Mutt Motorpool
Installing and testing the Lock Right Locking
differential modified for use in the M151 MUTT
differential modified for use in the M151 MUTT
article by otter, owner/editor Mutt
motorpool
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I recently obtained a modified Lock Right Powertrax locking differential built by Ron
Rietfors to try out In my M151A2. This unit was originally made by Lockright for the
Suzuki Samurai. Ron discovered in his R&D that with slight modification this unit could
be easily used in the M151 differential.Details of the modification can be seen by clicking
one of the photos above.
Rietfors to try out In my M151A2. This unit was originally made by Lockright for the
Suzuki Samurai. Ron discovered in his R&D that with slight modification this unit could
be easily used in the M151 differential.Details of the modification can be seen by clicking
one of the photos above.
Pictured above is my rough and ready modified M151A2 on a 100 degree
afternoon in the Ozarks. With The engine modified for extra power this Mutt has
been a blast to drive , on and off road. Lets see what adding a locking
differential does for its performance?
afternoon in the Ozarks. With The engine modified for extra power this Mutt has
been a blast to drive , on and off road. Lets see what adding a locking
differential does for its performance?
My old 1100 series diff was a good performer and I never had any trouble with it, but did
notice that the seals were starting to leak when I went to remove it. Swapping diffs in a Mutt
is a simple job but getting a wrench on the bolt heads through the tiny space in the cross
member can be tough, luckily I don't have large hands!
To save me time Ron had already installed th locker in a Diff for me so I sent him a good core
to replace the one he gave me.
The Mutt diff. is not all that heavy but still heavy enough to hurt you if it falls on you! Using
what I had at hand , I got out the M151 jack from the tool bag , strapped the diff. on it and
raised it into place. A couple of hours later with Fresh grease in the U-joints and fresh oil in
the diff I was ready to see what driving a MUTT with a locking diff is like.
notice that the seals were starting to leak when I went to remove it. Swapping diffs in a Mutt
is a simple job but getting a wrench on the bolt heads through the tiny space in the cross
member can be tough, luckily I don't have large hands!
To save me time Ron had already installed th locker in a Diff for me so I sent him a good core
to replace the one he gave me.
The Mutt diff. is not all that heavy but still heavy enough to hurt you if it falls on you! Using
what I had at hand , I got out the M151 jack from the tool bag , strapped the diff. on it and
raised it into place. A couple of hours later with Fresh grease in the U-joints and fresh oil in
the diff I was ready to see what driving a MUTT with a locking diff is like.
Driving Impressions
First thing I noticed was a little grind and a clunk when starting out, the manual told me that
the Locker needs 25 degrees of rotation before in locks up. Ron had already told me to not
decelerate while cornering , but I am already in the habit of applying a little power around a
corner as its always the best way to have the most control.
I drive my MUTT in town all the time and have many stops , starts and sharp turns. I had
been a bit heavy footed with the MUTT since I did the engine mods because the extra power
was Fun, but I noticed with the locker that I was taking it easyer on the MUTT since hard
acceleration right at a gear shift will make the clunk of the locker louder and make the rear
end sway just a little when both wheels start fully driving.
This new handling style was anoying at first but after a few days I got used to the way the
locker works and had adjusted my driving style to suit. I'm going easyer on the drive train
thats for sure, less heavy on the gas when shifting, and I'm sure the drive train likes my new
driving style better!
In normal driving that dosn't involve a lot of stoping and starting , the locking diff. has very
little affect on handling. I do find myself coasting around tight corners near my house to
avoid the locking and unlocking clunk and can hear a slight clicking as the outside wheel in
the turn free wheels. I have learned to apply power a little going strait before turning from a
stop to make the locking smoother and to keep the inside tire from chirping to catch up with
the other wheel as the locker locks.
I think with a few more days of driving these new habits of how and when to apply power
will be automatic and I won't much notice the locker being there.
the Locker needs 25 degrees of rotation before in locks up. Ron had already told me to not
decelerate while cornering , but I am already in the habit of applying a little power around a
corner as its always the best way to have the most control.
I drive my MUTT in town all the time and have many stops , starts and sharp turns. I had
been a bit heavy footed with the MUTT since I did the engine mods because the extra power
was Fun, but I noticed with the locker that I was taking it easyer on the MUTT since hard
acceleration right at a gear shift will make the clunk of the locker louder and make the rear
end sway just a little when both wheels start fully driving.
This new handling style was anoying at first but after a few days I got used to the way the
locker works and had adjusted my driving style to suit. I'm going easyer on the drive train
thats for sure, less heavy on the gas when shifting, and I'm sure the drive train likes my new
driving style better!
In normal driving that dosn't involve a lot of stoping and starting , the locking diff. has very
little affect on handling. I do find myself coasting around tight corners near my house to
avoid the locking and unlocking clunk and can hear a slight clicking as the outside wheel in
the turn free wheels. I have learned to apply power a little going strait before turning from a
stop to make the locking smoother and to keep the inside tire from chirping to catch up with
the other wheel as the locker locks.
I think with a few more days of driving these new habits of how and when to apply power
will be automatic and I won't much notice the locker being there.
Off Road
OK, Here is where this modification really shines!
In the small amout of off road testing I have done so far, the locker is amazing. In climbing
steep dirt hills , I could now go up hills in two wheel drive that formerly required four
wheel drive. The Locker provide full power to both wheels even when one is slipping or
spinning free in the air. Since dirt, gravel or mud make it easyer for a tire to slip some, the
locker dosn't cause as much bind or clunk off road . just lots of traction!!!
In four wheel drive I can now climb slipery hills that left my tires just spinning before.
Ron informed me that a front locking diff has no effect on steering or handling while in two
wheel drive, I can only Imagine that with a front locker that my MUTT would be very hard
to stop off road. With both ends locked up , as long as the body wasn't draging or hitting
something , one wheel with traction would keep the vehicle going.
Some friends have expressed concern about the effects of locking diffs on U-Joints and
other drive line components, being aware of how the locker works, I have become even
more careful about how much torqure I apply and when it is applied. Time will tell but I
don't think it will be a problem.
In the small amout of off road testing I have done so far, the locker is amazing. In climbing
steep dirt hills , I could now go up hills in two wheel drive that formerly required four
wheel drive. The Locker provide full power to both wheels even when one is slipping or
spinning free in the air. Since dirt, gravel or mud make it easyer for a tire to slip some, the
locker dosn't cause as much bind or clunk off road . just lots of traction!!!
In four wheel drive I can now climb slipery hills that left my tires just spinning before.
Ron informed me that a front locking diff has no effect on steering or handling while in two
wheel drive, I can only Imagine that with a front locker that my MUTT would be very hard
to stop off road. With both ends locked up , as long as the body wasn't draging or hitting
something , one wheel with traction would keep the vehicle going.
Some friends have expressed concern about the effects of locking diffs on U-Joints and
other drive line components, being aware of how the locker works, I have become even
more careful about how much torqure I apply and when it is applied. Time will tell but I
don't think it will be a problem.
I think that for those M151 owners that occasionally drive their Mutts for fun, and maybe go
on a trail or two that there would be no point in installing a locker. The Locking diff
requires even more care on the streat in a vehicle that one must be very carefull to remain
safe in. I have concerns about the slight rear end sway upon shifting gears and applying
power in a very wet or icey road condition. I would not let an untrained driver drive my
Mutt before, and even more so now with a locking diff .
For those Mutt owners that really like to play off road and are willing to adapt to slight
handling changes on road the locking diff can be a wonderful thing!! To go where no Mutt
has gone before can be a thrill, and there are some who must push the limits of where they
can play in their M151's. The locking diff offers more control off road and with it, less
chance of damaging your Mutt body by lack of control .
If you have questions or wish to have Ron build you a locking diff for your Mutt, please
email me by clicking the email link at the top of the page.
Happy Mutting,
otter
on a trail or two that there would be no point in installing a locker. The Locking diff
requires even more care on the streat in a vehicle that one must be very carefull to remain
safe in. I have concerns about the slight rear end sway upon shifting gears and applying
power in a very wet or icey road condition. I would not let an untrained driver drive my
Mutt before, and even more so now with a locking diff .
For those Mutt owners that really like to play off road and are willing to adapt to slight
handling changes on road the locking diff can be a wonderful thing!! To go where no Mutt
has gone before can be a thrill, and there are some who must push the limits of where they
can play in their M151's. The locking diff offers more control off road and with it, less
chance of damaging your Mutt body by lack of control .
If you have questions or wish to have Ron build you a locking diff for your Mutt, please
email me by clicking the email link at the top of the page.
Happy Mutting,
otter
Finial analysis