Chevy & GMC Vans

"LOCK-RIGHT LOCKER FOR A CHEVROLET S10 S15 7.2 AXLE. PT 1935... This is a mechanically-operated unit which locks when power is applied, giving full power to both tires, and unlocks when you let off the gas... The Lock-Right unit installs into a standard open carrier, offering..."


I am toying with the idea of putting a locker in my van and was looking for some feedback. With the part time on demand AWD in the 99 I was thinking the Powertrax is a relatively inexpensive way to get some traction upfront to offset the 65/35 power split and an open diff. If one believes everything they read then the lockright only locks when power is applied. That should keep it from having any distracting effects on daily driving and no wheel slip. I know the 7.2" will not take serious offroad abuse and that is not what I have in store, But I will admit to wanting to make sure I can get my Boy Scouts and the troop trailer in and out of places where angels fear to tread.

Your '99 should have an NV136 transfer case, which splits power 50/50 between front and rear wheels when fully engaged.

Thanks for the clarafication, though 50% to one wheel is still less than ideal

The rear is where you want your locker. And if you already do, then you should know how difficult it is to get stuck. You would have to lose all traction in 3 wheels: both rear and one front. Hasn't happened to me yet. If you don't anticipate serious off-road use then you don't really need another locker.

You can't run a locker in the front of an AWD vehicle. It'll lock on you while turning the wheel and not allow you to turn without breaking something. There is enough bias in the transfer case clutch pack that you definitely destroy something if you can even turn out of your driveway.

If you are going to spend the cash, buy a locker for the rear. They make a Powertrax No-slip for the rear and it allows some differentiation on turns. We stuck one in astrozams 95 RWD and it worked great. Plus there is no need to do a differential setup with the installation.

Thanks for the insight evryone, what got me thinking was the portion of the tech data that states the powertrax only locks when power is applied, so riding up front it would only see power when there is wheel slip detected and the clutch pack started transfering power, what an awesome combo with a G80...I really have to stop this thinking thing... :-k

That is true if the transfer case didn't put any power to the front diff. Even with the little bit of torque bias to the front diff, the locker will be locked in more than not when turning. It will also make the van very hard to drive on slushy, snowy and icy roads. The front end will dart all over the place and be very twitchy.

Don't forget, there's always the 4-wheelin' trick when one wheel is spinning freely where you apply a little bit of brake with the gas.