$500 Powertrax, $5000 4x4? - Diesel Forum

505live · 09-25-2009, 01:02 PM

Just bench talk, since I don't have $5K (my guestimate for a basic DIY conversion) and I just discovered I need to roof my house but: Since I've had my 03 (w/ unlimited slip rear end) for 1 yr I've gotten stuck in the mud once. I'd love to convert to 4x4, but the $$ just isn't in the cards. Some 4x4 guys have told me a locker like a Powertrax will take care of 90% of off-road situations, and it is far more cost effective.
So, anybody with experience with just the locker care to weigh in? 4x4 folks, honestly, how often do you use the 4x4 and what are the circumstances?

carringb · 09-25-2009, 01:29 PM

I don't have a locker, but I have an aftermarket limited slip with high pre-load, so it pretty much functions like one. It has enough pre-load the van will plow straight ahead if I give it heavy throttle while turning at an intersection.

It works excellent 99% of the time. The only time I got stuck, it actually took a few tries to finally get stuck. This was on a frozen ice bank from plowed snow, and I got the front wheel wedged over a rock. My limited slip is much less effective in reverse. With one wheel on slick ice, and not able to go forward due to the rock, I had to give in and use the winch (which was actually why I tried to get stuck... winch practice). The winch works flawlessly. It's a Warn 12,000.

I think with a locker and a winch, you can go anywhere with more security than a 4x4 with open diffs and no winch.

dcbowe · 09-25-2009, 02:06 PM

I put a powertrax in my rearend after I found out it had a open gear and it was suppose to be 4x4. now its a crew cab truck but has the same effect. My truck gets used in 4x4 alot because we drive offroad every weekend. this is because we live in the country and gravel roads are a plus, our ranch is dirt road and when it rains it is slick. With the powertrax install I can do alot without 4x4 but when you hit a slick area the front tires tend to sink and both rear tires just spin, I shift in 4x and go on about my day. The powertrax is a dang good deal though it was the best upgrade I've made for this truck

Ujoint · 09-25-2009, 06:53 PM

5K for a 4x4 conversion is conservative, but nothing is impossible if you score the right deals on the big parts. Doing it right the first time needs to be considered on such a project.

As far as actually using 4wd, I do quite often. I have a Bobcat MT55, and sometimes have to bring it to job sites that are pretty rough. Especially here in the mtns. With locker selection, everyone is gonna have a different opinion. Different parts of the country, different needs, etc. I prefer a full locker in the rear (Detroit) and a good aggressive limited slip up front. I find this is the best setup for reliable traction while minimizing broken parts. Just my 2 cents!

u2slow · 09-25-2009, 08:16 PM

I have a Detroit in my F350 only because the Lockright or Powertrax couldn't be installed in the factory posi. I have a Lockright in the front.

I'm locking my E350 (Detroit) because I got it cheap, and can't stand getting stuck in the lamest of situations.

Tire wear is increased, but IMO, that's a necessary evil to get the traction I want.

505live · 09-26-2009, 10:03 AM

I'm not off-roading the thing in rugged terrain. When I got stuck I was camping at a mtn bike race, and it wound up raining/snowing over night. There was a bit of a hill on the way out that was slick, couldn't get up the stupid thing. I'm guessing w/ the powertrax I could have made it. Other than that, it does snow here in Albuquerque w/ some regularity, but usually the sort of thing gone by noon.

Ujoint: LOVE your kit, and if I could do it that's the way I'd go. I figured $5K was conservative, but that's the number I tell the wife.

Ujoint · 09-26-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 505live

Ujoint: LOVE your kit, and if I could do it that's the way I'd go. I figured $5K was conservative, but that's the number I tell the wife.

Well that explains it!!!!! We'll keep it a big secret.....

Premier Kirby · 09-27-2009, 08:58 AM

I dont use my 4x4 system all that often. But when I do need it & I get stuck in 2wd on a jobsite & I just activate the 4x4 I climb right out of the hole or slick area. Plus Wisconsin/Minnesota/Canadian Winters I travel in it is VERY nice to have during a snow storm.

I own a 2wd van as well & I was pissed how easy I got stuck, with the highway style tires I would get stuck on flat wet grass haha. The BF Goodrich All Terrains helped out big time with getting stuck.

XRACER · 09-29-2009, 02:44 PM

Put a locker on the rear. I have an ARB air locker on the rear and an OX cable locker on the front. Ususlly just locking up the rear is enough to get me anywhere (or out of anywhere).

If you have a full floating Dana 60 rear, I have a spare Ox locker....

505live · 09-29-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRACER

If you have a full floating Dana 60 rear, I have a spare Ox locker....

I'm 95% confident it's a full floater, (5% unsure b/c it has been a few months since I had the hub caps off) but I don't think I can afford an Ox locker... That thing looks B-A!
Is there any advantage to a manual locker vs the auto locking setup of the powertrax? Or does it just come down to strength? The Ox locker looks seriously burly. Also, does the Ox locker require professional installation? I like the powertrax concept for foul weather commuting and versatility (and relatively low cost).

XRACER · 09-29-2009, 11:52 PM

You're always better off with a professional install, unless you think that you can properly shim a rear end. Personally, I wouldn't want to have my first one be the one I was driving.

The good thing about a manual locker is that it is free spooling unless you choose to lock it up. No chopped up tires, no ratcheting noises from the rear.
And when you lock it, it's locked. No clutches to wear out. It's on or it's off.

I bought two of them only to discover that they wouldn't work with the C-clip axle that I have in the rear. I have the one OX up front and an ARB in the back. So the second OX is just sitting around. PM me if you can use it. It fits a Dana 60, 35 spline, 4:10 and down.

505live · 09-30-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRACER

PM me if you can use it. It fits a Dana 60, 35 spline, 4:10 and down.

Not sure what the spline count is, gonna have a look and see if the axle tag is there and then I'll be in touch. 2003 EXT w/ 3.55s, was there a standard spline count or did it just depend what was in the factory that week?

XRACER · 09-30-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 505live

or did it just depend what was in the factory that week?

I'm quite convinced that this is exactly the way things are done......