The Ford S550 Mustang has earned its reputation as a high-performance muscle car, but to unlock its full potential, tuning the Tracklock system can make a world of difference.
This S550 Tracklock Tuning Guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the system, provide practical tuning tips, and show how tuning can enhance both performance and handling.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced car enthusiast, this guide will help you achieve the best results.
What is the S550 Tracklock System?
Before diving into tuning, it’s crucial to understand what the S550 Tracklock is.
The Tracklock is a type of limited-slip differential (LSD) used in the Ford S550 Mustang, designed to improve traction during acceleration by distributing power evenly between the rear wheels.
In simple terms, it helps both rear tires get equal power, which improves performance, especially when turning corners or driving on uneven surfaces.
Unlike a standard differential, which sends most of the power to the wheel with the least resistance (usually causing one wheel to spin), the Tracklock distributes power to both wheels, allowing for better control, increased grip, and improved performance.
Why Should You Tune the S550 Tracklock?
Tuning the Tracklock allows you to customize your Mustang’s performance to your specific needs.
Whether you’re aiming for a better launch off the line, improved cornering, or more aggressive handling, tuning the Tracklock can make your vehicle behave exactly how you want it.
Benefits of tuning include:
- Improved Traction: Keep both rear wheels engaged for better acceleration.
- Better Handling: Customized settings can make turning smoother and more controlled.
- Increased Durability: Proper tuning can reduce wear on the tires and differential system, extending the life of your car’s components.
Understanding How the S550 Tracklock Works
The S550 Tracklock works by engaging a clutch mechanism when one wheel starts to slip. This engages the other wheel, allowing both to rotate at the same speed.
The system helps improve the Mustang’s overall traction, making it especially useful during performance driving, drag racing, and track days.
Stock vs. Tuned S550 Tracklock
The stock Tracklock system is already effective, but it’s designed to appeal to the average driver.
Tuning allows you to tweak the system for a more specific driving experience. You can adjust:
- Locking Power: Change how quickly the system reacts when wheel slip occurs.
- Torque Biasing: Customize how much torque is sent to each wheel under various driving conditions.
In essence, tuning gives you more control, allowing for a tailored driving experience that suits your performance goals.
How to Tune the S550 Tracklock System
Tuning the S550 Tracklock system requires adjusting several components, each affecting how the differential behaves. Let’s break down the tuning process:
1. Clutch Pack Preload
The clutch pack preload refers to the pressure applied to the clutch plates in the Tracklock. Adjusting the preload can help control how quickly the differential locks and unlocks.
A higher preload will make the differential lock up sooner, ideal for aggressive driving or drag racing.
A lower preload allows for smoother transitions, better suited for street driving.
How to Adjust:
- Increase preload for more aggressive handling (better for track use).
- Decrease preload for smoother street driving and daily use.
2. Spring Rates
The spring rate in the differential helps control how forcefully the clutch packs engage. Changing the spring rate alters the stiffness of the differential’s locking action.
Stiffer springs give you quicker locking, while softer springs provide a more gradual engagement.
How to Adjust:
- Stiffer springs result in quicker traction response, ideal for drag racing.
- Softer springs offer more gradual traction changes, suited for daily driving.
3. Shim Setup
Shimming the Tracklock differential helps fine-tune how tightly the clutch pack is compressed. Adjusting the shims can significantly change the locking behavior of the differential.
How to Adjust:
- Add shims to tighten the clutch pack for faster lock-ups.
- Remove shims for a looser setup, offering smoother transitions between locked and unlocked states.
Tools You Need for S550 Tracklock Tuning
Tuning the S550 Tracklock requires some basic tools, including:
- Socket wrenches
- Differential fluid
- Shim kit
- Torque wrench
- Differential rebuild kit (optional, if replacing parts)
Having the right tools ensures that you can make adjustments safely and accurately.
You might also need some specialty tools depending on the extent of your tuning, such as a clutch pack press.
Best Practices for S550 Tracklock Tuning
Tuning a limited-slip differential like the S550 Tracklock is a process of trial and error. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Start Slow
If you’re new to tuning, start with small changes and test the results. Drastic adjustments can lead to unpredictable handling, so it’s better to make incremental changes.
2. Test Regularly
After each tuning session, take your Mustang for a test drive. Evaluate how the car feels and reacts. Does it grip better in corners? Is acceleration improved? Constant testing allows you to perfect your settings.
3. Stay on Top of Maintenance
The Tracklock differential requires regular maintenance, especially after tuning. Make sure to check the differential fluid regularly, and replace any worn-out components.
Proper maintenance will prolong the life of the differential and keep it performing optimally.
Performance Gains: What to Expect from a Tuned S550 Tracklock
The results of tuning the S550 Tracklock are immediately noticeable. Expect:
- Better Traction: You’ll notice much better grip during acceleration and cornering, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Improved Cornering: With more even power distribution, your Mustang will feel more balanced and stable when taking corners at high speed.
- Enhanced Performance: A tuned differential will allow your Mustang to perform better in drag races or track days, where every bit of traction counts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tuning
Even experienced tuners can make mistakes when working on their S550 Tracklock. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Over-Tightening the Clutch Pack
Over-tightening the clutch pack can cause excessive wear on both the differential and the tires, leading to costly repairs. Keep adjustments gradual and test often to avoid this.
2. Ignoring Differential Fluid
Running low or dirty differential fluid can severely affect the performance of your Tracklock. Always ensure the fluid is fresh and at the proper level before testing your adjustments.
3. Forgetting to Rebalance
After tuning the differential, your car’s balance may be affected. Make sure to rebalance the car’s suspension and tires for optimal performance and handling.
FAQs About the S550 Tracklock Tuning Guide
What is the S550 Tracklock?
The S550 Tracklock is a limited-slip differential (LSD) system used in the Ford S550 Mustang to distribute power evenly to both rear wheels, improving traction and handling.
Why Should I Tune the S550 Tracklock?
Tuning the Tracklock allows you to improve performance by customizing how power is distributed to the rear wheels. This can result in better acceleration, handling, and overall control, especially during high-performance driving.
How Do I Tune the S550 Tracklock?
You can tune the S550 Tracklock by adjusting the clutch pack preload, spring rates, and shimming the differential. These adjustments control how the differential locks and unlocks, affecting traction and handling.
What Tools Do I Need for Tuning the Tracklock?
You’ll need socket wrenches, a shim kit, a torque wrench, and differential fluid. Depending on your specific setup, you may also need specialty tools like a clutch pack press.
How Often Should I Maintain My Tracklock?
Regular maintenance, such as checking differential fluid levels and replacing worn parts, should be done frequently, especially if you drive your Mustang hard on the track or under high-performance conditions.
Conclusion
Tuning your S550 Tracklock can unlock a new level of performance in your Ford Mustang, giving you better traction, enhanced handling, and a more personalized driving experience.
By understanding how the system works and making careful adjustments, you can optimize your Mustang for track days, drag racing, or even daily driving.
This S550 Tracklock Tuning Guide has provided the foundational knowledge you need to start tuning your differential.
Remember to take your time, make incremental changes, and test regularly. With the right approach, you can unleash the full potential of your S550 Mustang.
