2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission More Newbie Questions (Limited Slip Diff?)

[GCurrie]

Hi All,



This is my first full size truck, and first Diesel as well. I purchased it with the intention of hauling horses. However it has become fun to drive and is now my everyday Truck. (Heck, it only gets about 5 mpg less than my 98 Ford Ranger).



I am starting to find a few problems with it. transmission went bad and replaced with an ATS. Manifold has a Crack and will be replace after Thanksgiving. Had to replace the Exhaust system (Full of Holes)



Now I am hearing a popping sound when I turn corners slowly. I think it might be my differential but I don't know how to tell if it is a limited slip or not.



Also, I can't find the tag that lets me calculate what the max tow weight I can pull with this thing and still stay legal. Two of the stickers (They were on the door) are missing.



Any idea?

Thanks for the help.

 

[GCurrie]

Ok, after doing some searching on the site. It said to look under the hood. The tag says that is an Anti-Slip Differential.



Is this the same as a limited slip differential?

 

[sethAdams]

yes antislip is the same is limited slip

 

[TGibbs]

I have a 2001 2500 and pull 15-17K worth of horses and living quarters with it very regularly. More than the weight on my sticker (8800lbs is I remember correctly) but everything has held up fine. You might need to add airbags though if you go with more than say a 4H gooseneck. PM if you need any other info, I work for a trailer place and we have horses ourselves.

 

[Joe Mc]

GCurrie-Is the pop from the back or front? With a limited slip you "shouldn't" hear a pop because the clutch pac "slips" when one wheel is rotating at a different rate to smooth things out. Unlike a "locker" which will pop when turning. If the noise is from the front it's likely to be the axel joints, wheel bearings ? ? ?



I'm an open end (don't get me started why a 4X4 has an open end) so mine is silent. However, there may be an issue with your differential lube. I recall reading here that if the correct amount of friction modifier (additive) is not in the lube it will be noisey. I just can't remember if it's because there's not any in it, or too much additive? Hopefully someone more proficient than I will chime in soon.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Sure it isn't your axle u-joints going going gone?



Just finished hauling the horses and mules to winter pasture today. Eight head per Barrett gooseneck, six trips total (three trucks running). Hauled with a 04 Duramax 6 speed over Togwotee Pass and onward to Riverton. Grudgingly have to admit the Dura performed well. Revvy engine - would like to try the same trip with a Cummins for comparison.

 

[GCurrie]

TGibbs - My Truck also says 8800 lbs on the door, but I thought that was the heaviest weight that you could put on the axle, not tow. I am unsure. I was thinking that the combined (with trailer) weight was somewhere close to 20,000 lbs.



JoeMc - Now that you ask, I am not sure. I will put it up on a lift and check this coming week. Need to change break pads anyway.



Ol'Trail Dog - I just changed out the Transmission a couple of months ago. The U-Joints seemed nice and tight back then.



I grew up in Colorado and go back for hunting on occasion. So I will be doing the same thing on occasion. Up and over Douglas and Baxter Pass, or even Rabbit Ears. TGibbs, how does that Edge Comp help out in the towing? I have an ATS Triple Disk with the ATS beefed up transmission. I want to add some F1. 6 Injectors but that will have to wait until after the manifold



Thanks for the Info Guys

 

[BTighe]

i believe my owners manual says 12-12. 5k max trailer weight. mines a 97 but its gotta be the same.

 

[McCRam]

Old fluid will make your limited slip make popping noises. If you change the oil in the diff, and add the limited slip additive, it will go away. Assuming that is the problem. I add a couple ounces of additive into the diff. Then I'll go into a parking lot and do figure eights. If it continues to pop around the corners, I'll add a couple more ounces, and keep it up until the popping goes away. The more additive you add, the more of an open differential you get. Without any additive it acts like a locker. The popping noise you hear and feel is the clutches letting go.