Locking Differential

orviskid · January 8, 2009

how much to get the locking diff after the fact? would it be better in the snow? i can't really go for a new 4x4 right now, i was wondering if the locking diff would be better than limited slip in the snow.

Z45 · January 8, 2009

Limited Slip differential are normally installed in cars. The only truck to get a Limited Slip is the AWD Denali.

All trucks use a G80 Eaton Locking Differential.

Yes it would be better in snow but it can also be a disadvantage especially if others drive your vehicle. Locking rear axles can cause the rear end to jump out on you because both wheels will bite in and the one wheel that gets the best bite can cause the rear end to move in that direction. With a G80 I can turn 180° on a slippery road by turning the wheels hard left or right and giving it the gas hard, the rear end will spin the truck around quick. So if someone is inexperienced driving it that can loose control.

The cost for the GM unit can run as much as $1,000 installed DEPENDING on the dealer although I had one installed for as little as $600 parts and labor at a GM dealer. There are after market alternatives to consider for less money but if your vehicle is under warranty you may not want to do that. Also they may no longer offer the complete case assembly for your year anymore.

The other alternative is to find a used one. The easy way would be to buy the complete axle assembly and just swap. If you buy just the differential case, you still need an expert to install it as it requires special knowledge to set up. Its not just a swap out job.

dlstewart01 · January 8, 2009

Limited Slip differential are normally installed in cars. The only truck to get a Limited Slip is the AWD Denali.

All trucks use a G80 Eaton Locking Differential. I live in the snow belt and would never buyer a open rear axle vehicle. The few that I found out the lots that I would buy new I made to the dealer install a G80.

The cost for the GM unit can run as much as $1,000 installed DEPENDING on the dealer. There are after market alternatives to consider for less money but if your vehicle is under warranty you may not want to do that. Also they may no longer offer the complete case assembly for your year anymore.

The other alternative is to find a used one. The easy way would be to buy the complete axle assembly and just swap. If you buy just the differential case, you still need an expert to install it as it requires special knowledge to set up. Its not just a swap out job.

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I believe the only truck to get a limited slip, G86 was the quadrasteer, but that option is no longer offered.

I don't recall the AWD Denali getting it, but if it came with quadrasteer then it would have limited slip as well. Not sure about a plain AWD Denali, but my memory is getting bad. I could be wrong.

Don

orviskid · January 9, 2009

i'm the only one that drives it. i actually ordered the truck, i should have done it then. is it better in the snow????

matt3 · January 9, 2009

i'm the only one that drives it. i actually ordered the truck, i should have done it then. is it better in the snow????

Yes, it's better in snow. Yes, you should get it. You won't regret it!

slayer305 · January 9, 2009

I have a Z71 with the G80 locker and couldnt be more pleased. I have driven all over my dads farm and in places my dads ford needed 4x4 I went on with no problem with just the locker and 4x4 off. I havent had it long enough for some good snow yet.

Porter_ · January 9, 2009

works great in snow and ice. i have a gradual hill i drive up to exit my apartments and it has been covered in a solid sheet of ice for the last two weeks. G80 gets me up the hill in 2WD with ease.

BuckFeverZ · January 9, 2009

I was surprised at how much more I could do in 2wd when I got this truck vs my old one with just the open diff.

t_ruth · January 9, 2009

i dont mean to take away from you, but I had the same question and it never got answered :S

How would you go about it? Buy a locker and put it in your existing differential, or swap out the whole deal, and anyone have any idea on prices?

slayer305 · January 9, 2009

Go to a junk yard and buy the whole rear end and do a complete swap. Much cheaper. Something you could more than likely do your self on a saturday with a buddy.

t_ruth · January 9, 2009

I like that idea, as you keep your old should a problem arize in your junkyard one. Is it a fairly simple swap out, and should i stay with the same ratio as i have. Im honesty not sure what i have to be honest. How can you tell, option codes in the glove compartment? Ive got scsb 4.8L 4x4 that does some towing, but never over 3 tons. What would you recommend?

slayer305 · January 9, 2009

The majority are probably 3.73 both locker and non-locker in a 1500.

NFSGamerUSA · January 9, 2009

I, too, need to do this. I SOOO wish my truck had come with the G80. Are the lockers ratio-specific? I might go find some junkyards to hunt through this summer and try to find one.

Z45 · January 10, 2009

The same differential case will work with other ratios. Its the ring and pinion that determine the ratio, not the posi case.

If you got a 4wd you have to replace with the same ratio if you go junk yard shopping. The rear ratio cannot be different then the front or you will have problems diving in 4x4 with different ratios front and rear.

The junk know the locking rear axle is desirable and you will not likely steel for a song. They might want $500 + your axle in trade. 3.73 is the more common rear axle ratio (lot more truck came with that ratio), 3.42 and 4.10 are harder to find in a locker.

How a Eaton G80 locker works

asilverblazer · January 10, 2009

Go to a junk yard and buy the whole rear end and do a complete swap. Much cheaper. Something you could more than likely do your self on a saturday with a buddy.

Much easier yes, cheaper not exactly, a member local looked in to it and it was expensive!