Only recently have Ford vehicles come standard with some sort of traction device in the differential. Although traction-loks and Detroit Lockers were optional in the 60's and '70's, fact is majority of cars simply came with an open "peg-leg" differential. This was hardly adequate in keeping the wheels from spinning with the factory power levels, let alone the asphalt melting torque most of our engines are churning out these days.

We recently looked into getting some traction for our 8" equipped 1967 Mustang. If you don't already know, the 8" rearend is pretty much the stepbrother to the 9". Although it is very similar in design, and is fairly strong, it has been overlooked in the sense that there just aren't many cost effective options for upgrading an open 8" rearend. In fact the 8" has long been considered a "weak" rearend, yet what most people don't realize is that in stock form, most of the internals (spider gears, side gears, bearings) are the same pieces as the 9". In fact, not only will an 8" rearend hold up just fine behind the stoutest of 289 and 302's, it will save 100 lbs over a 9".

Anyway enough history... Powertrax Corporation has developed the Lockright differential not only for the 8", but the 8.8" and 9" Fords as well.The beauty of the Lockright is that it is a locking differential, which means in straight-line acceleration the axles are positively locked together and the wheels turns at the same rate. When turning the unit un-locks and differentiates torque to each wheel, so that the inside wheel turns slower than the wheel on the outside of the turn. Unlike a posi or traction lock differential, which operates on clutches which eventually wear out and slip, a locking differential provides a true mechanical lock-up of the two axles.

Since we were going to go through a complete rebuild of the tired 8" rear end, we opted to install a new set of 4.11 gears. Since we'll be installing a new ring and pinion we let West Coast Differentials in Sacramento, Ca handle the assembly. However you can install the Lockright in your garage in about half-a-day, so long as you are not changing the ring or pinion settings. The unit comes with detailed instructions which walk you through the installation.