Rebuild Trac-lok

[keithc]

Hey all. Just started daydreaming of spring projects today.

While I cant spring the money for gears or locker update, I have to crack into the rear diff (TJ D44) to fix a leak and change oil. Is it even worth me considering replacing the clutch pack in my Trac-lok? I know its toast and has been for a while, since i can spin one wheel by hand.

If its as easy as the $50-$70 clutch kit, then might be worth the effort. If its additional setup tools and really tearing the thing apart, maybe not worth it....

Can't seem to find any real detail on line, so I thought I would ask....

-Keith

[johnsxj]

The hardest part is removing and re-installing the the big "S" spring to get to the clutch packs. You'll also have to pull the axle shafts out about 6" to clear the side gears which means pulling the tires and brakes.

[ZAEDOCK]

It's easier to pull the chuck. Not worth it, IMO. Time for a lunch box.

[Carl McFly]

don't think you can get a lunchbox locker for a 44 with TracLok

I hope I'm wrong and if I am it should take about 6 - 12 minutes to find out ..... I have a 44 with LS and if there's one out there, I'm interested

[Frank]

It is a different carrier. All you need is a empty carrier from another 44 and have at it. It will require setting mesh only as the pinion stays in the housing. On my 44 (1986) The ratio break is 3.92 to run 4.10 or 56s and up. Your Tj may have that built into it ? A 30 breaks at 3.55down/3.73 and up but a 44 breaks 3.73 down and 3.92 up . There I said it and Im glad . FjR68

[johnsxj]

Powertrax makes the NoSpin for the D44 with 30 splines and a limited slip carrier.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Bran ... +44+locker

[SidewaysTim]

Powertrax makes the NoSpin for the D44 with 30 splines and a limited slip carrier.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Bran ... +44+locker

You are correct sir. I put one in my D44 rear with Trac-Loc over the Summer. It's just as easy as any other lunch box locker to install although it did take me a little while to figure out how to get the "guts" out of the carrier. If this is your daily driver you may not want this locker, I am not happy about the way my Jeep handles now as it can be a little "twitchy" at times.

[keithc]

I had heard of the Powertrax for D44 w/ TL. Heard the early ones were blowing up the weaker carrier... I am not a pedal down kind of guy, so I had thought I might be able to make it live. And the Jeep only sees 4-5K/year these days.... may not be a bad upgrade... guess I can also look at if the carrier looks bad to begin with.

Also, can I replace the pinion seal on the D44 without taking the thing apart. Well, I mean I know I have to remove the yoke at least, but is it a crush sleeve thing....?

[Carl McFly]

I had heard of the Powertrax for D44 w/ TL. Heard the early ones were blowing up the weaker carrier... I am not a pedal down kind of guy, so I had thought I might be able to make it live. And the Jeep only sees 4-5K/year these days.... may not be a bad upgrade... guess I can also look at if the carrier looks bad to begin with.

Also, can I replace the pinion seal on the D44 without taking the thing apart. Well, I mean I know I have to remove the yoke at least, but is it a crush sleeve thing....?

wow, $500 for a locker... think I'll look at rebuilding my LS
(sniff....sniff...... is that a wrenchfest I smell????)

Lou replaced my pinion seal this past year and I'm pretty sure it wasn't to involved. He had it done while I waited. No crush sleeve as far as I know. But diffs still kind of scare me, I felt safer having a pro do it or at least someone who knows more than me. And that's not to hard!

[keithc]

Yeah, holy cow. I checked the price same time you did. No way its worth that IMHO. I will just suck up the basically open diff until I regear someday. Makes the trails that much more challenging....

[ZAEDOCK]

I had heard of the Powertrax for D44 w/ TL. Heard the early ones were blowing up the weaker carrier... I am not a pedal down kind of guy, so I had thought I might be able to make it live. And the Jeep only sees 4-5K/year these days.... may not be a bad upgrade... guess I can also look at if the carrier looks bad to begin with.

Also, can I replace the pinion seal on the D44 without taking the thing apart. Well, I mean I know I have to remove the yoke at least, but is it a crush sleeve thing....?

Your Dana 44 doesn't use a crush sleeve. After you clean the yolk, make a hash mark with paint or a sharpie from the pinion nut to the yolk. After you swap the seal, tighten the nut back to the line, or even a hair more. Don't forget to grease the sealing surface and use a bit of RTV where the seal enters the axle housing. Without a lift, it should take about 1/2 hr.

[Frank]

Most Lock Rites are under 400.00 . I like mine. Very easy to do. Even you (Carl) could do it ! FjR68

[johnsxj]

I wasn't seeing a Lock Rite for the D44 with a limited grip.
The NoSlip is a much more refined version of the luchbox hence the higher pricetag.

[Carl McFly]

Most Lock Rites are under 400.00 . I like mine. Very easy to do. Even you (Carl) could do it ! FjR68

Thanks Frank!!

... I think.......

[SidewaysTim]

I wasn't seeing a Lock Rite for the D44 with a limited grip.
The NoSlip is a much more refined version of the luchbox hence the higher pricetag.

Hardly more refined, pretty much the same thing. Unfortunately, the NoSlip is the only lunch box option for the Trac Loc carrier.