Is this normal behavior for a Powertrax no-slip locker?

[vito2772]

Hey yall,

just installed the powertrax noslip in the the front of my tj in the dana 30 sitting on 33s. Upon installing, it passed all of the tests with the check block and the releasing of each tire.

Now I am driving it around to test it out and it seems to be functioning great. Engages quickly and quietly in 4wd and disengages when I go back into 2 wheeldrive. But I had a question. My understanding of the mechanism says that it will only lock up when it receives torque from the driveshaft. When I try to coast around turns in 4wd with the clutch out (5 spd), it does stay locked. Is this normal or is this an issue? Should it be unlocking with the clutch out going around a turn in 4wd too?

Other than that it does lock and unlock cleanly, quickly and quietly when going from 4 hi to 2 hi or vice versa.

I have not passed the 50 mile recommended break in period of the gears yet, not sure if it will loosen up after that. Just wondering if anyone had any input on this.

Thanks

 

[Jerry Bransford]

When you're in 4x4 the front axle is receiving power/torque so a front automatic locker will tend to stay locked up... especially when slowing or accelerating.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

if you're coasting it's still under torque - just reverse torque (the driveshaft is trying to slow the axle instead of accelerating it).

To get it to unlock, you need to completely unload it. Neutral throttle should do it in 2wd, but in 4x4 it might be tricky because the front driveshaft will want to turn a different speed than the rear, and bind against the tires interface with the road surface.

I don't have an auto locker so I'm not experienced with how well that works in practice, but I know the mechanics of how it works.

 

[vito2772]

Thank you Jerry and Freedom for the info!

 

[Rubicon88]

It's working exactly as it should.