Too Much Free Wheeling

maall5 · January 7, 2010

I am new here so bear with me and my stupidity. I have an 03 4wd 1500 with 410 rear and if I remember right the G15 RPO code. My question is that when I'm on snow or slick roads I am only driving by my right rear tire. It spins and I'm done without using 4wd. I don't want to spend the entire winter driving in 4wd. This is a daily driver and not a 4x4er. I have atvs and sleds for that. I know there is something that when one wheel loses traction that both rear tires lock up. It would sure ease a lot of head aches if I had this. My buddies truck has it ---02 1500 4wd. I'm open for help and what not. Thanks.

pwall · January 7, 2010

Welcome!

Check the RPO codes, which are listed on a sticker in the glove box. Look for G80. That's the code for a locking differential.

If you have the G80 code, you have the locker. However, the diff will not lock until there's approximate 100rpm speed different in the tires. You should feel it lock and then both wheels will turn.

If you don't have the G80 code, no locker for you. But since you have a Z71, I'd be really surprised if you didn't.

Nytemare · January 7, 2010

Are you talking about taking off and spinning...or spinning while underway.

If your talking about while underway...the locker only works below 20MPH. So if your over that and start to spin, than the locker will not engage.

The locker could also be broken...but like Pat said...I doubt it didn't come with one being that its a Z-71.

maall5 · January 8, 2010

Thanks guys for the input. I am talking about taking off, so not working above 20mph is great with me. I have sinced gave the vin number to a dealer service center and he told me that I have a 410 rear end with no slip or all slip in my opinion. I will check the RPO code you told me though. As far as a Z71 having it, I don't know as I bought it used at 20K miles and has always slipped. Maybe just a Z71 sticker. LOL

Nytemare · January 8, 2010

That sounds like it was ordered that way...the Z71 usually has a 3.73 rear end...

I know all 2wd trucks in Canada come with the G80 option, unless you specifically order one without it. And 90% of the 4wd trucks have it too.

but it may have came without it...you never know. Stranger things have happened from GM

pistonslap · January 8, 2010

Sorry about the thread hijacking Allen,but I see in your profile that you have a throttle body spacer?? I have never heard of anyone putting one one the newer vortech engines. Most everyone in these forums say they are a waste of money on the newer vehicles. Any difference with it installed on your truck?

Nytemare · January 8, 2010

Sorry about the thread hijacking Allen,but I see in your profile that you have a throttle body spacer?? I have never heard of anyone putting one one the newer vortech engines. Most everyone in these forums say they are a waste of money on the newer vehicles. Any difference with it installed on your truck?

Don't waste your cash...its been dyno proven at independent test facilities that they do nothing...and in the very oft case where they do do something...it is not anywhere near worth what you pay for it.

Well...sorry, they do make that whistle sound.....man just search this board for TB spacer and see how many topics come up saying they're useless.

maall5 · January 9, 2010

Hey guys, I was going thru my RPO's and found this code -- YD3. What exactly is this one? Maybe some one can explain it to me. Yes I am still trying to figure out some sort of slip or no slip, whatever it is called, for my rear axle. Oh, and about the throttle body spacer. I don't know honestly if it works or not. I think it might be like a playing card in a bicycle spoke. Making a cool sound so you think you are going faster. LOL. Every one says they don't work but who knows. It might all be in our heads?

Nytemare · January 9, 2010

Hey guys, I was going thru my RPO's and found this code -- YD3. What exactly is this one? Maybe some one can explain it to me. Yes I am still trying to figure out some sort of slip or no slip, whatever it is called, for my rear axle. Oh, and about the throttle body spacer. I don't know honestly if it works or not. I think it might be like a playing card in a bicycle spoke. Making a cool sound so you think you are going faster. LOL. Every one says they don't work but who knows. It might all be in our heads?

Don't know what YD3 is...but if you don't have a G80 on the list...you have no locker...and if you don't have a locker you have an open diff...there was no option of a limited slip diff. (As far as I know)

If your going to put one in aftermarket...go with the lockrite.

From experience...the Detroit locker is way overkill...and nearly undrivable as a DD

the Detroit true trac isn't that great so I hear form a lot of people.

You can buy the G80 from Eaton...its actually called an Eaton mechanical locker (or affectionately known by some as the coo-coo clock locker named for its method of operation) Not actually called a G80...its become known as a G80 because of the RPO code only.

Than there's electric actuated ones and air actuated ones...thats a good way to go so you have total control of when its locked...but may be a little overkill for a DD.