With Traction-Lok

WARNING: TO AVOID INJURY, NEVER RUN THE ENGINE WITH ONE WHEEL OFF THE GROUND, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN CHANGING A TIRE. THE WHEEL STILL ON THE GROUND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE.

CAUTION: Extended use of other than matching size spare tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in reduction in effectiveness (bias torque). This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver. However, extended use will reduce the ability of the axle to provide added traction on slippery surfaces.

DESCRIPTION
The Traction-Lok axle assembly, except for the differential case and its internal components, is identical to the conventional axle.
- The Traction-Lok differential employs two sets of multiple disc differential clutch packs to control differential action.
- The differential side gear mounting distance is controlled by seven plates (four steel, three friction) and one steel shim by select size to control differential side gear position.
- The plates are stacked on the differential side gear hub and housed in the differential case.
- Also located in the differential case, between the differential side gears, is a one-piece differential clutch spring, which applies an initial force to the differential clutch packs.
- Additional clutch capacity is delivered from the side gears thrust loads.
- The four steel plates are stacked in pairs between the three tanged friction plates and are splined to the differential side gear hub which, in turn, is splined to the axle shaft.
- The friction plates are tanged to the differential case; therefore, the differential clutch packs are always engaged.

OPERATION
Differential action is accomplished as follows:
- The pressure between differential clutch packs opposes differential action at all times.
- When the vehicle turns a corner, the differential clutch pack slips, allowing normal differential action to take place.
- Under adverse weather conditions, where one or both wheels may be on a low-traction surface such as snow, ice or mud, the friction between the clutch plates will transfer a portion of the usable torque to the wheel with the most traction. Thus, the wheel that is on ice or snow will have a tendency to operate with the opposite wheel in a combined driving effort.