TrueTrac at Opposite Lock

Received by email 3/2/2000:

Following press release issued by [email], on behalf of Opposite Lock.

Opposite Lock Delivers Total Traction for Constant 4x4s

Constant four-wheel-drive is a real bonus on slippery tarmac and great when you're moving between tar, gravel and light off-road work, but when it comes to really heavy-duty off-road use full-time systems can have their drawbacks.

Feeding power to the front and rear axles doesn't necessarily mean you're getting traction at all four wheels. While most full-time 4x4s offer a factory-fitted limited slip diff to combat wheelspin at the rear, constant four-wheel-drive precludes the use of a conventional limited slip diff on the front axle. And that means that as soon as one of the front wheels starts to spin you're really only driving through the rear axle.

That's fine in light to medium conditions, but when you're up against it on a slippery slope, or crawling over steps and jump-ups, you really need traction at both axles. For serious 4x4 fans with constant four-wheel-drives that used to mean fitting a 'locking' differential on the front axle, but not everyone was willing to put up with the sacrifices fitting a locking diff entailed.

With both wheels solidly connected, a locking diff fitted to the front axle can seriously compromise steering response. The expense is another drawback, and many seasoned outback travellers have voiced concerns over the reliability of systems which rely on vulnerable pneumatic and electrical components.

With all that in mind, Opposite Lock set about finding the perfect solution (total traction without any worries about loss of steering ability or durability) for owners of vehicles with constant four-wheel-drive such as Toyota's 80 and 100 Series LandCruisers. The answer was a different type of differential altogether - the US-made TrueTrac.

Opposite Lock Brisbane's Ralph Martell explains:

"You can't run a traditional limited slip or an 'automatic' locking diff on the front axle of a constant 4x4," he says, "but the TrueTrac is a gear-type torque proportioning differential. Instead of having a clutch pack it uses a helical gear set to split torque so there's no sudden transition between it being 'in' or 'out'.

"It operates just like a standard open diff under normal conditions but transfers torque across the axle as soon as you start to lose traction. It's totally smooth in operation so there's no tug on the steering and that means you can run one on the tar in a constant 4x4 without any problems.

"With the TrueTrac you get superior front-axle traction on and off the road without any hint of resistance or loss of feel at the steering wheel. That's important when you're off-roading because with some solid locking front diffs you can lose feel to the extent that it's difficult to tell which way your wheels are pointed.

"The TrueTrac is absolutely ideal for constant 4x4 applications, but the off-roading benefits are the same even if your vehicle is a part-time 4x4. It's a great way to add traction up front and still keep your steering feel," said Mr Martell.

"Compared to other locking diffs on the market, the True Trac is tough, effective and affordable," he added, "and there's no problems about whether or not you need to engage it because it responds to the situation automatically.

"It's a great choice for anyone looking for optimum traction but, as always, we'd advise people to come in and have a talk about the type of four-wheel-driving they do so we can advise them on what's best for their particular vehicle and their particular needs."

For further information on True Trac differentials contact your local Opposite Lock store by freecalling 1 800 62 4444 or visit OL on the net [via [4WDlinks]].

Go to the 4wd.sofcom.com/4WD.html Diff Lock pages