Open rear axle..Suggestions??

I have a '97 XJ with an open rear axle and I am getting very tired of spinning one tire when the roads are wet.(which is most of the time here in Oregon..) What would be the best upgrade for a daily driver. BTW, I have installed the RE 3.5 Superflex w/ leaf packs, xfer case drop, and RE adjustable track bar. Thanks!!

well a limited slip would probably be your best upgrade. a full locker would probably be a little much for your daily driver.

Powertrax No-Slip

Does the Powertrax require re-aligning the gear mesh and etc. like when changing gears?

i like open diffs best for driving in the rain, i find with my lock-right or detroit when i am making turns i have to be very careful. a few times i have set it sideways since both tires spin. if you spin one rear tire while making a turn so what.

if you want crazy traction in the rain, swap in a NP242 i used to love that thing. open diffs front and rear i could floor it and make a turn in the pouring rain no prob.



my .02


-Tim

RWD said:

Does the Powertrax require re-aligning the gear mesh and etc. like when changing gears?

Click to expand...

No

RWD said:

Does the Powertrax require re-aligning the gear mesh and etc. like when changing gears?

Click to expand...

the lunchbox lockers (in c-clip axles) can be installed with the carrier in the jeep, no adjustments needed, just pull the spider gears and replace then with the ratchet things.

i found my instructions on the internet cuz i didnt have any

-Tim

weld it

if all you do is drive in the streets, then i would recommend a limited slip. If your jeep does also see the dirt, i would recommend a locker. The advantage of a locker will only help offroad, as you have to be a little carefull when driving with one on the rainy streets. As some have said before, you can fishtail your jeep if youre not careful.

Auto or Manual?

Dont put a full time locker in the rear of a manual for DD purposes...

Mine makes it feel VERY loose back there and makes driving a little less than fun...

I have a 98 with 5 speed, 8.25 rear and 3:07 gears. 3 years ago I installed an Auburn Pro LSD. I've been very happy with it, however there is a learning curve as far as handling is concerend on wet, icy and snowy roads. It tends to push you straight if you apply power while making a turn. Making a turn at an intersection from the stopped condition the back end can and will break loose which makes turning MUCH faster but you have to learn to control it or you can end up facing the way you came with a really really suprised driver in back of you.
In the case of the auburn the open carrier comes out and gets replaced which entails resetting up the ring gear, as I remember mine was under $400 for the auburn, rebuild kit with new bearings and seals and the installation which took about an hour or so, maybe a bit longer as I got to help
When you get it pick a nice empty parking lot and play with it, one with no concrete lite pylons or concrete curbs in your training area..
In alot of conditions where I had to use 4wd now I don't which is nice on spotty snow covered roads.