Limited Slip Differential in Chevy Truck - Anyone done this?

[Duman]

Thinking about putting a limited slip differential in my truck, any of you guys done this?

[Irving]

Well, give more info. Are you just replacing the third member with a factory one that came with LSD? Are your questions more about install, or driving behavior after it's installed?

[mpatch]

From my experience differentials aren’t hard if you have the tools and knowledge. With that said the last time I needed one done I paid someone.
It’s one of those things if your screw it up you’ll ruin it in short order.

[ray1970]

Done a few but that was probably twenty years ago and I've erased most of what I once knew from my memory to make room for other stuff along the way.

[TFOGGER]

Had a couple of LSDs in trucks, rear only. the first one I did the install in my 67 Chevy K10 with a 12 bolt. Moroso Brute Strength clutch type. Worked well off road, and was ok to drive on the street with 32 inch tires. The second is a Detroit locker in a 8 3/4 Mopar in my 70 Dodge. I let a local shop install that as I didn't have time to screw with it at the time. Might as well be a spool, both on and off road. Chirps around corners on dry pavement, but utterly bulletproof off road.

[BPTactical]

Do not use the factory LSD offered by Chevy, they are known to come apart. Torsen gear type or a clutch type work best for street and occasional off road. As TFogger alluded to, Detroits are harsh on the street.

[ray1970]

Just man up and put a spool in it.

[Irving]

I get confused by all the different terms that are also brand names. I just bought one for my front. It locks up fully, but clicks when turning. What is that style referred to as?

[hurley842002]

Generic term would be an automatic locker, commonly referred to as a "lunchbox" locker if it just replaces the factory spider gears in your current carrier. A locker such as the Detroit mentioned above replaces your entire carrier and is a more involved installation. I've owned both, a Detroit in an 86 Toyota 4runner and an "Aussie" lunchbox style in a 99 Cherokee. The Aussie I installed and it was very simple and straightforward, the Toyota diff with Detroit unbolted from the axle housing so it was already set up, and was an easy swap.

Sounds like you are building quite the rig Stu, I'm contemplating doing a lunchbox in the front of my Xterra now that I don't have snow to worry about, I already have the factory E-locker in the rear.

ETA: Both styles referred above tend to click a bit, but in my experience the lunchbox was actually smoother and quieter than the full Detroit. The only traction systems that are mostly silent are limited slips, with selectable lockers obviously being 100% silent when disengaged.

[BPTactical]

Just man up and put a spool in it.

Too much work Ray, fire up the buzz box!