Limited Slip??

Sierra89 · January 27, 2004

I've been thinking about getting an aftermarket limited-slip differential for my 89 Sierra to improve my traction in snowy and muddy situations. does anyone have any advice on if this is a good idea and worth spending the money? Thanks for any advice.

Cheers

carguru · January 27, 2004

Welcome to the forum. A locking differential would be best for those situations you mentioned. A limited slip would not be recommended. It is money well spent if you get into those situations a lot.

wisconsinz71 · January 27, 2004

If money isn't an issue an ARB air locker is nothing but cool. Fully locked when you need it, open diff when it's disengaged. If you don't need or want something like that a GM gov-lock isn't a bad way to go. I had a '92 that I found one for that came from a wrecked '98. I gave 60.00 for the entire center section of the rear axle assy. Swapped diffs over in a couple hours.

Sierra89 · January 27, 2004

Thanks alot guys, I think im gonna go with the locking for sure, another quick question, are locking diffs only used on the rear diff or can the front also lock? any input as when you guys are all using as far as diffs goes would be cool.

cheers

carguru · January 27, 2004

For a streetable truck, I would not recommend putting a locker in the front axle. It could cause problems when trying to turn.

wisconsinz71 · January 27, 2004

Only locker you put in the front is and ARB so it can be locked only when needed and that would be never on the street

Sierra89 · January 27, 2004

Now to get technical, whats an ARB? I read somthing that said that aslong as the truck has locking hubs on the front or front axle disconnect a front locker would work. Does that sound right?

thanks

bigdogs · January 27, 2004

I had a Power-Lok in a Dana 60 front end I used to have.

wisconsinz71 · January 28, 2004

An ARB air locker is a differential that normally operates is open diff mode then when you turn on a dash switch it puts air to the diff to lock it fully, no differentiation. The reason these are not nearly as popular is it take a air compressor to and air plumbing to install.

bfrd22 · January 28, 2004

ARB is nice if you have the cash and air system.

Myself and a number of others I know are running Auburns. A unique set up for a limited slip. And work awsome.

It's inexpensive and quite heavy duty.

And the latest bonus, the new Auburn rebuild program.

When you need to rebuild other limited slips a kit runs you about $100.00 plus labor to pull the diff, tear it down, install the new parts, re-assemble and reinstall.

Auburn now offers a 4 year program, if it fails in 4yrs the will provide a complete unit for less than $100.00. Not a bad deal.

I've had mine for a year and a half and I am impressed with this system. It's quiet, allows freedom around the corners put some torque down the staft an she'll lock solid.

The harder you push it the more solid the lockup.

varmint2506 · January 28, 2004

I've had mine for a year and a half and I am impressed with this system. It's quiet, allows freedom around the corners put some torque down the staft an she'll lock solid.

The harder you push it the more solid the lockup.

You must have good luck. I replaced mine three times in less than a year. The third one, still running it, is totally open now. The Auburn units will only pull both tires if they have even weight on them. They are great for hole shots and flat muddy areas. If you get weight off one of the tires the other one won't pull. I like the lockers a lot better. They will pull even if one tire is totally off the ground.

wisconsinz71 · January 29, 2004

Had an auburn in an 85 K5 blazer--smoked it in about 2 months. When it was new it made it a little squirrley due to the short wheel base. I still like the factory gov lock---lots made so you can find them in a salvage yard and very durable.

Sierra89 · January 29, 2004

I did some looking around and found found the Powertrax Lock Right Locker, has anyone ever used it? it looks good on paper but is it good in the mud and snow?

www.powertrax.com is the website. it says it can be used on the Front diff too, as long as there is a front axle disconect. would my 89 have that?

varmint2506 · January 29, 2004

The Lock Right looks like a good unit. If you plan on doing a lot of daily driving it may be too noisy. (noisy ratchet) They have a no-slip unit that appears to be better for daily driving. Summit Racing has the locker for $289.00, not sure if they carry the no-slip one...