Differential for the snow

[jim17]

I live in Canada and have a RWD Sierra with an open differential. I've gotten through the winters with snow tires and some weight in the bed, but I'm looking to improve traction and would appreciate opinions on the best differential for use in the snow. Once I get moving, the snow tires, weight and momentum work great, I have no issues staying on the road. Its when I have to get moving from a dead stop, or have to go up a steep road that traction can become an issue. From what I've read a lot of people like the Detroit Truetrac, but unfortunately Eaton doesn't list the Truetrac for my truck with the 8.5" 10 bolt differential. The best alternative I can find is the Powertrax GT201030 which is another helical gear style LSD. I'm also looking at the G80 gov lock. I take it pretty easy on the gas pedal, so I'm not overly concerned about the durability issues with the G80 - I'm focused on what would offer the most traction to get up a steep snow covered road or what would help me get moving from a stop.

 

Thanks for any help or opinions 

[crankman]

Is your Sierra 4wd? Im guessing no so have you considered have a set of studded tires just for winter? 

[jim17]

No this truck is rear wheel drive. I do have a set of studded winter tires on seperate rims for winter use, which do help greatly.

[CamGTP]

Another locker will do. The G80 is proven to work so there would be no problems going with that.

 

The 10 bolt rear ends should have lots of options for lockers, basically every single truck before 2014 was a 10 bolt rear end. The 2014+ went to a 12 bolt rear end, at least in the V8 trucks they did.

 

Here is the eaton for a 10 bolt rear end with the 8.5/8.6 rear end. You just need to buy the bearing install kit and it works.

 

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/dtl-913a481#overview

Edited June 26, 2022 by CamGTP

[Z45]

I have had a few trucks with the GM G80 locker and NEVER had a single issue with it unlike all the doomsday posts to the contrary. 

100's of thousands of them on the road. Its an excellent product. Like anything, it can be misused and misrepresented and blamed for things that are not its fault. 

[asilverblazer]

19 hours ago, elcamino said:

I have had a few trucks with the GM G80 locker and NEVER had a single issue with it unlike all the doomsday posts to the contrary. 

100's of thousands of them on the road. Its an excellent product. Like anything, it can be misused and misrepresented and blamed for things that are not its fault. 

 

Ditto, I got over 200,000 trouble free miles on one, with probably another 150,000 in combination on others. 

 

Not to say I wouldn't try something else - but why fix what isn't broke?