2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How hard is it to swap diffs?

[wilsonsh]

I'd like to swap my open diff for a LSD... how difficult is this to do myself? Are there any write-ups out there?

 

[SRath]

Unless you have the required special tools and experience setting gear lash, you don't want to try changing carriers or gears yourself. Pay a professional. It must be done right and with precision.



If you really want to get into it yourself and invest the money for the tools, then first go to ebay and buy the differential rebuilding video being sold there, or another similar to it. You have to start somewhere.



However, a drop-in unit like a Powertrax is something a capable do-it-yourselfer can do. You can go to their website (Richmond Gear) and read the installation instructions before you even pay your money. That should give you an excellent idea of what is involved.

 

[wilsonsh]

Thanks for the info! I think I remember seeing this on TRUCKS! or something. Anyone have one of these?

 

[SRath]

I didn't mention this before, and it might matter in your choice: The Powertrax is not a limited slip. It is a locker. It is a "soft" locker with good street manners, but a locker all the same.



Some folks prefer the even softer bedside manners, and less traction capabilities, of a limited slip. Others want the outstanding traction performance only a locker can offer.



Watch their video to see the difference of a single locker vs. two limited slips. You'll get about an equal number of opinions here on which is best for your application. Only you can ultimately decide.

 

[wilsonsh]

I saw the video... it says it's ok for daily driving but I was curious if it'll bang around when it locks/unlocks?

 

[SRath]

It depends largely upon your driving habits, but to some degree: Yes.



I've had Chevys with Detroit Lockers and with factory eaton Gov-Lok lockers. 90% of the time they were completely transparent. But every now and then (and I'm talking once every few months), BANG! , and I swore I just left a trail of differential parts strewn behind me, but I never did. Incidently, both lockers worked great and I never broke either of them or an axle shaft or anything else.



The Powertrax I have not tried, but I did speak to a very straight-talking Richmond tech rep just a few days ago about one I just bought. There is no getting away from the occasional release and relock jolt completely. But not powering hard through corners will help with any locker. He said the Powertrax is softer in its engagement and release than the Detroit, but still a locker and it will bang now and then, but it is nothing to worry about.



In my experience, you definitely want to keep your tires the same size and inflated exactly the same, too, or a locker will pull the truck to one side when you accelerate and exacerbate the locking/unlocking noise in corners, too.



I'll be putting a Powertrax in my Dana 80 as soon as I locate a factory open carrier to replace my factory "un"limited slip carrier. I will learn all about them then.

 

[DCreed]

I swapped the whole axle, and got a newer one ('01) with disc too! went from Dana 70 to Dana 80 LSD/disc. except for drive shaft length its a direct swap. and costs near the same as a diff alone!

 

[EKlem]

I saw the video... it says it's ok for daily driving but I was curious if it'll bang around when it locks/unlocks?

Like any locker, the powertrax is going to let out a bang from time to time. The key is to drive it so that you are not applying any power when you start a turn so that it will unlock and then you can apply power. If you have your window down, you can just make out the sound of it unlocking but it is not bad unless you manage to do it with a little power on. If you start your turn with the power on, your truck is going to hop the rear since it will be locked. I ran a powertrax for 15k miles in my current truck and it did its job very well but my needs changed so I put back in the spider gears. After another 20k miles, I have confirmed that I don't need the powertrax so it won't be going back into my truck.



I have had both detroits and a powertrax and the detroit is a slightly nicer unit but the powertrax is easier to install and cheaper.



Before buying a locker, really look at whether you will need it and whether it is worth the time and effort. A lot of people don't realize that they are not good on the road in the snow or on side slopes. However, if you are mudding or really need traction, there is nothing that compares to having one.

 

[wilsonsh]

Thanks for the help guys! Sounds like a locker may be too extreme for what I want it for. Anyone had the open diff replaced by a shop for a LSD? Curious about how much shops are getting for this.

 

[ed9824v]

Thanks for the help guys! Sounds like a locker may be too extreme for what I want it for. Anyone had the open diff replaced by a shop for a LSD? Curious about how much shops are getting for this.

600-700 dollars for complete job. here in so. ca.

 

[wilsonsh]

Hmm... thanks!

 

[WaynesWorld]

wilsonsh,

Before you go out & spend your hard earned $$$$$$$#@$%!

I swapped in a Power Loc, well actually a driveline service Company did for me. It works terrific.

I have 2 wheel grip under acceleration without turning the corner issues of a locker.

Check into it--------



WAYNES WORLD