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I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 with a locking "limited slip" differential in the rear. I never really paid too much attention to it, but lately in the snow and ice I have seen it in action a lot. I guess it works fairly decent to control spinning, but I was wondering what other people thought.
I noticed that when a wheel is spinning the limited slip really kicks in, sometimes kind of hard and loud. Does anyone else's do that? It also releases pretty quickly when I let back on the gas.
I guess I am curious to see how other people's works.
"If" your unit is the locking unit (not "limited slip", although the owner's manual or window sticker may call it that), the action can be somewhat dramatic, depending on the conditions. If one wheel loses traction and the unit locks with the opposite wheel having good traction, the results are definitely noticeable.
The unit is either completely open, or completely locked. It's a "no-slip" differential when locked.
I have one of these on one of my vehicles that I keep in the snow belt, which is why I'm familiar with them. The unit doesn't have a lot of finesse, but does exactly what it says.
Edit: I just did a little bit of googling and it looks like the Eaton locking unit that I'm talking about was more common than the actual "limited slip" differential on the Sierra models. The locking units (different for 1500 and 2500) were apparently option code G80, while the true LSD units were G86. Of course, this information is only as good as whatever I could get via Google. If you want more info on the differences between limited slip and locking differentials, google that exact phrase and you'll find some good information.
43north87west, hit the nail on the head for the different units.
Code G80 is the Eaton GovLock unit that is a 'locker' that uses a clutch to engage when slip is detected. It only works up to about 20mph and while it is called a locker, it is really just a limited slip.
Code G86 is the GM Positrac and that is a traditional limited slip.
The G80 Eaton is the most common on the 2500's from 2003 on and while billed as a locker operates more like a limited slip. The harsh engagement you feel is just the way that this unit works.
I have GM Positraction on my K2500 Burb. Works great for what I use it for.
I have a Lock Rite on the Dana 44 on my Jeep which locks up with the slightest spin and make a little noise as it locks up.
The Dana 30 on the Jeep has an ARB Air locker which makes all kinds of noise and take a little roll to disengage.
Most people who convert a vehicle to a use needing a locked rear end just do a spool where you weld the little planetary gears together and the rear end is always locked. It will always chirp when manuvering on concrete at low speeds but will give the best locked performance and costs virtually nothing.
Thanks for all the info. I do have the g80 in 2004sierra2500hd and it definitely does the job- especially when you have wight in the truck- without weight a pickup can only be so go. Sure is better than 1 wheel spinning all day long though. It is NOT a replacement for 4x4 however.
What about in the front axle? Is that solid when 4 wheel is engaged or open?
Thanks for all the info. I do have the g80 in 2004sierra2500hd and it definitely does the job- especially when you have wight in the truck- without weight a pickup can only be so go. Sure is better than 1 wheel spinning all day long though. It is NOT a replacement for 4x4 however.
What about in the front axle? Is that solid when 4 wheel is engaged or open?
front axle is open. GM does not make limited slip front axles. I know cause I tried to order one 2 year ago
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