Nothing Special
Sr. Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2016
- Messages
- 805
OK Guys one more question. When I get to my local salvage yard are there any tricks that will help me locate LS, TL or Truetrac rear ends. All of the trucks and cars at this yard are elevated off the ground so it will be easy to turn the rear axels to see if both wheels turn. Is this only the case for a locker or should the TL's react the same way? Also which ones typically had the 28 splines.
I don't like talking in initials because you can't always be sure that everyone knows what you mean. I'm thinking "LS" is limited slip and "TL" is TracLoc. If I'm right on that, "limited slip" means a differential that provides some ability to send torque to both tires but isn't a locker (for what it's worth, "limited slip" differentials do not limit slip, they will slip an unlimited amount once their limits are exceeded).
The most common type of limited slip is the clutch-type. TracLoc is the Ford version of this. Less common is the gear-type limited slip. Truetrac is the most popular of those.
With both tires up in the air, with an open diff when you turn one tire one way the other tire will usually turn the opposite direction (it's possible that it will stay stationary and the pinion will turn relatively slowly).
Doing the same thing with a clutch-type limited slip that isn't completely toasted and the opposite wheel will turn the same direction (assuming the pinion is free to turn, otherwise it will be hard, possibly VERY hard, to turn the wheel and the other side WILL turn the opposite direction).
You are relatively unlikely to find a Truetrac in a junkyard as they weren't available except aftermarket. But if you do, it will act exactly like an open diff in this test. I don't know a good test to identify a Truetrac.
A locker is also pretty unlikely in a junkyard (again, aftermarket only). But if you do, an automatic locker will usually turn the opposite tire the same direction you turn the first tire, but if you have someone hold the other tire you will be able to turn one without the other turning and there will usually be a clicking or ratcheting feeling.
A selectable locker is even less likely to run across, but it will typically act like an open diff in this test (unless it's locked, which usually requires an air- or electrical input, so it wouldn't be), and it will have some means to actuate it (typically an air line, electrical wires or cable going into the diff). (Of course newer axles can have vehicle speed or anti-lock brake sensors too, so not all wires mean a selectable locker.)