Your choice of rear end?

[Trekking]

Vandwellers do you prefer having a locking rear end that locks up like a posi for offroad or a highway gear? I had read somewhere that they made some type of Detroit Locker for vans.

 

[Willy]

You can buy an after-market locker https://www.driveout.co.za/gear/diff-locks-you-gotta-have-locker/ or just go to a wrecker, buy an axle, and swap yours out. ..Willy.

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A bit more info, and this would be my choice.. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f249/richmond-gear-lock-right-powertrax-no-sli-771835/
http://www.powertrax.com/ ..Willy.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Except for a couple of special edition vehicles - like the Jeep Rubicon - there are no factory lockers.

GM's posi-traction is a LIMITED SLIP REAR END. It doesn't actualy lock like an Eaton or an Arb aftermarket unit.

It uses clutch packs. Most experts figure that by the time a posi axle has 80 or 90 thousnd miles on it, the clutches have worn to the point it's no longer effective and
It behaves just like a regular, non-posi axle.

Ford and Chrysler don't call their limited slips posi-traction, they have their own names for them.

You could rebuild the clutch packs on an old posi axle, but you'd be better off just going fr an aftermarket locker.

Regards
John

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Darn, I saw the title and I thought we were going to have a more stimulating thing going on here :s

Ok, I'll keep my comments to myself, except to say...if you ain't got a 4x4 a locker is the stuff if you wanna get off the beaten path better than what you can now.

 

[highdesertranger]

you have a few choices, lockers, posi/limited slip or, air/electronic lockers. full lockers are not very highway friendly but very strong(detroit locker). posi/limited slip is a compromise, works ok when they work as designed but after the clutch plates wear or get glazed or the wrong fluid gets put in they have problems. air/electric lockers are the best, open differential for highway, lock diff for offroad(arb). however they are the most expensive. any one of these traction devices helps tremendously offroad. almost better than 4x4. some people say with one of these you don't need 4 wheel drive. you should read up on a Detroit locker and drive one if you can before you put up the money. some people can't stand the way they drive on the highway but they are very strong. highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

I was hoping this was about gear ratios. I'd like to go with something more mileage friendly than whatever in on my Express 2500HD with a 4.8L engine.

 

[highdesertranger]

mr noodly the cheapest way to higher rear axle ratio's is taller tires. if they will fit. highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

mr noodly the cheapest way to higher rear axle ratio's is taller tires. if they will fit. highdesertranger

I'm already running taller tires -- 235/85-16's

 

[Willy]

Remember to re-calibrate your speedometer if you stick on taller tires. ..Willy.

 

[user 423]

I'm already running taller tires -- 235/85-16's

Your odometer will show about 6% fewer miles so your MPG figures would actually show a little worse if not factored in. Do you have overdrive?

 

[MrNoodly]

Your odometer will show about 6% fewer miles so your MPG figures would actually show a little worse if not factored in.

I'm smacking my head. I'd thought about the speed being off (according to my GPS, I'm actually going 67MPH when the speedo says 65) but I hadn't thought about the odometer. I suddenly feel better about my mileage.

 

[user 423]

BTW: A common ratio is 3.55 and that 6% difference would give you about about a 3.34. The next step up for a typical gear would be a 3.21, so you're half-way there with the tires. Any trouble with the tires rubbing on the front?

 

[MrNoodly]

Any trouble with the tires rubbing on the front?

No, not on my Express 2500HD.