and go with a tru trac like Chest Rockwell used.
 
jimmyz79

jimmyz79

Re-Member
Re: Powertrax

I had the Powertrax in my old Sonoma (not a SY) long ago. The driveablity sucked. The rear tires would scrub around every corner. It would unlock when there was no pressure on the ring & pinion, but would relock when u gassed it again, sometimes it wanted to throw you into the ditch on the side of the road. On occasion it would make a horrible bang when the splines interlocked.

One thing it did do well was when one wheel was on snow or ice and one wheel was not, it would just put the power down on the road like it was a sunny day...

It may act differently on a an AWD vehicle, but I am sure there are way better POSI units out there...
 
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MoJo

New member
Re: Powertrax

jimmyz79 said:
I had the Powertrax in my old Sonoma (not a SY) long ago. The driveablity sucked. The rear tires would scrub around every corner. It would unlock when there was no pressure on the ring & pinion, but would relock when u gassed it again, sometimes it wanted to throw you into the ditch on the side of the road. On occasion it would make a horrible bang when the splines interlocked.

One thing it did do well was when one wheel was on snow or ice and one wheel was not, it would just put the power down on the road like it was a sunny day...

It may act differently on a an AWD vehicle, but I am sure there are way better POSI units out there...
Click to expand...

That Powertrax porduct you described was a Powertrax Lock Right locker. Those are definitely a PITA, The Lock Right locker is not available to replace Gov Lock.. They replace the open differential only. The Powertrrax No Slip 92-0776-2885 is the replacement for a 28 spline S10 Gov Lock.The Powertrax No-Slip does not have as severe locking and unlocking action like a Lock Right (Lock Wrong).

Anyway, it appears the Eaton TrueTrac "Detroit" Locker 912A317 (1988-2009) is the one to get. It is a complete differential with a ring gear flange and one is available that will replace a Gov Lock. The Eaton True Trac requires transferring the ring gear and resetting the ring and pinion gear lash. That is not a problem because I will have the shop where I buy the TrueTrac also install the unit. The Eaton TrueTrac costs $389 which is about $100 cheaper than a Powertrax No Slip. That savings will pay for the installation.

The old Gov Lock was a good concept but it had it's limitations. That differential is not worth rebuilding since there is a better product available.
 
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2kwik4u

Resident slow guy
Re: Powertrax

Not sure if it's any stronger, however I replaced the Gov-Lock unit in my old S10 with a Zexel take out from an F-Body. Locked when it was supposed to, and ZERO negative effects on driveability. With a stock truck, I would expect it would hold up just fine, especially considering there are no clutches to wear out.

I know of several trucks that have used the Eaton posi unit with great success as well.
 
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MoJo

New member
Re: Powertrax

I have discovered a problem using an Eaton TrueTrac locker in my 1991 S10 Blazer 4x4. The Eaton TrueTrac is the differential I want to use, so please tell me I am wrong or there is a misprint. in the Eaton 2011 catalog listing:

Eaton TrueTrac 912A317.... 28 spline axles WITHOUT c-clips (1991-up).
Eaton TrueTrac 911A319.....26 spline axles WITH c-clips (1988-1990).
I could use axles from a 1988 S10 pick up , 4WD, 29" length, 26 splines, 1.16" diameter, 7.500 ring gear with C-clips and new bearings for 1.16" diameter axles.
My 1991 S10 Blazer 4WD has axles that are 29" length, 28 splines, 7.625" ring gear, with C-clips, 1.20" diameter axles. .

Now I know why the Powertrax No-Slip is so popular when replacing a G80 Gov Lock in the S10 trucks. Unless there is a solution to this problem I am not aware of. No C-clip eliminators or Moser axles.

What a can of worms. I may have to use the Powertrax No Slip after all.
 
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