USER MANUAL 8221001A
Traction System User Manual Contents Page Introduction........................................................................1 Description.........................................................................3 How It Works.......................................................................................5 Performance.............................................................................8 Applications...............................................................12 Considerations....
Introduction Thank you for selecting a Powertrax No-Slip Traction System to upgrade the performance of your vehicle. Our continuing success depends on satisfying our customers with exceptional products and service. We trust that you will find this finely engineered and manufactured product, and the support network which stands behind it, to be of the highest quality. Powertrax traction systems were born and raised in the world of extreme off-roading and performance racing.
Always keep this manual within the vehicle and readily available to all drivers. Ensure that they read this manual before operating the vehicle. Drive carefully and use caution under all on-road and off-road conditions. For support assistance contact Powertrax at: 1-(864)-843-9275 Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 6:00PM ET. We also invite you to visit our web site at: www.powertrax.
Description The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System automatically distributes engine power to the drive wheels for maximum traction output while allowing full differentiation for turning. It eliminates the affliction of standard “open” differentials that direct all engine power to a slipping wheel. It also provides superior traction output over “limited-slip” types of traction adding differentials that still direct most of the engine power to a slipping wheel.
Note: There are many different models of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System and each model is designed to fit a particular make and type of differential. On the front of the box there is a label that identifies the specific type of differential it will fit. Because vehicles are manufactured using different differentials, it is important that you check to be sure you have the correct Powertrax No-Slip Traction System model before beginning the installation.
How It Works Page 2 of the Installation Guide illustrates your type of existing differential and identifies its relevant parts. Page 3 of the Installation Guide shows an exploded view of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System and identifies its components. It is designed to fit exactly into your existing differential without any machining of parts.
“Saddle springs” inserted in the driver saddles press upon the pinion shaft and give the drivers an outward pressure onto the couplers. “Active Spacers” snug the pinion shaft and communicate its position to the “synchro ring” mechanisms assembled within the couplers. The active spacers fit within the drivers and onto the couplers providing on-axis positioning.
How It Works (continued) When alternating from drive - to coast - to drive while turning, power is redirected from the inner wheel (drive) to the outer wheel (coast), and back again. When alternating from drive - to coast - to drive while driving straight, power remains directed to both wheels. Engine braking is provided through both wheels when the vehicle is proceeding straight, and through the engaged wheel when turning.
Performance The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System will upgrade your vehicle for maximum traction output under all conditions. The exceptional traction performance you will enjoy does require adaptation to its overall characteristics. Be sure that you accept all operating and driving characteristics before installing this Powertrax No-Slip Traction System.
Performance (continued) As shown on the previous page, when a wheel loses traction, an “open” differential directs all engine power to the slipping wheel, and virtually no power is applied to the nonslipping wheel. The “limited-slip” differential also directs most of the engine power to the slipping wheel, but does apply a minimal amount of power to the non-slipping wheel. The amount of torque transferred decays as the friction clutches inside the “limited-slip” differential burn up or wear out.
differential. Vehicle modifications that tax the driveline may adversely affect the proper operation of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System. This would determine that the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System is not being operated under normal use and service, and it should not be utilized in this manner. Be sure to read the Warranty section of this User Manual.
Performance (continued) When you power through a turn, you may feel a degree of “under-steer”, the tendency to straighten the vehicle’s path of travel due to torque transfer to the inner wheel. Sudden throttle changes during turns will accentuate “under-steer”, especially on slippery or unstable surfaces. Be sure to maintain caution and drive carefully under all conditions.
Applications Over one-hundred Powertrax No-Slip Traction System models are available or planned to be released to fit differentials used in a myriad of vehicles totalling several hundreds of makes and models. Powertrax publishes an Application Guide to assist in the selection of the correct Powertrax No-Slip Traction System for your vehicle. Powertrax offers telephone and on-line applications assistance. Contact Powertrax, an authorized sales distributor, or visit our web site www.powertrax.
Applications (continued) The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System does not increase the load carrying capacity or payload rating of a vehicle. Any increase in the vehicle’s engine, tire size, weight, customized suspension or other modifications may disallow use of a Powertrax No-Slip Traction System. Please read the Warranty section. For questions contact Powertrax for assistance.
If either wheel begins to slip, due to poor tire-surface contact, the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System will immediately transfer more torque to the other wheel, thereby maintaining optimum traction and providing better handling, increased acceleration and an improved margin of safety.
Considerations (continued) • Clunk - Most drivelines may produce a “clunk” due to the driveline’s inherent backlash when stepping on and of the gas. The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System may make this characteristic more prominent in some vehicles. Standard shift vehicles usually exhibit this condition more than automatic shift vehicles. • Side-Slip - Use extreme caution when accelerating or decelerating on slippery or unstable surfaces.
• Off-road Operation - Should you operate your vehicle off-road, be sure to become familiar with the extreme traction capabilities of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System. Take it to an off-road area in which several types of terrain are present and try each one carefully to acquaint yourself with how well your vehicle performs. Drive slowly. Do not attempt to put it through its paces prior to becoming thoroughly familiar with its capabilities and overall characteristics.
Maintenance Note: Optimum operation of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System is achieved after a nominal 50-mile break in period. The engagement and disengagement characteristics of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System may exhibit slight roughness immediately after installation. Normal use of the vehicle is recommended during the break in period, after which operation of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System will be even smoother and quieter.
Disassemble the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System for inspection by reversing the installation procedure in the Installation Guide. Be sure not to use heat to disassemble any axle components. To do so can adversely effect the properties of materials and weaken or distort components. Bent axles, more easily damaged prior to installation of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System, are not uncommon and may be difficult to visually detect. The Powertrax NoSlip Traction System is less forgiving of a bent axle.
Maintenance (continued) After proper installation, your Powertrax No-Slip Traction System should not require any special ongoing service, other than that which is normally performed on the differential as recommended by the manufacturer. Use the recommended lubricant and replace it at the proper intervals. The following comment involves the whole power train and we offer it to help assure excellent operation of your vehicle equipped with the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System.
Note: Axles equipped with the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System deliver power to both wheels, even when only one wheel is on the ground. A non-raised wheel will receive power and propel the vehicle. Do not apply power during servicing or changing tires. Before attempting to raise any wheels, be sure to safely block the vehicle first. Only then, and only when necessary, should the transmission be placed in neutral and the emergency brake released.
Troubleshooting This section is intended to serve as a helpful guide to identify potential problem sources and possible causes. It may assist owners, if and when the need to troubleshoot arises. It is not a complete listing of all possibilities and should not be relied upon as such.
Possible causes: 1. Incorrect or improper application. check that Powertrax No-Slip Traction System model is correct. Review application guidelines. Verify that application conforms to all recommendations and precautions. If required, obtain assistance to confirm. Correct any application error before placing vehicle in service. 2. Improper installation; defective differential. Correctly follow installation and test procedures. Repair or replace any defective components as necessary.
Troubleshooting (continued) 7. Break in period; operation synchronization. Minor “metallic” sounds due to driveline “backlash” factors and meshing alignments of power carrying components might be emitted occasionally, but should not be excessive. More noises may be experienced during the first 50-miles of use after installation of Powertrax No-Slip Traction System (break-in period). If frequent or excessive, a problem might exist that would require correction before operating the vehicle. 8.
12. Steering cylinder undersized or inadequate pressure; angle of articulation excessive. Requires correction for safe driving. 13. Standard shift vehicle with “loose” driveline syndrome. Depressing clutch while making very narrow radius turns may, on occasion, induce an annoying driveline “cycling” condition in some standard shift vehicles that have drivelines with higher degrees of “play” (looseness).
Warranty Your Powertrax No-Slip Traction System is made of the highest quality materials under exacting manufacturing standards. However, because we are unable to control the installation or use of the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System, or the condition of the differential case, or the other vehicle components, our warranty can relate only to the design and performance of our own parts.
INJURIES, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR AS A RESULT OF ANY POTENTIAL LIABILITY OF THE BUYER TO THIRD PARTIES. ALL OTHER REMEDIES, WARRANTIES, AND LIABILITIES OF POWERTRAX, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OTHER THAN THE LIMITED-PERIOD REPLACEMENT COMMITMENT SET FORTH ABOVE, ARE DISCLAIMED. This warranty gives specific legal rights, and may have other rights that vary from state to state.
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8221001A Chicago, Il.
