hey, I aquired a 8" posi unit for the maverick. it has recessed ring gear bolts and it says fomoco on the side. does this mean it's a trac-loc? if yes, I read that they burn up quick...is this true? it looks like it's in good shape and I planed on installing it as is. is there any way to tell if it needs a rebuild or should I just install it and finally fry both tires....YES!
that is a trac-loc. they dont "burn up fast" unless your housing or the housing it was in was bent. they are rebuildable so you can rebuild it or get it rebuilt. i test them by puting an axle in the ring gear side of it and then try turning the posi with a wrench on a ring gear bolt. it should take at least a little bit of effort to do this. if it turns really easly then get it rebuilt.
testing posi. thanks bryant. could you describe how to test the posi a liitle more. I don't think I get it. if I put an axle in the ring gear side and try turning the posi by using a wrench on a ring gear bolt won't that just turn the whole assembly... and or the yolk. what should be giving me a hard time turning? thanks in advance.
Hes trying to get you to hold one axle in a vise and put a ratchet on a ring gear bolt. If it was an open diff your right it would spin around. Being a trac loc the clutches should prevent that. It should take some effort to get the gear/assy to spin against the clutch pressure. Our on ground test for a 8 1/4 chrysler is one wheel on the ground the other removed. Install adapter and torque wrench. It should take 30-200 ft/lbs to get the axle to turn against clutch pressure. Couldnt find a Ford spec but that should give you an idea of what torque range your looking for. My 8 inch with new clutches was pushing 200. I stiffened up the springs a bit though. I would get new clutches put in regardless. Its not labor intensive until it goes in the car.
thanks darren for clarifying that for me. 30 to 200 ft/lbs is a big window but i can see how it would work for factory specs. the track lock should be on the high side of that spec.
