To Locker, Or Not To Locker...

Aggiestud · July 20, 2007

OK, so I am either ordering this truck exactly how I want it (and waiting 60 days+) or they have one on the lot just like I want, but without the locking rear diff... for about 2K less!! Both have 3.42 gears for highway mileage when commuting.

I tow jetskiis, small double axle trailers, and a camper from time to time, is this a deal breaker for me? I don't think my 'burb has the locking diff, and I've never had problems coming up a wet ramp before...

****it! I just want this thing in my driveway!!!!!!!

VMax2007 · July 20, 2007

OK, so I am either ordering this truck exactly how I want it (and waiting 60 days+) or they have one on the lot just like I want, but without the locking rear diff... for about 2K less!! Both have 3.42 gears for highway mileage when commuting.

I tow jetskiis, small double axle trailers, and a camper from time to time, is this a deal breaker for me? I don't think my 'burb has the locking diff, and I've never had problems coming up a wet ramp before...

****it! I just want this thing in my driveway!!!!!!!

Order one, it's worth the wait...even if you don't need the locker. Order one at invoice and take any rebates/incentives that are in effect in 6-8 weeks when it arrives. Trust me on this one. Also, get the 3.73's. Your mileage won't be noticeably less.

cmoore74 · July 20, 2007

You didn't mention if the truck was going to be 4x4 or not. Also what area of the country you live in.

If 2WD I would definitely get the locker.

If 4WD I've done just fine with no locker in the last 3 trucks through New England winters. The locker helps on slippery boat ramps, but 4WD is just as good for helping get up the ramp.

Also if you go off-road with the truck I would say get the locker.

You also didn't mention if it was another SUV or if you're going to a pick-up. Your Suburban has a lot of weight in the back compared to a pickup which might explain why you were always fine without the locking diff.

dannyg2006 · July 20, 2007

When I got mine I wanted the 3.42. But after I talked with a lot of people that had both the 3.42 , 3.73, and some that had both. They told me to go with the 3.73 cause it pulls a better and there is no change in mpg. So I went with the 3.73.

Aggiestud · July 20, 2007

could I change to a 3.73 locker in a year if I don't like it for less than 1500?

I live in Texas, no offroad (other than trails, very packed, very dry) tow < 5% of the time, most of the rest of the time is commuting and delivering stuff out of the bed. Buying a quad cab 2WD.

Aggiestud · July 20, 2007

Oh, here's something that I missed... I am getting the SLT trailering package. This should have the locking diff, shouldn't it?

VMax2007 · July 20, 2007

Oh, here's something that I missed... I am getting the SLT trailering package. This should have the locking diff, shouldn't it?

NO such thing...SLT is a trim pkg, do you mean Z82 Trailering pkg? Or NHT Max trailering pkg with the 6.0 engine?

PS You're buying a Dodge??? They make the "Quad Cab".

Aggiestud · July 20, 2007

Z82 Heavy-Duty trailering package included on my TC10543 - Sierra: Crew Cab Short Box 1500 2WD

Nytemare · July 20, 2007

A locker will cost peanuts to have put in at the dealership. Surely not 2000 bucks.

If you complain enough sometimes they will throw it in for next to nothing. Especially if it means a sale right now as compared to waiting 6-8 weeks to make the sale.

I haggled a full tank of gas out of them and a few other things when I bought my truck, (about 800 bucks of stuff) and it was used. For a new truck you'll probably get a locker thrown for free or next to free.

jdonnelson · July 21, 2007

OK, so I am either ordering this truck exactly how I want it (and waiting 60 days+) or they have one on the lot just like I want, but without the locking rear diff... for about 2K less!! Both have 3.42 gears for highway mileage when commuting.

I tow jetskiis, small double axle trailers, and a camper from time to time, is this a deal breaker for me? I don't think my 'burb has the locking diff, and I've never had problems coming up a wet ramp before...

****it! I just want this thing in my driveway!!!!!!!

Locker is a must, especially for the price. I would get the 3.73s too, you won't notice the MPG difference.

Not sure where you are located, but I don't know why they can't locate one for you. If you want to give me the specs and where you are located, I can search for one for you (PM me).

Jd

2004GMC1500CC · July 21, 2007

Oh, here's something that I missed... I am getting the SLT trailering package. This should have the locking diff, shouldn't it?

Have some patience and get exactly what you want. Go for the 373's and the locker.

Paul58 · July 21, 2007

I got the SLT with the Z82 Towing Package and it came with the Locker. It also came with 3.73 gears, but I switched to taller tires so now I have an effective rear gear ratio of 3.55, which is a nice trade off between the 3.73 for towing and the 3.42 for fuel economy!