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How does limited slip work? - READ ONLY

36 messages,  Last post on Apr 05, 1999 at 10:53 PM

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Messages Page 4 of 4

#27 of 36 10 mph no LS by dave40

Jan 14, 1999 (3:57 am)

I was told the Limited Slip does not work over 10 MPH on the Chevy C/K trucks. My 96 worked fine for the first 5000 miles then it was useless. Took it back to dealer a few times they said it was fine. But it wasn't. Hope the new 99s last longer, I heard there using better longer lasting carbon fiber plates this time. Time will tell!

#28 of 36 markbuck by markbuck

Jan 14, 1999 (4:15 pm)

tungle - I think 10 bolt GM on the 1/2 ton. Supposedly they upgraded the lim slip mechanism for 99.
dave40 - drove a new Silverado 5.3 with lim slip with only a few miles. Drove around a snowy parking lot at speeds up to 40. Truck was plenty loose at higher throttle settings, and both rear tires would break loose. Maybe it worked so good 'cuz it was new.

#29 of 36 cowpokes by cowpokes

Jan 14, 1999 (4:39 pm)

Jeremy,
There is another option to the limited slip. I believe it is ARB and others I am sure, that make a "locking" differential. The advantages to the "locker" are the wheels turn together, no clutches to wear out, and you only engage it when you want it, ie. climbing up a slick boat ramp. The disadvantages would be, additional hardware to engage and disengage it, you have to "turn it on" for it to work, it is not just waiting around for a wheel to start slipping. Cost should be comparable if costs in the previous posts for limited slips are close.

#30 of 36 jburgos by jburgos

Mar 04, 1999 (10:11 pm)

Would a rear locking differential help traction in the snow in a 2WD pickup?

#31 of 36 quadrunner500 by quadrunner500

Mar 05, 1999 (12:18 am)

It would help, but it's effect is marginal. As long as you aren't expecting more than a little assist pulling away from the curb, or gaining traction while moving away from a stop light. But if one wheel is in a hole, and another is on smooth ice, forget it!

#32 of 36 clark7 by clark7

Mar 13, 1999 (5:20 pm)

I have an older Toyota Landcruiser (but I have a new Sierra 4WD Ex Cab coming soon). Recently in my Toyota, I got in a situation where one of the rear wheels had essentially no traction. Both front wheels and the other rear had good traction on dry ground. When I applied power, the rear wheel with no traction would spin, the transmission/transfer case would make a ratcheting noise, but no power was transferred to the front wheels. Based on previous posts, I can understand not getting drive from the rear axle, but shouldn't I have gotten drive from the front with both wheels having good traction? Could I have a problem with the 4WD system?


I know that on more recent Landcruisers and some other 4WD vehicles, there is an option for a "locking center differential". Sounds like that might have forced power to the front wheels, even with the rear wheels off the ground. So, my other question is, does the autotrac system in the new Sierra/Silverado have what amounts to a locking center diff? If not, how do they handle this type of situation?

#33 of 36 tnt2 by tnt2

Mar 14, 1999 (12:56 am)

jburgos ... A locking diff would give additional traction, but it also makes the truck "push" in turns. This goes more for "air lockers"(that are engaged) than "auto" lockers, unles you punch the gas in a turn. With auto lockers you will also hear a ticking noise coming from the diff, there are levers that click on teeth as you drive and engage when put under hard pressure, thus locking your diff and providing full power to both wheels.

#34 of 36 clark7 by markbuck

Mar 15, 1999 (3:28 pm)

Your Landcruiser is broken. Get the transfer case and/or locking hubs looked at.

#35 of 36 markbuck by clark7

Mar 17, 1999 (7:24 pm)

Thanks. Guess I was afraid there might be something wrong. I'm still curious as to how the autotrack system works relative to a locking center differential.

#36 of 36 nevvic1 by nevvic1

Apr 05, 1999 (10:53 pm)

I plan to get a Ram v-10 with a 3.55 axle ratio. I have heard that there are some problems with the limited slip differential in Rams with this ratio. Any input on this would be appreciated.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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