With Traction-Lok

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

NOTE: Replacement of the Traction-Lok(r) differential clutch pack on Thunderbird and Cougar independent rear suspension vehicles requires removal of the halfshafts and differential carrier.

DESCRIPTION

The Traction-Lok(r) axle assembly, except for the differential case and its internal components, is identical to the conventional axle.
- The Traction-Lok(r) differential employs two sets of differential clutch packs to control differential action.
- The differential side gear mounting distance is controlled by seven plates (four steel, three friction) and one rear axle differential clutch shim by select size to control differential side gear position.
- The plates are stacked on the differential side gear and are 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 a pre-loaded initial force to the differential clutch packs.
- Additional clutch capacity is delivered from the differential side gear's thrust loads.
- The four steel plates are stacked in pairs between the three tabbed friction plates and are splined to the differential side gear hub. The side gear hub is splined to the halfshaft.
- The friction plates are tabbed to the differential case so the differential clutch packs are always engaged.

OPERATION

CAUTION: Extended use of other than matching size tires on a Traction-Lok(r) 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 usage will reduce the ability of the axle to provide added traction on slippery surfaces.

Differential action is accomplished as follows:
- The pressure between the differential clutch plates opposes differential action at all times.
- When the vehicle turns a corner, the differential clutch plates slip, 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 wheels with the most traction. The wheel on ice or snow will have a tendency to operate with the opposite wheel in a combined driving effort.