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Locker problem / u-bolt conversion

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Locker problem / u-bolt conversion
L

Lightnin 1

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Location
Hobbsville NC
Vehicle(s)
'84 CJ 7, 4Cyl., Dana 300 T/C, 3.54's w/Lockrite & 1 piece axles, pretty much stock.(FOR RIGHT NOW!!!!)
I got a powertrax locker in an AMC20 . It does not lock in until I'm spinning, then when it locks, it does not want to disengage. Also, what is involved with swapping out the U-bolt straps for regular U-bolts. Been told by quite a few people to make this switch......:confused:
 
Your locker sounds like it's working okay. You might want to check the clearances.

To change from straps to U-bolts, you will need new yolks.
 
csuengr said:
To change from straps to U-bolts, you will need new yolks.
Click to expand...
That's not neccesarily true....I simply drilled the threading out of the yokes and installed the U-bolts.
 
I find that interesting, CJim7, since the hole centers are different between the later model CJ straps and the older style CJ u-bolts.
 
Lightnin 1 said:
I got a powertrax locker in an AMC20 . It does not lock in until I'm spinning, then when it locks, it does not want to disengage. Also, what is involved with swapping out the U-bolt straps for regular U-bolts. Been told by quite a few people to make this switch......:confused:
Click to expand...
I've never had a powertrax but I would think it would engage as soon as power was applied like all the other lockers. Sounds like something is not moving right inside.
Get new yokes to change to the u-bolts.
 
Torxhead said:
I find that interesting, CJim7, since the hole centers are different between the later model CJ straps and the older style CJ u-bolts.
Click to expand...

This was years ago, and I probably elongated the holes to take the U-bolts. I've never had one loosen up on me or break. Next time I have one off, I'll check.
 
Define "spinning". A lot of movement? or upon initial torque? These lockers are designed to engage as soon as power is applied.
 
I've got a u-bolt style yoke in my tool box..I'll take a look at it and compare it to a strapped style and see if I can eyeball any difference.
 
Old Dog said:
I've never had a powertrax but I would think it would engage as soon as power was applied like all the other lockers. Sounds like something is not moving right inside.
Get new yokes to change to the u-bolts.
Click to expand...

It slams in when I start spinning. First gear 2500-3000 rpms. Usually where it engages. Will almost choke the engine off.:eek: Can get it to lock in by bouncing the clutch also.
 
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Finally getting around to hopefully swapping yokes & installing ubolts. (Due to front output seal on Transfer Case leaking). What sized joints do i need to get?? U-joint is a 153x. I'm reading about 1210's & 1310's.... Also, is there a kit to replace all yokes @ 1 time?? Got a bad driveshaft too. Slip yoke is bad.
 
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They Should be 1310's.
I don't know of any kits, every place I know of sells them separate.
 
Got the new seal in today..... Put it in right, coated it with a little bearing grease, then put the yoke back in. Crocus cloth was used on the yoke to help with the grooves cut in it by the seal. Still got a leak. Have I overlooked something or is gonna be time for a new yoke????
 
Lightnin 1 said:
Crocus cloth was used on the yoke to help with the grooves cut in it by the seal. Still got a leak. Have I overlooked something or is gonna be time for a new yoke????
Click to expand...

Yep, time for that new u-bolt yoke.
 
Installing a u-bolt type yoke on the front output shaft on the Dana 300 can present a problem when trying to remove it since it has to be accessed from the back side. I would think that the u-bolts are stronger than the late model CJs oem type strap, but I really have not heard of any issues due to their apparent weakness. I still have that flimsy strap on the front of my Transfer Case and it has been well tested with no issues, but I do carry spares.
 
Torxhead is right, a u-bolt yoke would make changing that u-joint a pain.
(I forgot which one we were talking about right now.)
I too still run a strap style yoke on the front of the tc. with no problems.
 
You figure out why the locker isn't engaging till you hit high RPM's? I would contact Powertrax and see what they say.
 
Just pulled rear cover off.... Did not see anything broken at first look. Gear oil was almost black. Never seen gear oil that dark before. No metal in housing tho. Anyone got any ideas??? Gonna pull the locker Sat. AM.
 
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