Positive Traction vs. No Spin Rear Axle

[1972K20]

What's the difference between these two options? Is it basically just terminology? I've seen both listed as options for our trucks.

[special-K]

You will find positive traction in 1/2t and Dana60 3/4t trucks and No-Spin only in 3/4t & 1t trucks with the corporate rear (HO52 & HO72 respectively). The posi in Dana60s is called Power-Loc,not sure about 1/2t but I think just Posi-Traction. The way they work is the second wheel engages when the first wheel starts to slip,giving traction to both wheels. the No-Spin is a locker,which means both wheels are engaged all the time. These are actually Detroit Lockers,which you may have heard of.

[CSGAS]

"Posi-Traction" is actually a trademarked name for the particular method GM used in offering anti-wheel spin technology. Like Special-K said, it and the others engages the second axle and wheel when the first looses traction.

GM's particular design involves flat clutch packs. Others use cone-shaped clutches, helical-engaged gears, and a variety of technologies. Each one used a different name along with their particular patent, and sometimes are only different enough to earn a separate patent (which enabled one maker to avoid paying license fees to another maker).

I actually didn't know "No-Spin" was a Detroit locker installation...nice.

[1972K20]

Great info, thanks!