So, not wanting a clutch type posi, I did not order the truck with a Posi. According to Randy's ring and pinion, the posi in the 11.5" diff is a True Track type. This is non-clutch and requires no friction modifier.

I have heard of some not so favorable opinions of this diff.

I'm only wanting a locking diff for wet boat ramps, and I'm only ordering the 3.73 gears

I'm looking for opinions here....Let me have it!

TIA

Tony

 

AFAIK the only differentials available for the 11.5" AAM axle are the open carrier and the "TracRite GT". There are not any aftermarket replacements yet.

Randy's was correct in saying that it is a "gear type" unit with no clutches. If you remove the rear end cover you'll see the carrier appears to be a big planetary gearset. AAM installs some small brake shoes inside the carrier to try and force some power to the slipping wheel. The problem with this design is it is NOT "anti-spin". The little brake shoes are ineffective. It's OK if both tires have some traction but if one wheel has no traction you'll be stuck. For me, that would be OK in my Vette but is totally unacceptable in my truck.

 

I've had excellent luck with the TracRite. It seems to have gotten better with age.

 

Thnaks for the replies....Can anyone confirm that it is a non-clutch type posi?

I'm this >< close to pulling the trigger on it.

Thanks!

Tony

 

Go ahead and Google "TracRite" and see how unpopular this differential is. I can't wait to install a front locker so I'll have confidence to go offroading again.

BTW, I haven't had my boat in the water in two years (21' Ski Centurion Elite V-Drive) but I think the TracRite would be totally useless on a slippery ramp. Better get the 4x4.

D

 

It is very strange for me to have the backend of the truck come around sideways in the snow. This isn't on a turn. If I stand on the gas in snow and "4 wheel drive", the back end comes around to the right. That wouldn't happen if all 4 tires were turning at the same rate. It is the only thing that has dissappointed me in my truck. My tahoe would pin you in the seat if I used 4wd and stabbed it from a start. Dead straight. This truck is the first truck I've had that I have needed to use 4wd in the snow. My chevy's all did fine in the snow, unless it was crazy deep and steep.

 

You basically end up with an open rear end in these trucks. I am really not happy with the 4wd capabilities. I do not feel like I could 'go anywhere' with this truck, like I did with my Chevys.

 

If your ordering a truck I would add it for the small additional cost until something better is offered. That was my only point. It will cost a bunch to add it after the fact like I did.

 

I agree. I would get it from the factory and then when a better one comes available you can swap them out. But if you don't get it you won't have anything. These rears have been on the market for what 3 years now and still nobody is making a locker??? It sounds like it will either be a while or should be out soon depending on which way you look at it.

I have the limited slip and have never had a problem with it "not grabbing" and I spend alot of time off-road pulling a trailer. It always spins both tires...


Now the kicking out to the right when you stomp on it.. I think you are looking at it backwards. If the rear is locked up it will come around on you since both tires are spinning where as if one is not spinning you will stay planted and won't wave your tail.

 

I think I'll have to pull the trigger.....It may not be a great posi, but it's better than nothing.

Thanks for the replies!

Tony

 

With 4wd on, the front is also pulling some. That was a reference to being in 4wd in the snow, rompin' on it from a dead stop.

 

yes but regardless if you are in 4x4 or not if one rear tire isnot spinning it will keep you planted where if they are both spinning it will wag!

 

I don't have the dually, but I do have a 10k boat and trailer combo.

How heavy is your combo.

I haven't encountered a boat ramp yet (we go almost every week during summer) that 4wd hasn't pulled the boat up without using any of the go pedal. Why would a locking rear help? If the rear 4 tires get wet, they are still going to spin/hop even if its locked.

 

Is the above quote referencing the "limited" slip diffrentials that come factory in our trucks? Well that's a bummer if this is what's in my truck . So what I'm getting from the rest of this thread is that there's no other aftermarket limited slip for our trucks either? Even more of a bummer . Not even Detroit Tru Trac? Three bummers in a row . I had a Tru Trac in my old 4Runner and that thing worked like a champ.

 

I thought he meant he was looking at a 2wd so a locking rear would be necessary on a slippery boat ramp. Some of those on the lakes in AZ are steeeeep. ks