The famed MAX-LOCK rear differential
upgrade. This service is more than just flipping plates around like some
people think; it's a comprehensive rebuild service that
will provide many years of trouble-free service for those who drive the
hell out of their EVO.
With 300% more surface area and better
than 60% more lock-up, the EVO will now rotate better when you get on the
throttle versus understeering upon exit of a turn. Think Dukes of Hazard
or Tokyo Drift.
How does it drive? AWESOME. Finally
you can manhandle the EVO and it will respond. With the increased lock-up
the EVO will no longer understeer and actually requires some counter steer
upon exit much like a RWD car but with the forgiving benefits of AWD.
With the MAX-LOCK you can use conventional suspension settings and focus
on setting up the car for max grip instead of doing crazy things like zero
camber, stupid stiff rear sway bars, way too much spring rate and 60psi of
rear tire pressure.
Will this make the EVO quicker around
the track? YES. If you understand that the fastest way
around the track requires less steering and more throttle then the
MAX-LOCK if for you. Autocross EVOs are knocking over a second off every
60 seconds of track length and road racers are easily knocking off car
lengths per lap, achieving quicker lap times due to the ability to use the
whole track versus a narrow line and this comes in real handy for those
who are racing on a road course with traffic. Another benefit is longer
front tire life because you don't have to crank the steering wheel to the
point of the front end washing out just to get the EVO to stay off the
grass at the outside of the turn. We aren't saying that this upgrade is the end
all to making an EVO power-slide out of the turns like a pro Tokyo drift car, but
it does, and it has proven itself time and time
again to be a worthwhile, economical, no BS upgrade that works damn good on the stock suspension or the fancy 4-way
adjustable stuff.
How well does it hold up for road racing?
The fastest EVO that have been competively racing in T2 have 5 seasons
worth of use and the rear differential is still working strong. Based upon
the inspection services that have been done I would expect it to last many
years in a daily driver before any service is required.
How does it hold up for drag racing?
It's holding up perfectly in STM's low 9 second EVO while providing better
traction. The car goes nice and straight unless the lane is greasy.
How noisy is it? The
MAX-LOCK will make some minor clicking type noise when accelerating from a
stop while making sharp turns. The clicking occurs as slow speeds
and goes away as the friction plates bed-in. Please understand that
you have an upgraded differential with additional friction plates that
generate more friction that stock, they will make some additional noise.
To eliminate this you can choose to run a gear oil that is specified
for limited slip differentials or use a friction modifier but they also
reduce the amount of friction in the process so decide what is important
for yourself. More about
gear oils.
Again this is not just a simple swap of the friction plates,
it's a comprehensive rebuild and upgrade. The bearing preloads are dialed
in to eliminate any potential unwanted movement of the ring & pinion and
the contact pattern is set-up for high torque. The pinion shaft is shot
peened from the gear to the threads and the ring gear receives a 2 step
shot peening process to increase durability. The sloppy backlash of the
differential spider gearset is corrected to keep the spider gears happy.
TRE offers more services to maximize the durability of the
stock rear end assembly for drag racing.
Turn around time is quick, about 2-3
days.
This service includes:
-
magnaflux inspection of differential carrier housing
-
magnaflux inspection of ring & pinion and spider
gearset
-
bearing replacement (as necessary)
-
all new friction plates
-
modified side sheaves
-
shot peening of ring & pinion
-
shot peening of spider gearset
-
correct adjustment of the spider gearset backlash
-
shim kit for preload of both pinion shaft and carrier
housing
-
adjustment of ring & pinion for high torque
applications
-
pinion shaft and axles shaft oil seals
-
a heavy coat of satin black paint so
it looks like new again
-
new carrier cap bolts
-
new rear cover bolts
-
new fill plug
-
new drain plug
-
new rear cover with
oil sight glass
upgrade is optional.
If any bearings need replacement I'll let you know when
I contact you. It is my advice that you replace both pinion bearings if
the EVO is to be road raced or drag raced.
