Testing a Powerlok diff

[grahamf]

Hi folks...
Need some advise please....
Does anyone know how I could go about testing a powerlok diff please? I've got a 2.88 diff, I know its a powerlok and the opposite driveshaft rotates in the same direction when I turn the other. Thing is I wish to find out if the unit's a duff'un before I paint it pretty colours and bolt it into a chassis!

Futher update on my project - The bellhousing can be welded - the adaptor plate has been made and fits perfectly on the end of the box. I expect to flycut 1" off the bellhousing and tig the new plate on the back this week. At last, things are moving forwards!

Graham

[nbracken]

Graham,

Couple of points. I don't know of any visual checks you can do easily to tell if its any good. I do know its one of the more tricky jobs to remove the diff when the car is finished. I also know teh oil seals where the drive shaft exits are vulnerable.

For the money you spend on the car, I'd let Eddy Reece at Wards take a look over it for you. he'll only do what is necessary.

Also for what it's worth, are you sure you want the 2.88? It is fine with an auto (or maybe at a pinch a 4 speed manual) but on 5 speeds (and up) it is generally considered to be too tall a ratio.

(It is what I have on my car but that was originally an auto, that I changed to manual. One day I plan to change it to a 3.31)

HTH

[wilf]

An alternate to Wards, and a fine renovator of Jag diffs IMHO, is our own Russell Ram.

He also knows the ins and outs of modifying powerlock diffs to be more suited to Cobras.

[kdavies3]

You need to at least remove the diff cover and check the condition of the crownwheel and pinion teeth.
I would replace all the seals too, as Nigel said it's a pig to remove the diff from a built up car.

[grahamf]

Thanks for your advice guys.... I'm fortunate to have access to a full machine shop, so I can get away with most things. I'll only resort to a specialist machine shop if I have to, for some strange reason I enjoy doing things myself.

I anyone else has info on what specifically to look for when testing the diff, or opening the back of it, then I'd be grateful.

cheers

Graham