PowerTrax No-Slip Locker

Our rating:

5/5 Gears!

A few months ago I put a PowerTrax No-Slip lunchbox locker in my 2000 TJ, and it’s hands down the biggest bang-for-your buck off-road performance upgrade in my TJ yet.

The features they claim:

• Combines the smooth operation of a limited-slip differential, with the traction performance of a locking differential.
• A precise synchronization mechanism eliminates the ratcheting sounds typical of other locking differentials.
• Special gear and spring design reduce the backlash and therefore driveline windup.
• Only ultra strength material is used which is 67% stronger than titanium.

I wish I could get my hands on a titanium locker to test that last one, but for now we’ll just have to take them at their word for it. As for everything else, I can say there’s a clear difference in noise and feel between this locker and Stubby’s front EZ locker, which is admittedly pretty old now.

The PowerTrax utilizes a sort of clutch synchronization mechanism that most other lunchbox lockers lack, resulting in 0 clicking while in 2WD, and is just completely invisible even in weather like snow and heavy rain. Stubby’s locker also occasionally engages a little bit rougher than the PowerTrax, but it’s not a big difference.

The actual traction aiding performance is just the same as any other locking differential and it behaves phenomenally on the trail. I can finally get over obstacles I just spun out on before, and climbing over unreasonably large rocks that I wouldn’t have had any chance at before has been a lot of fun.

Unfortunately I forgot to get any pictures of the install, but I do have these "very informative" before and after pics:

The No-Slip is a bit more expensive than other popular lunchbox lockers which would also help just as much on the trail, but if silent and smooth operation are important to you, then the PowerTrax is definitely worth it if you can justify the price. I can’t see myself buying any other lunchbox locker brand after my experience with this one, in my opinion this is the top lunchbox style locker on the market today.

Happy Trails! -Dirt Road Team