Locking differential issues

demented · February 19, 2007

My 06 2500 hd has the factory so called locking differential. I have noticed that this diff. does work the way it was designed to work but it seems to be intermittent when I need it the most. Lately I have noticed that I hear alot of banging in the rear when the locker is "locking". Noises are ok with me as long as they are supposed to be there. I grew up with the sound and performance of the "detriot lockers" And I must say this locker does not even come close. Has anyone ever asked or done research about wether the dealer will change out the locker for one of the better ones. This locker is made by eaton and I know eaton makes better units that might be better. Any info or opinions,PLEASE.

dewfpo · February 19, 2007

Have you changed out the rear diff fluid yet?

DEWFPO

jedcooper · February 19, 2007

Judging from the comment on a 4x4 site I'm always on....

The gov-locker in the 14bolt is a lot stronger than the ones in the 12/10 bolt axles.

Having said that gov-lock, is commonly referred to as a gov-bomb for

it's propensity to explode when under heavy throttle and it suddenly engages.

In my 2500HD (14bolt) I have noticed a few things with mine.

It does in fact function as it should, and has been a big help out in the snowy fields hauling firewood.

However, it locks when one tire is spinning more than 100rpm faster than the other, and apparently unlocks as quickly. So, I've had situations where it induces a lot of shudder as it locks and unlocks while spinning. It feels like I'm on a washboard road. I'm sure this is not good on the unit. To correct I've got off the gas and started going again. Luckily, It wasn't so slick that the stopping made me really stuck.

BUT, driving on dry pavement is very nice, like an open diff, which of course is the reason for the design.

The detroit locker is a much stouter unit, but not as 'friendly' on dry pavement.

I'm sure if GM used the detroit locker in its truck most of the customers would be back the next day complaining of the noise and road manners.

The gov-lock is a good compromise, just be easy on the throttle when it's slick, esp. if not in a 14bolt.

jedcooper · February 19, 2007

Also, the gov-lock uses a different carrier than the detroit.

So to swap in a detroit you also have to get an open carrier.

$$$$

Like the other post said, how is your gear oil???

demented · February 19, 2007

I haven't checked the gear oil because the truck only has 16,000 on it. I don't think anything is wrong with the unit, it's just a dissapointment to know you have a so called "locker" that doesn't lock when you need it. I am seriously thinking of contacting either the dealer or GM and asking wether or not they could change out the unit with one that works good. These units are for well suited for a v-6 s10 grocery getter but not a work truck or "heavy duty". The older trucks that GM made, When they listed posi traction differential, you got a good working clutched rear unit that would always work not interemitently when it the conditions were right. I just wondered if anyone has tried contacting someone and if they got results.

dewfpo · February 20, 2007

I haven't checked the gear oil because the truck only has 16,000 on it. I don't think anything is wrong with the unit, it's just a dissapointment to know you have a so called "locker" that doesn't lock when you need it. I am seriously thinking of contacting either the dealer or GM and asking wether or not they could change out the unit with one that works good. These units are for well suited for a v-6 s10 grocery getter but not a work truck or "heavy duty". The older trucks that GM made, When they listed posi traction differential, you got a good working clutched rear unit that would always work not interemitently when it the conditions were right. I just wondered if anyone has tried contacting someone and if they got results.

The collective wisdom on this site and others is to drop the original rear diff fluid within 1,000-5,000 and replace. It's easy and for the price of 4 qts of synthethic 75w90 you may help or solve your problem. It's worth a try IMO.

DEWFPO

kosb · February 20, 2007

It seem's that my Gov Lock works great but every now and then it disengages early. I've found it helps to tap the brakes or even ride the brakes for a second or two to fool the locker into re-engaging. My uncle showed me this when I was around 17 and it seem's to work on most gov lock equipped trucks.