posi traction

Hey Everyone,
I'm back with a qwesteeeown! I have 2000 2wder with the 5.3 that does something i cannot tolerate any longer. There is no traction. I have been asking around and am wondering how far in the whole, and what steps i must take to remedy this. I received an email stating that the cheapest route is to "just get a posi carrier and have it installed." Is that the Eaton and Auburn models I am seeing for $450? If it is, what is the cost of getting it installed? Where is the cheapest place to buy such a part? Any helpt would be appreciated!!! Thanks!

I don't know what it would cost, but you might try looking at a few junk yards, as many of these trucks (mine included) came with the "power pack" which includes a limited slip rear end. Like I said, I do not know how much a junk yard would charge for it, though. However, changing the entire rear end is much less labor intensive than changing out the "chunk"

You're looking at between $175-$250 to get the posi installed by a reputable mechanic, depending on where you live. While you have it apart, you may as well have him look at the wear on the gears. A new set can be had for around $150.

He's partly correct about changing out the entire rear end being less of a headache than differential replacement. If you have the proper tools and know how, changing just the diff carrier and bearings is much easier, and like the other dude said wouldn't be a bad idea to check the ring and pinion gears for wear. But you can't replace one gear and not the other all R & P are machined in matched sets.Also you most likely are not going to get a eaton or alburn from a junked truck, The stock GM limited slip is a gov-loc (G80). I got a brand new G80 and a set of 3.73 R & P (OEM) for $375 on E-bay.Both still in GM boxes. seen alot of Eaton's on e-bay too.

Also something to consider...what size is your rear end? If it is just the small 10 bolt i dont know how much of a good idea it would be to put much money into cuz i have heard or guys that put posi units in those tiny rear and they end up blowing apart under the stress. just something to consider.

if you are wanting to save money then you want to go with the stock g80 that comes in plenty of trucks. if you search ebay or car-parts.com you can find one relatively cheap. as far as install prices, i do my own work so i dont' know what it would cost. it is easy to do if you have the right tools. but i couldn't see over 100 bucks or so to have it done.

keep in mind, the g80 isn't the end all posi unit. it is made by eaton but not nearly as strong as the Eaton branded model. anything upwards of 350hp on a sticky track will break most of them