Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

lock right locker help.

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Old 03-17-2014, 10:10 PM
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Car: 1986 camaro Sports Coupe
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: 89 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 gov lock
lock right locker help.

Hey guys. I'm eyeballing some performance upgrades for my car and recently found that I have an open, 3.42 rear axle. Well after a lot of researching iv figured I want to go with one of powertracs, lock right lockers. From whayviv read I know they are noisy in the turns, but are someone decent. Can anyone give me their opinions on their lockers if anyone has them? I don't want to drop $450 and have a junk unit in front of me you know?
Old 03-17-2014, 11:55 PM
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Car: 86 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 565ci 900 hp
Transmission: T56 Magnum by RPM Transmissions
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/4:56 Detroit Locker
Re: lock right locker help.

I have a Detroit locker in my 9" ford, I absolutely love it. It works great on the street, I have not found it noisy at all
Old 03-18-2014, 07:02 AM
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Re: lock right locker help.

I've had a Lock Right in my truck for about 15 years and it works great. Mine has a 5 speed, so it's a little more noticable. With an automatic you don't notice it much at all.

I've installed many of these lockers for customers, so I have a lot of experience with them. If you have been doing one wheel burnouts then there is a good chance that your differential case is worn on the inside. If this is the case then there is a good chance that the Lock Right will not work correctly. You must have a good case with no wear for the locker to work. One wheel burnouts are very hard on the differential and should NEVER be done. Besides that they look stupid.

Last edited by big gear head; 03-18-2014 at 07:06 AM.
Old 03-18-2014, 09:04 AM
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Car: 86 z28 Iroc
Engine: 350 t76 turbo
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:23
Re: lock right locker help.

I had one in my s-10 blazer for years with 31" mudterrains and a powerdyne supercharger and it held up. What spline axles do you have? I just got a powertrax locker for 7.62 10bolt with 26 spline axles and found out last night that I have a limited slip already. I would sell for $400 let me know soon as I am sending it back right off.
Old 03-18-2014, 01:33 PM
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: lock right locker help.

I have one and a friend has one, he got his for about $400 out the door at advance auto.

Mine with my 5 speed was rough when it was new. It would click and pop on tight turns in parking lots. The key was making sure the driveshaft is spinning a bit by using the clutch.

Auto may be less noticeable. I still get the occasional pop in a parking lot and I think I would prefer posi but my car came with it nearly brand new and I don't want to swap anything out right now.
Old 03-18-2014, 09:06 PM
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Car: 1986 camaro Sports Coupe
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: 89 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 gov lock
Re: lock right locker help.

Originally Posted by nytmare
I had one in my s-10 blazer for years with 31" mudterrains and a powerdyne supercharger and it held up. What spline axles do you have? I just got a powertrax locker for 7.62 10bolt with 26 spline axles and found out last night that I have a limited slip already. I would sell for $400 let me know soon as I am sending it back right off.
I can get one brand new with warrantee for $400. Buying one used would have to be less. And I need one for a 7.5 anyways
Old 03-18-2014, 09:07 PM
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Car: 1986 camaro Sports Coupe
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: 89 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 gov lock
Re: lock right locker help.

Originally Posted by big gear head
I've had a Lock Right in my truck for about 15 years and it works great. Mine has a 5 speed, so it's a little more noticable. With an automatic you don't notice it much at all.

I've installed many of these lockers for customers, so I have a lot of experience with them. If you have been doing one wheel burnouts then there is a good chance that your differential case is worn on the inside. If this is the case then there is a good chance that the Lock Right will not work correctly. You must have a good case with no wear for the locker to work. One wheel burnouts are very hard on the differential and should NEVER be done. Besides that they look stupid.
iv done one decent burnout. This is why I'm looking at the locker. It looked and felt stupid.
Old 03-18-2014, 09:13 PM
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Re: lock right locker help.

If your rear tires don't have the same amount of tread on them then they will need to be replaced. If one tire has more tread, or the air pressure isn't equal, or the tires are miss matched then it will wear on the locker and could cause problems. This is probably more of a big deal with a clutch or cone type differential.

Be sure to inspect the axle gear thrust washers and the inside of the differential case for heat spots or wear when you disassemble it. If the clearance between the drivers isn't correct when you get it assembled then it will not work right, or not at all.
Old 03-19-2014, 04:47 AM
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Car: 86 z28 Iroc
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Re: lock right locker help.

Originally Posted by evilemokid94
I can get one brand new with warrantee for $400. Buying one used would have to be less. And I need one for a 7.5 anyways
Its not used, it is brand new. Bought it at Summit Racing for $411.00. The 7.5 and 7.625 are the same I do believe.
Old 03-19-2014, 05:43 AM
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Re: lock right locker help.

Originally Posted by nytmare
The 7.5 and 7.625 are the same I do believe.
the carrier is not the same Internally so it does matter
Old 03-19-2014, 06:53 AM
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Re: lock right locker help.

Yes, there are differences in them. You must have the right one for the differentail case that you have. The 7.6 is a little different from the 7.5.
Old 03-19-2014, 09:07 PM
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Car: 1986 camaro Sports Coupe
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: 89 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 gov lock
Re: lock right locker help.

Originally Posted by big gear head
If your rear tires don't have the same amount of tread on them then they will need to be replaced. If one tire has more tread, or the air pressure isn't equal, or the tires are miss matched then it will wear on the locker and could cause problems. This is probably more of a big deal with a clutch or cone type differential.

Be sure to inspect the axle gear thrust washers and the inside of the differential case for heat spots or wear when you disassemble it. If the clearance between the drivers isn't correct when you get it assembled then it will not work right, or not at all.
I just threw on a set of new coopers about a month ago. Son I would be fine. But will defiantly be looking more in depth to the wear on parts as I get into it. I'm looking at new axles while I'm in there.
Old 03-20-2014, 07:14 AM
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Re: lock right locker help.

If you are thinking about changing axles then you need to seriously consider the 28 spline upgrade. No point in replacing all of your 26 spline stuff with more 26 spline stuff. The cost is the same for 26 and 28 spline. Look at Tom's Differentisals for high quality AAM axles at a good price. He also has any other parts that you might need and his prices are usually better than Summit or Jeg's, and the quality is much better.
Old 03-20-2014, 07:26 AM
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Re: lock right locker help.

I have the locker on my 83 amaro and love it.
Old 03-21-2014, 07:16 PM
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Re: lock right locker help.

I installed one in my car back in 2000, and it was my daily driver at the time. The only time you noticed the locking action was in tight parking maneuvers. It had a noticeable ratcheting noise, but would BANG extremely loud if you applied torque at the wrong time. After 30-40K miles of abuse it began to randomly lock and unlock, even when going straight, causing dangerous swaying of the rear. I suspect the springs began to weaken, but I never verified that. It was a cheap, effective upgrade that was worth the cost, AT THAT TIME. Their No-Slip locker didn't exist then, and a 4th gen rear swap is a better alternative IMO (which I did in 2002), especially if you want to run their wheels.
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