i paid 1300 for an eaton posi, precision gear 4.56's, master install kit and installation. i think i got ripped!

 

Talking about having a limited slip (posi-track) differential installed.

I think I figured I had about $1000 invested when it was all said and done. That's for the Trutrack, 4.56's, kit and install. I bought the parts, labor was $50 an hour.

 

I have heard that Randy's Ring and Pinion shop is selling Detroit Truetrac 3rd members for $400US. These Truetrac's are thye gear type traction aid, which are modelled after the Torsen dif. that was optional on the Pontiac Firehawk. The service life on these Truetracs is long as there is no parts to wear out.

The Powertrax No-Slip and Powertrax LOck Rite CLAIM to have no parts that wear, but this is simply untrue, when the locker unlocks, the locker cams ride on each other and wear. I have broken 3 of the Lock-Rite units. THey install easily, but introduce major driveline slop, mess with ABS operation, add lots of wheelhop, make the truck want to drive straight when taking long gebtle curves on teh freeway. I tried to save a $100 by buying a Powertrax unit, but the damage it did to my axle splines, along with shiping to the US for warranty, I could have easily bought a new Truetrac and a new set of Richmond gears. Live and learn I guess. I would rather have my G80 than a Powertrax lock rite, now that is really saying something.


peace
Hog

 

would i NEED new gears if I got a locker. I'm just sick of this peg-leg ****

 

I was quoted 250 to install an eaton and re-gear to 4.10's, so that sounds about right.

 

Not necessarily, but it would be better to have new gears as the gears would bed in together. You MAY get some slight whining at first , which ,may go away as teh gears bed in tyo their new pattern, but strength wouldnt be comprimised.

I have installed used gears on new carriers many a time with good results. Just be sure to inspect the ring and pinion for excessive wear and for pitting and scoring. If the gears look good I would reuse them. If they are worn, its not worth possibly damaging a nice new locking dif. by havong the ring and pinion let go. I can get new Richmond gears for $240can, You should be able to find them for a bit over $200 US new.


If you install new gears, I suggest Richmond gears. When I went from 3.08's to 4.10's I used Richmonds, I broke 1 open carrier compketeley in half, broke 3 Powertrax Lock Rite lockers and each time the Richmond ring and pinion ate up and spit out the spider gears(with the open dif.) and locker debris. I was able to continue to use the ring and pinion after all 4 of these rear dif incidents. There was some slight scratches, but I roughed up the scratched with emery cloth and reinstalled them. I didnt have any problems until this summer, they finally broke when I was testing my V6 S10 torque converters stall speed at WOT in the driveway.(2500 stall behind my stock longblock L31)
I found a used complete rearend with 3.42 gears and G80 locking rear for $200CAN, they usually go for over $600CAN around here.

When the stock 3.42's let go, I will be reinstalling some Richmond 4.10's or 3.73's depending on what tires I will be running.

I suggest a Detroit Truetrac, Eaton Carbon Fiber, Auburn, or Eaton E-locker or Detroit E locker.
Here is a link to Randy's Ring and Pinion http://www.ringpinion.com/

Here is a link that has a pic of the Truetac and a pic of the stock dif,
http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewto...truetrac#10987

there is a huge difference in the amount of material, and therefore strength, it is my understanding that the open GM difs are stronger than the GM G80 locking difs because there is more room needed for the locking mechanism, the open dif doesnt need this space so there is more metal which makes it stronger than the G80. Either the G80 or open stock dif is inferior to the Truetrac by many times.

A good installation kit always helps to make the install go much easier.

Hope this helps
peace
Hog