How to select a traction device for your 66-77 Ford Bronco

Adding a traction device to the front or rear differential has many advantages. A traction device installed in the rear end can get you through many obstacles without having to get out and lock in the hubs. They can also take a great deal of strain off the drive train by helping you through difficult obstacles without having to hammer the throttle, thus decreasing your chances of drivetrain failure.

A traction device in the front differential works on a lot of the same principles as the rear differential. Having both tires pulling can ease you out of a deep rut, snowbank or over rocks and boulders and helps tremendously when you have a tire come off the ground. Having this advantage will keep you from pounding on the throttle and breaking the drivetrain components and may even save damage to your sheet metal.

The Powertrax Grip Pro is the best unit for all around performance. This limited slip device is a clutch free, smooth operating unit. No special oil additives are required. You won't even notice the unit working until you cross the bad spot in your path and realize the ease in which you passed through it.

The Grip Pro has a lock up of 70% to 75%. This unit is for the driver who spends 70% on road and 30% off. The next step is the Yukon Grizzly Locker. This unit is a full time automatic locker and uses no oil additives. While under power or a load, the Grizzly Locker is a 100% lock up device. The Grizzly Locker has a unique working internal system that allows the unit to ratchet around corners. When you do suspend a tire and it is free-hanging off the ground, both tires will still rotate the same speed. This unit fits the driver that spends half their time on-road and half their time off. While the unit does work nicely for daily driving, most agree it is the best off-road differential on the market.

A selectable locker such as the Yukon Zip Locker or the OX Locker gives you the ultimate advantage of having a standard open carrier for daily driving and at the push of a button or pull of a cable, 100% axle lockup for your off-road challenges. The Zip Locker requires an on-board air source for activation of the unit whereas the OX Locker can be shifted using air or a manual pull cable depending on how you set it up. For those of you looking for the best of both worlds, the Zip Locker or OX Locker selectable differentials are going to give you an open carrier for drivability and push button 100% lockup for hardcore off-road demand.

For cost saving traction devices, we offer the Power Lock for Dana 44 front ends and the Track Lock for your rear Ford 9". Don't let the names trick you, these are both limited slip differentials. The Power Lock unit works on a self-tightening feature, when one tire spins more than the other, the Power Lock loads the clutch packs tighter and tighter. Under full load, the Power Lock will lock up to 75% and works well with both Dana 30 and Dana 44. The Track Lock is offered only for the Ford 9" and is your all-purpose traction device with up to 50% lock up.

When working on your Bronco's front end, we highly recommend upgrading to our 4340 Chromoly Axles. These axles are made to handle heavy stress providing 40-60% increased strength over stock axles. For the rear, our 31 spline axles are made with 1541 steel and rolled splines for a 60% strength increase over factory. These rear axles will require installation of a 31 spline carrier. Our heavy duty 28 spline axles can be used with stock carriers and also offer a marked increase in strength as compared to factory originals.

We now offer 35 spline shafts in a 76-77 bearing offset for the ultimate in strength. A 35 spline carrier and large 3.25" journal case must be used for these shafts. A special bearing kit is also needed.