Sorry for all the questions. Does anyone have or know anybody that has a Powertrax differential? Is this better than the eaton? How is it around town? Also, how is the traction compared to the stock limited-slip (posi w/3.42)?

Which one will fit our trucks?
GM 10-Bolt w/ C-clip, 8.5", 28-tooth or 30-tooth?

I want to get some 4.10 gears to go with whatever I end-up getting. Will 4.10s help me more from a roll than my 3.42s? I remember someone saying that there isn't any dead spots.

How much would all the parts cost?

Thanks!

 

i just put 4:10's and an eaton posi unit on my truck and compared to the 3:42's it is definitly a better setup, truck is jsut alot more fun to drive and there is the dead spots have definitly been reduced, it pulls real hard from like a 20- 40mph roll, it cost me $715 for gears, posi, and install

 

Well you need an open carrier to use the Powertrax. It replaced the spider gears. It acts like an open carrier around corners and locks like a spool when going forward. They are not nearly as smooth as a clutch-type limited slip would be. There will be some crow-hopping around corners and tire chirping too. If you want super tight and smooth go with an Eaton and get the 800lbs preload springs. If it makes a difference, I chose an Eaton w/ 800lbs springs over the Powertrax for my other truck...

You should have 30 spline axles

4.10:1s are gonna be better than 3.42:1s from a roll, dead stop, etc. Both will work an assload better than the stock G80.

 

How much does the eaton w/800lb springs usually cost? Would the 400lb springs be good or are they kinda weak? What other parts would I need? Thanks for the info!

 

They are around $350 for the carrier and the springs were $70 I think. I ordered that stuff a long time ago and still have it in my closet!

Well most everyone who has 400lbs springs (normal rate) is fine with them. I got the 800's for extra bite, dunno why but I figured what the heck. I spoke with a few people with the very heavy preload springs in low 12 to high 10 sec "street cars" and they are still smooth as 400's and don't bind. Usually heavier vehicles are harder on parts esp traction devices and since my other truck is around 4400lbs I bought the springs so I will have no "peg-leg" burnouts unless my clutches are fried.

 

I just called Tom's differentials. The guy said the eatons are on back order. He said the eaton (400lb)= $321, Installation kit=$100, Ring & Pinion (4.10)=$150, 800lb spring=$74.

I think I might just go with the 400lb spring, I'm not sure yet. It will be a month or two before I order everything. What size spring does it come with stock? Thanks for your help!

 

I have a powertrax with 3.42s. It locks up good going forward but around corners it hops, ur back end will jump around, i got pulled over friday night because it locked up at a red light when i was turning,he thought i was showing out, couldn't explain it too him. he had no idea what i was talking about, but enough of my rambling, go with the eaton. all you with 4.10s, what is your gas mileage,i'd like to go to 3.73 or 4.10 too.

 

I'm getting an Eaton Posi.
I have a scsb 01 sierra, would I need the 800lb springs? Or are the 400lb ones that come with the Eaton fine?
What do you mean by more "bite?"

 

I run powertrax lockers in my Jeeps for both front and rear axles. Infact I've installed 6 of these bad boys over the last 7 years. They are awesome off-road, but suck on road. The characteristics listed above are right on target, and I agree that you'd be happier spending the extra change for a good LSD.

The only time I would recommend a lock-right (AKA, Powertrax) would be for someone with an open diff that only wants a quick fix while he's saving up for a gear change and tight LSD install. The real benefits to a powertrax is that you don't have to fool with the R & P gear settings to install or uninstall, and they are relatively inexpensive. Oh yeah, and the straight line traction with them is second to none, but they are not as strong as an Eaton.

Good Luck!