Ticked that I have an open differential...

[Gunnernmybike]

What can I do? I just found out my '04 3500 CTD has an open differential instead of the limited slip. I suspected it did, when I couldn't get over a small snow berm this winter. I tried to drive over the snow berm at an angle and I got both of the high tires spinning. It was in 4WD and it was the opposite wheels (front and back) that were spinning.



I had the dealer run my VIN to tell me if I had the limited slip or not. Sure enough, I don't.



They told me it was a $1000 to have limited slip put it. What do you guys think. I'm sure there are better limited slip differentials then what Dodge is putting in.



I've been red hot since I found out. I wish I would have known before I bought my truck.



Also, when the differential is replaced, do you have to do the front and back?

 

[bighammer]

Mine works great and I've been happy with it. (I've only had open difs before though ) I think there are a lot of guys on here less tan pleased with the LSD on the 3rd gens. I don't think $1000 would be worth it. I wonder how much an air locker or something more serious might cost. You might do a lot better with an aftermarket locker for the same $$$.

 

[DPelletier]

Hopefully they didn't sell you the truck with the understanding it had LSD. If they did, maybe you can get something out of them.

If not, I'd wait until ARB or someone has an air locker available and spend the money there instead. There should be no need to do anything with the front diff unless you change the ratio.



Dave

 

[SRadke]

Bighammer is right on target and no, you don't have to touch the front diff unless you change the ratios in the back. A locker or LSD will not change the ratios.



-Scott

 

[CLAYTON]

Did it say you had the LSD on the window sticker when you bought the truck?

 

[Gunnernmybike]

No it didn't say LSD on the window sticker. When I bought the truck, I just assumed it had it. I learned my lesson there. What's an air locker do? It sounds to me like its something you can control from the cab. If so, that sounds like its the way to go. Thanks guys.

 

[bighammer]

An air locker has a switch and uses air pressure to totally lock or unlock on command. It's not a no brainer like a limited slip that does everything for you, you have to engage it manually when you need it. (or hopefully just before ) When it is locked, it's like a solid one-piece axle. Oo.

 

[guava]

ARB has a good reputation with their air lockers and they are supposed to be testing one of their models for the AAM axle. I plan on getting one when they are done testing.

 

[curatchko]

Seems like for 1000 bucks, you would be better off examining ALL your options first... . although I feel mine works great, there seems to be a gripe about the stock unit... . might be better off with a torison unit, or something else aftermarket... . might even be cheaper than 1000 bucks!

 

[RBender]

I'm happy that I have an open differential.



It works the same as a stock LSD, and I didn't have to pay extra for it .

 

[Mr.Goat]

Gunnermybike



To bad you didn't live closer, for all the good my LSD is I'd swap you around, and I bet you wouldn't know the difference. In 2wd mine with the LSD can get stuck in my flat paved drive in a couple inches of snow. I think the diesel just lays so much torque to the rear wheels with the 6spd that the wheels start to spin right off and your done.



Regardless I would do some research on whats in the after market world and go from there if I was in your position.



Pete

 

[DPelletier]

I'm also happy with my LSD, because its definitely better than nothing, BUT I think the ultimate set up would be an air locker. Don't have to worry about going sideways in the ice, etc. AND have WAY better traction with a flick of the switch when needed.

I think I'll try a set on my wife's TJ first!



Dave

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

285 dollars was the sticker price for the LSD in 03 ,SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR A DOWN PAYMENT ON A REAL LOCKER , I'm sure you will be much more satisfied !!!! Try a comparison with someone with one and the proof will be there...

 

[KKlepfer]

Quote by Guava.

ARB has a good reputation with their air lockers and they are supposed to be testing one of their models for the AAM axle. I plan on getting one when they are done testing.

DITTO for meOo.

 

[Johnstra]

And you better make sure about that $1000. My dealer quoted me ~$4000 to upgrade my open to LSD. Quotes from others on this site have been in the same $4k neighborhood.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Find a wrecked GM 2500HD or 3500 with the 11. 5" axle. If it has the locker in it, and is the same gear ratio as yours (assuming 3. 73s) have a reputable shop do the swap. The locker is made by Eaton and is a true limited slip/locking diff. I don't know how much one will be nor how much it will cost for the swap but I'm pretty sure they are compatible. AAM makes the rear axles for the GM HDs and the Rams. I'll bet they're interchangable.



AAM installs the G80 in GM trucks, and the TrakRite GT in the Rams.



G80 link: (also called the TrakRite LK on the AAM site)



http://automotive.eaton.com/product/traction_stability/lockingdiff.html



TrakRite Link:



http://www.americanaxle.com/technology/tech_prod_dl_diff.html#TRGT

 

[barbwire]

Originally posted by guava

ARB has a good reputation with their air lockers and they are supposed to be testing one of their models for the AAM axle. I plan on getting one when they are done testing.

Keep us posted , OK!

 

[ThomasLawrence]

My dealer quoted me ~$4000 to upgrade my open to LSD.

Four GRAND to install an LSD?? If I offer to do it for $3K, will you consider it a good deal?



You can buy the LSD for the 11. 5" axle for about $1250 (which in and of itself is rediculous, because the LSD for the 10. 5" axle is only $300). Figure on another $50 for a new set of bearings, and another $30 for the gear lube. It would take about an hour to swap, two at the most. The AAM axles are much easier to set up than a Dana axle - they use adjuster nuts instead of shims to set the preload, so you simply "dial in" the backlash you're looking for.



Even if they sold you the LSD at retail, $1800, and $70 for the bearings, $50 for the lube, and took four hours to do the job, at $100 an hour, I don't see how they even come CLOSE to four thousand.



-Tom

 

[DocDetonancour]

I have the LSD in my 04 and didn't have in my 96. The 96 was better in snow w/o IMO. Doc

 

[jungledave]

I'd also be surprised about the $1000, seems kinda low for the part and labor. I am pretty happy with my "$285 anti spin differential". I think it works pretty darned good. I know how you feel about not buying what you thought. I thought my 04 Laramie had leather seats when only the driver and passenger are leather. The rear seat is vinyl.