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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Axles
I am wondering what rear gear ratio to get. I don't do alot of towing. 4:10, 3.73, 3.42. whats the difference.
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Comments
kcram - Pickups Host
Thought I'd add this info on differentials I found on the web, makes the GM G80 option look very desirable if you use your truck off road & not as a grocery getter:
""Unfortunately, limited slip differentials (LS), available as options for many 4x4 in the US are offered by sales people as "locking differentials". A confusing term because nothing on these differentials is LOCKING. They are by far inferior to a differential that is truly (manually or automatically) lockable.
If you have to decide whether to get a "locking differential" (LS) if available as an option on your new truck I would recommend getting it, because it is still better than not having anything at all.
To repeat: "locking differentials" are limited slip differentials that are not to be confused with differential lock!
It seems to me, that manufacturers and dealers prefer to use the term "locking differential" over the correct term "limited slip differential" because it sounds more like the real thing - even though it is not. Is this already consumer fraud?
Now here is a twist to the locking differential story: When Chevy advertises its trucks with an optional rear locking differential - it indeed is a differential that locks up (automatically). In the 80's it was sold as a Gov-Lok for a while named Command-Traxx and is available in some Chevy trucks as G80 option. It is not manually activated as in Dodge, Jeep and Mercedes - it locks up automatically. It is a hybrid of a clutch type limited slip unit combined with a flyweight governor that is able to lock up 100%.""
First posted this in the Colorado/Canyon forum, didn't get much response so thought I'd post it here.
I've had my Silverado off road several times now and the locker works as advertised. Rear wheel spin is minimal before it engages.
Also, on the pavement, I've had it engage on very sharp turns. You can feel it, if you know what is going on with the truck. I've also heard and felt it unlock with a very slight "clank" a few times when straightening out the vehicle after a sharp turn. This is common and expected with lockers. In fact, for a locker, it seems very quiet. Ever heard of a "Detroit Locker"? Those things sounded like an old iron gate opening and closing - but they work!
Don't know yet about tire wear, as I only have about 8,500 mi. on the truck. I rotate my tires also. I have not noticed any unusual wear.
IMO the locker is significantly superior to limited slip, as featured on Tundra, F-150, and Dodge. However, limited slip is smoother and quieter when engaging and disengaging. LS also slips from day one - and those little clutches do wear out over time. The locker is more robust.
All depends on what you want. I'll put up with a small (and I mean small) amount of noise for the few occasions when it engages/disengages, for the superior "bite" I get offroad, in snow, mud, etc.
1offroader
Good info your confirming my info. Check this Motorweek coverage, good stuff:
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/autoworld2613.shtml
I use my pickup for a beach vehicle & on back roads so off road traction is important, I'm not planning serious 4 wheeling so I'm thinking a 2 WD GM work truck with a G80 locking rear differential ~ $300 will do the job. I'll take robust & better traction & gladly put up with some noise.
I'm surprised GM marketing isn't emphasizing this more, not everyone who buys a truck these days is a soccer mom, I really ding Edmund's & it's reviews for that especially, I don't think they even mentioned it. Kudos to GM engineering & Motorweek's coverage of this G80 Option.
Why can't GM come up with a decent ad??? Hey Chevy, for a fee I'll help you put together an ad that will sell a bundle of Silverados to other guys like me who use trucks.
Feel free to contact me. I'm not cheap, but I'm good!
1offroader
Any input?
You could get special axle shafts custom made at considerable expense, but then the ring & pinion would be the weak links, or maybe something else.
That is the problem with major mods - you do a change, then you need to beef up something else, which leads to beefing up something else. It can be a never-ending process.
1offroader
Locker
That could be due to alignment, improper balancing, or just plain crappy General tires.
The popping noise on turns could be a loose crossmember as obviously it's not the fluid in your rear end.
Terry
Thanks, Scott
It appears that the center support bearing is a press off/press on arrangement. You do not want to use a hammer.
Support everything to prevent excessive bending of joints.
Make reference marks to put things back in the same orientation for balance.
Start by removing the rear u-joint from the differential and tape the joint to keep the caps from falling off and loosing the needle bearings.
Next remove the center support bearing bolts and remove the assembly.
Install in reverse order.
KEEP EVERYTHING CLEAN and re-clean before assembly.
A longer answer involves knowing if it is a two piece or three piece assembly, if it is a Dana or American Axle propeller shaft, and how much it will cost to have it towed to a repair shop if you loose something.
The last center support bearing I replaced was on a '70 BMW 2002. I've slept a few times since then. No pressing. Just a stubborn circlip and rubber flex joints that required compression to align bolts on re-assembly.
Good luck.
Thank you
I'm glad that so far the repair that your dealership performed has held. Keep us updated if things start to go south, but hopefully that isn't the case!
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service