Powertrax No-Slip Traction System User Manual - Manual (Page 18)

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Considerations (continued)
• Clunk - Most drivelines may produce a “clunk” due to the driveline’s inherent backlash
when stepping on and of the gas. The Powertrax No-Slip Traction System may
make this characteristic more prominent in some vehicles. Standard shift ve-
hicles usually exhibit this condition more than automatic shift vehicles.
• Side-Slip - Use extreme caution when accelerating or decelerating on slippery or un-
stable surfaces. Vehicles equipped with traction adding differentials are inher-
ently more sensitive to side-slip than vehicles equipped with conventional
differentials. Stability can be improved if side-slip occurs by decelerating.
***Caution: Do not apply the brake or brake very carefully if necessary using
extreme caution. Loss of vehicle control may result.
• Driveline Windup - When a vehicle turns, each wheel follows a slightly different path
causing each wheel to turn at a slightly different rate. In many “selectable”
4-wheel drive vehicles that have no compensating “center transfer cases”, en-
gaging the front axles will cause the wheels to try to “slip” a little as the vehicle
is turning to equalize differences in wheel rotations. On poor traction surfaces,
such as dirt, etc., this action occurs relatively unnoticed. However, hard trac-
tion surfaces fight the driveline’s attempt to equalize. As a result, the driveline
can become highly stressed and may bind up or even break. Manufactur-
ers of these type of vehicles require that the vehicle not be driven on hard
surfaces in 4-wheel drive mode with the front axles engaged. Full-time 4-wheel
drive vehicles and “selectable” 4-wheel drive vehicles with compensating “cen-
ter differentials” mitigate this condition. Using the Powertrax No-Slip Traction
System in these vehicles will not reduce driveline windup. The vehicle owner
must conform to the operation recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.