Knuckledragger
blowing chunks and grabbing porcelain
I have an open (I think) rear end in one truck and a posi in the 4x4 that is probably going to be a parts truck. Any compelling reason to swap them? Both are Sterlings, both have the same ratio.
Swap rear ends or not?
- Thread starter Knuckledragger
- Start date
Diesel_brad
Dunce
I personally would NOT swap in a factory limited slip rear axle for the sole purpose of the limited slip. 50% of the time they are bad anyway. I would spend my time putting in a true trac that will not wear out and works WAY better
funnyman06
Full Access Member
Ive got the Dana factory limited slip and it works like a champ. Its very tight and keeps me from getting stuck out on the farm.
I'd only swap rear ends, and am thinking of it, for the sake of a better ratio. My truck that I don't use for towing, I want to put in something better than my 4.10s for simple driving. Otherwise, there's the whole bleeding of the brakes deal just for the sake of a posi rear. Open isn't so bad if you have good tires, weight, and can drive. But a better center than a posi, like the trac loc, is worth the work.
towtruckdave
Resident Nutcase
If the l/s factory diff works perfectly, I would slam it in.
At the same time, I agree with Brad about the trutrac. It is way better than the factory ones that may or may not work.
I would try it for chits and giggles, if the only real cost is the labor.
Bleeding the rear brakes is easy. If the bleeder breaks out, grab another wheel cylinder, they are cheap. Brakes should be bled anyway. You want to get that old dirty brake fluid out of there after a while. While you are at it, you can adjust up those rear brakes and there you go: more traction and better brakes on the cheap.
At the same time, I agree with Brad about the trutrac. It is way better than the factory ones that may or may not work.
I would try it for chits and giggles, if the only real cost is the labor.
Bleeding the rear brakes is easy. If the bleeder breaks out, grab another wheel cylinder, they are cheap. Brakes should be bled anyway. You want to get that old dirty brake fluid out of there after a while. While you are at it, you can adjust up those rear brakes and there you go: more traction and better brakes on the cheap.
Yeah, I know bleeding brakes are easy. It's just the one thing I hate to do on vehicles. Honestly, and I don't know why. I just hate working on brakes, no matter how simple the job is. Like my pet peeve or something. I'd rather lay in the snow or mud and change a U-joint in the middle of the highway in a snow storm than to just replace the pads on a disc on the front of my 89 GMC. And they are easy as easy gets! I just don't like brakes. I imagine it could be that with all the salt that gets thrown down in Wisconsin in winter, that replacing brake lines and parts just wore me out since they need to be done so often. Fricken WI roads in the winter. They replace snow with slush and ice, that really helps.
WHEW!!!
Rant over.
I agree, brakes are easy and bleeding them is a yearly thing. I can just think of more pleasant things to do.
WHEW!!!
Rant over.
I agree, brakes are easy and bleeding them is a yearly thing. I can just think of more pleasant things to do.
towtruckdave
Resident Nutcase
Even when the factory limited slip is working it isnt nowhere near as good as any of the aftermarket limited slips.
The factory limited slip break away torque is so low that they just dont work worth a damn. Jack one wheel off the ground and gun it, guarantee you will just spin. Not to mention the clutch packs wear no matter what, the more they wear, the less effective they become untill they dont do anything.
And True trac(all gear limited slip) all the way, Ive got one in the front of my chevy along with a 14b gov. loc in the back and I dont get stuck, PEROID....
The factory limited slip break away torque is so low that they just dont work worth a damn. Jack one wheel off the ground and gun it, guarantee you will just spin. Not to mention the clutch packs wear no matter what, the more they wear, the less effective they become untill they dont do anything.
And True trac(all gear limited slip) all the way, Ive got one in the front of my chevy along with a 14b gov. loc in the back and I dont get stuck, PEROID....
towtruckdave
Resident Nutcase
Knuckledragger
blowing chunks and grabbing porcelain
Thanks for the feedback, I guess I will just drink some beer that day, instead of swapping out. Besides, the silver truck may already have Posi, I have never looked or checked. And I'll keep my eyes open for a true trac.
Opusd2, wow, you are getting ramped up and it isn't even cold in WI yet! Maybe some curds will help? I don't have an issue with brakes-- they are the easiest way to save money in maintaining a vehicle if you can DIY. But I feel your pain about the rust getting to the lines, it doesn't happen in SoCal. Rust, that is. I think there is a law against it.
Opusd2, wow, you are getting ramped up and it isn't even cold in WI yet! Maybe some curds will help? I don't have an issue with brakes-- they are the easiest way to save money in maintaining a vehicle if you can DIY. But I feel your pain about the rust getting to the lines, it doesn't happen in SoCal. Rust, that is. I think there is a law against it.
Well then you are not trying hard enough.
If you saw the dents in my truck you would see I routinely try, I have definately put'er through the paces
sootman73
Registered User
I would throw the limited slip in, wouldn't take very long. I did an eaxle swap in about an hour(albeit it at work where all they do is swap axles) but it wasn't very hard.(I had a bad spindle and horrible brakes and axle was free) While your at it just throw another set of clutches in it and make it really tight, I've heard that works pretty good on these ford LS
Simp5782
SNOW TACKLER!
Lincoln locker.
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