Front diff.

dbunn · February 24, 2005

Does anyone know without me jaking up and rotating my tires or pulling off the cover whether or not the front differential on our 2500 HD's are and open differential compared to day like a posi or limited slip?

Chevyfreek · February 24, 2005

They are all open front differentials. GM does not even have an option for a locking front differential. Eaton does make and E-Locker for the 9.25 IFS though...

Eaton E-Locker

496 CUBIC INCHES · February 25, 2005

You don't typically see any kind of positive traction device in the front diff of any truck. The exception is a hardcore trail rig. The way the truck steers is compromised when the front diff isn't open.

dewfpo · February 25, 2005

It was a factory option on my 85 F150 and I love it. Wish it was an option on my 2500HD. Money in the bank.! Sometimes a 3 legged dog doesn't cut it.

DEWFPO

dbunn · February 25, 2005

I used to have a 70 Blazer that I put limited slips in the fornt (Tru-Trac's). Seemed to work real nice. Thanks guys. The reason I asked is I happend to park on an ice/snow are that high centered the front end and when I went to leave I couldnt move. The rear was locking, but only 1 front wheel was turning. I immediately assumed I had a open diif in front. My concern was because I recently had the front diff replaced because the dealer did not install synthetic oil in the front diff and it seized. Temps here get down to -40 to -50 at worst. They actually ordered the wrong diff (a 3:73) and I had to wait for the 4:10 to come in. So - all in all I was just checking to make sure the right thing was in front. Thanks.

496 CUBIC INCHES · February 25, 2005

If you want the best of both worlds,get an ARB air locker. Its open until you push a button,and then it ends up being locked. It will have more traction than a LS or "Posi".

dewfpo · February 25, 2005

I like the idea of having the front diff. open and only locking the 0.5 % of the time when it is absolutely necessary.

The ARB would work but that needs air, the E-Locker from Eaton should work as well but with no air).

DEWFPO

renolaw · February 28, 2005

I power the ARBs on my jeep with a small (5 pound) tank of CO2. works like a charm, altho i do have a modified Youk A/C compressor for the primary role. Am awaiting the ARB for the front on the Chevy and will likely go w/ the small CO2 tank-- simple, no compressors, etc. The 5 pound tank gives me about 50 engagements of the locker before its empty.

Good luck.

dewfpo · March 1, 2005

I power the ARBs on my jeep with a small (5 pound) tank of CO2. works like a charm, altho i do have a modified Youk A/C compressor for the primary role. Am awaiting the ARB for the front on the Chevy and will likely go w/ the small CO2 tank-- simple, no compressors, etc. The 5 pound tank gives me about 50 engagements of the locker before its empty.
Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's a great idea. More reliable and cheaper that installing an air pump. Where do you get you CO2 from?

DEWFPO

renolaw · March 1, 2005

I power the ARBs on my jeep with a small (5 pound) tank of CO2. works like a charm, altho i do have a modified Youk A/C compressor for the primary role. Am awaiting the ARB for the front on the Chevy and will likely go w/ the small CO2 tank-- simple, no compressors, etc. The 5 pound tank gives me about 50 engagements of the locker before its empty.
Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's a great idea. More reliable and cheaper that installing an air pump. Where do you get you CO2 from?

DEWFPO

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i have several 5 pound and two 10 pound tanks, the latter from Powertank. A refill is quick and cheap at the local welding supply shop. the 10 pound tank is $15 to fill and the 5 pound about 1/2 that. besides, its handy to air up tires, camp mattress and run a blender...margaritas on the trail, yummy.