adding limited slip differential to 'burban

[salty87]

i found out the hard way yesterday that my 'burban needs some help. damn thing couldn't pull my empty trailer out of the slop, ground was saturated and one rear tire was spinning away. not a good feeling 'cause i needed to get my boat out of the lake immediately...lake water was rising fast and the boat was going to get smushed in the slip (wakeboard tower). i'll post pics after lunch, i got it out with neighbors 4x4.<br /><br />so, i have a few questions....<br />*would someone explain the basics of how it works?<br />*about how much should it run? ('03 suburban)<br />*i'd rather not go to the dealer but don't want to void my warranty, any suggestions on who to bring it to?<br /><br />thanks

 

[Boomyal]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

The third member uses a clutch pack that transfers power to the wheel that is not slipping but unlike 'positraction, allows the outer wheel, in a turn to freewheel so you don't scrub off your tire. Maybe post your question on this forum, for other answers:<br /><br /> http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=123 <br /><br />It's not as lively a place as iboats but I'm sure some good answers are to be had.<br /><br />Maybe you can convert it to 4wd while your at it <br /><br />or considering you are in the land of Texas Cadillacs, just find one that looks like yours and swap. Limited slip is a very common option for Burbs.<br /><br />Last October a friend of mine bought a Burb on Ebay. I flew down to Houston with him and we drove it back to Vancouver WA. He saved about $3k on it and we got a real nice 7 day Route 66 kind of vacation to boot.

 

[salty87]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

nice, a suburban board...thanks boomyal!

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

Salty87<br /><br />I have have used a few "Detroit Locker's" or "No-Spin" centre units in the past with very good results. A Limited slip can still permit 1 wheel to spin under some conditions but a locker has both axles turning at the same speed unless in a corner when it cams out the faster turning wheel and retains the drive to the inside. Works automatically and the new generation units are silent. Good thing is that you can use them in a front axle on a 4x4 and still steer the truck.<br /><br />Good luck<br /><br />Peter

 

[Sivart]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

Try an Auburn limited slip they work well and has great street manners.<br />The detroit works goor but is annoying for everyday use plus you will wear tires faster. The detroit is really designed for the off-roader.<br />If money is no object try one of the selectable lockers, ARB, Eaton, ETC.

 

[DJ]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

Installing a limited slip rear axle, as long as it is the same ratio, should not void your warranty.<br /><br />Your dealer may be able to just change out the carrier assembly. Not sure, depends on what type of axle you have-GVW.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Installing a limited slip rear axle, as long as it is the same ratio, should not void your warranty.<br /><br />Your dealer may be able to just change out the carrier assembly. Not sure, depends on what type of axle you have-GVW.

Well DJ, what did you say that had to be edited? <br />Bad DJ, bad.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

GM has been using the "cone" type, for a while(this may be the Auburn), where the (2) steel cones, (no clutches), are thrust outward into seats under load. they do wear out w/fine shavings in the diff. Good road manners, Im still learning to use mine. Kinda like power braking as you ease out of the mud, slop, sand did I say alge (SP?) at the boat ramp? That one is alot of fun! ICE is a good one. We did Alaska in April w/the 10' cabover, 2WD. offroaded too. never stuck! concerened...yes. I will never have a conventional rear end again!

 

[Sivart]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

GM has used the "Gov" lock for years. It works but not for extreme use. It uses centrifugal force to open a couple of butterflies which applies power to the wheel not spinning. Thats the reason why I have seen a bunch of them shelled out.<br />DJ is right. If you are using the same gears then all you will be changing out is the carrier. Most of the time you donte even have to change shims. The carrier bearings will have to be changed for sure.<br />Consider the Auburn, it will treat you right for a long time.

 

[wrenchtrnr72]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

there are many answers for this. air locker, tru trac locker,auburn locker, detroit locker, lincoln locker(welder), miller locker(welder also). i have a '95 chevy 1/2 ton 2wd with the same problems. it is pure embarasing, isn't it.i think i am going to with the tru-trac locker, when 1 wheel starts to spin the other locks in automatically.

 

[salty87]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

excellent, all of this is new to me.<br /><br />and now for the dealer quote (guy sounded clueless, take it with that grain of salt)...$675 without labor.<br /><br />i need to find a knowledgable shop. do you guys use 4x4 shops? i can't say that i've ever seen anyone advertising new rear ends...and that would have caught me eye

 

[snapperbait]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

Might try a Powertrax (Lock Rite?) if their available for the year.... It replaces the spyder gears in an open differential.. Don't have to remover the diff to install it either..

 

[quantumleap]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

The Auburn unit mentioned above is a great unit and give a factory ride. Many of the aftermarket units have some annoying noises and vibrations (Powertrax included).

 

[salty87]

Re: adding limited slip differential to 'burban

a drive train shop has quoted $540 for everything including fluid for the Auburn pro series set-up. i'll check another shop or 2 before i pull the trigger.<br /><br />the real question is the impact on my warranty. obviously, the new gear won't be covered by the old warranty but will the rest of the warranty still be good? i thought the shop might have some experience but they didn't want to go there. i can understand that, lot's of liability. i'm gonna call the dealer again.