Towing a TT with Lockers

GM2500's, at least the diesels, have come std. with the eaton G-80 autolocker since 2001 or so. and it is a true locking differential capable of 100%/0% torque split unlike a LSD which can split torque but not 100% on any I'm aware of.

It works great, not an issue towing. one nice thing about the G80 is that it won't lock above about 25MPH so it doesn't have the tendency to slide toward the inside of a turn on slippery roads once your moving.

but with the g80 it isn't hard to chirp the tires on a right hand turn from a stop since it will lock pretty quickly.

In any event, IMHO a 4wd w/o a posi/LSD or G80 autolocker is a mistake.

One downside of a true locker is increased tire wear. Another is the tendency of a locked differential shoving the rear end of the vehicle to the low side of the road on extremely slippery surfaces (ice or mud).

I would install a selectable locker and engage as needed.

The eaton locker is generally speaking, the most positive rated Locker/LS style in the off road rags. Detroit, while almost always locked, does have issues in slippery conditions. LS's sometimes due to clutches will not always lock as well as one would like. The Eaton seems to be the BEST general road mannered, and positive locking per say.

BUT, with this in mind, I try to buy ALL my rigs with some kind of LS/Locker from the factory. It is better than none at all. If you buy a GM, it has an Eaton locker in the 8 lug models.

I've towed in ALL conditions with an Eaton and 4wd. Works very well. Even one day I want up a local mtn pass in rwd when Chains were required with out any slippage. Did not do 4wd until the parking lot. This rig in rwd did about as well most places as previous truck with an open rear in 4wd. In 4wd with the locker, even better yet.

Marty

JIMNLIN wrote:
I wouldn't own a 2wd or 4wd truck without the vehicle mfg's OEM rear axle diff locker/anti spin/limited slip or what ever your favorite name is.

without some kind of LSD... its 1 wheel drive... the side with the lower amount of weight/traction.

I wouldn't own a 2wd or 4wd truck without the vehicle mfg's OEM rear axle diff locker/anti spin/limited slip or what ever your favorite name is.

Which one? Any selectable will be open on the dry pavement.
Or are you going with lockrite or detroit style?

My Truetrac (limited slip) is never even noticed.

Every truck I've ever owned has either been purchased with a limited slip or I did an aftermarket install. The only problem I've ever had is that if you do get stuck, you're really buried and end up sitting on the differential, tow bar etc. You'll have your work cut out for you to get out of the mess. That said, you're a lot less likely to get stuck, especially if you don't do stupid things.

Are you using a ARB or a different selectable locker, I don't think you would want it locked all the time would you?

I added limited slip. I like it a lot. and no chirp when turning into a parking spot

My Silverado has the limited slip rear differential option. It has come in very handy when towing on gravel roads over uneven terrain.