Looking for opinions on non0open rear differentils

ANYTHING TO DO WITH MAKING YOUR VAN MOVE EXCEPT FOR THE ENGINE ITSELF.
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WE7X
I finally get the smurf thing
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 125
Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2018 6:11 pm

Looking for opinions on non0open rear differentils

Post by WE7X »

I want to install some sort of a limited slip rear end in my '98 AWD Astro, and I do not want the original G80 style 'Gov-Loc' version, which I understand to be somewhat unreliable and requires a fair amount of axle speed differential to be useful.
The used Torsen diff I purchased, after disassembly and inspection, turned out to be badly worn. The E-bay seller graciously refunded my money with no hassle.
After consulting with a recommended diff' builder in the area, who is willing to install 'whatever I decide to provide' ( even used, assuming it is determined to be serviceable after inspection), I have decided to purchase a new unit for the installation.
I am looking for user recommendations as to the paved road driveability of the various units.
I know some are considered 'lockers' and are a bit awkward on pavement. I do not want that 'chirping' which is annoying and hard on tires. Others seem to be much more mild mannered. Most of my limited driving will be on pavement, but I do plan to get off the beaten path with this rig several times a year. It will be nothing serious like the hard-core Jeep crowd seems to relish; just old rough back country, and poorly maintained, forest roads etc; in an effort to get to the high places for amateur radio portable operations and back country camping.
I have looked at the Auburn 'cone clutch' style, and the Eaton/Detroit 'Torsen gear' style ( called Tru-Trac, I think) as well as a couple versions which which use clutch packs ( Yukon?). For my expected use, and very limited accumulations of miles, I am sure any would work adequately.
That is what makes the decision so difficult.
Any input is appreciated.
Rod J
WE7X aka Rod Johnson
Forest Green Metallic '98 LS AWD
Issaquah, WA

Captn. Crunch
I sleep in my van
I sleep in my van
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2012 12:10 pm
Location: southeastern ct

Re: Looking for opinions on non0open rear differentils

Post by Captn. Crunch »

Sorry to hear you got a bad unit, glad the seller did the rite thing.
I love my Truetrac !!! I suggest buying one wholeheartedly. Pros vs. cons

Pros- all done with gears no clutch plates to wear
Very streetable
No special fluids

Cons- can be a little pricey but they do go on sale
they don’t work with a wheel off the ground but applying small amount of brake cures that
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
cast iron Torsen equipped front diff
S-10 leafs-G80 rear w/3.73’s
2” body lift w/Falken Wildpeak AT’s

nonhog
I get chills without my van.
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 54
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2016 1:25 pm

Re: Looking for opinions on non0open rear differentils

Post by nonhog »

Hi Rod,
I drove during our lowland snow/ice day and was very impressed with the Eaton I installed. I tried to spin the tires at one point and couldn't. It did spin once on my almost 20 mile commute. Around a corner.
Recovering hoarder
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