Limited Slip Diff Install

2002, 2500hd, 8.1, 61000 mi, 14 bolt rear end.

I want to change out my diff to a limited slip.

Has anyone done this.

Is this a driveway mod??

I know I can buy the unit for about $400 to $500

My experience with diff 's is only with a 1978 ford ranchero. Junk yard part. Bolted out and bolted in - easy. Ran like a champ.

Can I do this mod, are there any secrets or tricks involed?

Any help is welcomed. Thanks

You may be getting in over your head on this job. Speacial tools are needed bearing splitter, hydralic press, dial indicator, depth micrometer, and knowledge on the procedure. There are a couple of critical measurements like backlash,preload. And if you do a commplete service to the gears (ring and pinion) then it gets alot more difficult.

Has any body installed "powertrax" by richmond gear. It is a drop in assembly replacing the spider and side gears. Cost about $300. Installs in about 2 to 3 hours. Gives you posi traction. Looks like it works.

anything is doable
if you use the same ring and pinion then all you have to do is use a dial indicator to measure the backlash on the ring gear pull out the carrior and swap over the ring gear, might as well install new carrior bearings and reinstall, check the backlash on ringgear to see if within spec (probably will not be) and reshim (will need shim kit) carrior to get within spec, will need dial indicator and jig, micrometer, torque wrench and assorted tools to take apart rear diff.
as for the powertrax, it is a drop in unit, i have only heard of one person who installed one on his truck, he said he was not happy with it, said it locked up to easy when turning and was making the tires hop. i'm not sure if it was the ls or full locker here is the thread
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=375606

thanks mj, I did read that post. Looking at the way the powertrax works, I can see the lock-up being a problem. Going to call richmond gear, maybe they solved the flaw.

might want to pm the other guy and see if he got the ls model or the full locker

might want to pm the other guy and see if he got the ls model or the full locker
I have the no-slip. In all fairness, it is very good in a straight line. I would be curious as to what Richmond said.

Easy install for the average do it yourselfer. Stay away from the powertrax...waste of moneyand won't stand up, they are ok for small nissans maybe. For close to the same the cost you can get a unit from AUBURN GEAR..these are very durable...the gear shop where I got mine said they never had one come back yet. They also recomended I stay away from the powertrax...they stopped carrying it because of too many comebacks....they can't take the torque.
As far as the install, measure your backlash before taking apart and as well as marking the gear pattern. This is for reference just in case.. but chances are you won't have to readjust anything. Remove the old carrier..transfer the ring gear to the new limited slip carrrier and press on the new side bearings...vola...you're next to done. Reinstall and measure backlash...you want what you had when you checked it prior to dissassembly. Check your gear pattern which should also be the same since you never had the pinion gear out. I've done hundreds of rear diff overhauls and 99.9% of the time you wont have to reshim unless you are changing gear sets.

here's a useful link with detailed rear diff overhaul instructions c/w pictures at each stage of the rebuild:

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/axletech/


hope that helps

Thanks rr, the link really cleared up some questions.

As I said, I have very limited experience with this install. That link convinced me I can do it. I will allow a weekend to get i completed.

Question becomes, what unit? Eaton or Auburn?

Thanks guys, for all the help. Will post results when completed.