Easiest way to get a posi rear end?

[thewrai6th]

Long story short, I took my truck to an OHV area (Hollister Hills) for some trail driving and got it stuck going up a really steep hill. Luckily some nice guys pulled me out of my rut.

I'm not ready to go for a 4WD conversion, but I'd at least like to get SOME traction back there.

I'm wondering if it makes more sense/cents to upgrade the differential inside the rear axle, or just go on craigslist to find a whole axle from a posi rear end.

The truck is a 69 GMC SWB.
Any links with good prices would be much appreciated!

[LONGHAIR]

The easiest way is a Luchbox Locker.
They are fairly cheap, quick to install, and provide great traction. The down-side is that they are a bit more "harsh" than a typical clutch type positraction unit.
All of the other ways to go about this are going to require a much more involved install, unless you are willing to do some leg-work and find a complete rear end with the posi unit already inside. Then it's a fairly simple swap to put the whole thing under your truck.

[bigsnookmaster]

The easiest way is to weld the spider gears. But it's not real practical. I am going to install a Detroit True-Trac in my 9", in place of the posi. There are several different posi and lockers to choose from, so do some research and see what will best suit your needs. Good luck

[mightymouse]

i'd go with a mini spool on a budget less than $100.00 . at jegs.com

[thewrai6th]

Originally Posted by bigsnookmaster

The easiest way is to weld the spider gears. But it's not real practical.

Thanks for the link. After reading that, I'm still undecided if the locker is a good solution for me. I worry about it engaging during a turn, and it wasn't clear if it would engage during a low torque wheel slip.

I don't want to weld the gears because I do alot of street driving.

I'm leaning towards the helical gear diff or the LSD type. I worry about putting too much wear on the LSD when off-roading, but that sounds like the least amount of tire slippage.

[special-K]

The easiest way,for most people,is find a posi rear and swap axles. You don't want to weld your spider gears on a street truck.

[bigsnookmaster]

I was kiddin about the spider gears, but it is the easiest and cheapest. Check out the true-trac. It's a worm gear type of differential, that will turn without the clunk of a locker. I wouldn't use a spool on the street either.

[thewrai6th]

By some of the replies, it seems that installing a LSD diff is not as easy at it sounds...I can't just install one in the stock casing?
What would be the benefit of finding a stock posi rear end vs installing a TrueTrac or Eaton LSD?

[bigsnookmaster]

You can install one in a stock casing, but you better know what you are doing. You have to get the proper gear mesh and backlash and such. It's not just swapping them out. The advantage of getting a new setup is they are better designed and stronger than a 40+ yr old posi unit. .02

[69heavychevy]

easiest quickest and cheapest would be to weld the spider gears, thats of course if you dont plan on turning much...other than that is swapping in a posi rear end. craiglist would probably be your best bet, at junk yards they seem to be gone as soon as they're brought in

[fastwillie 696969]

where in the bay area?

[special-K]

Just figure on adding at least $300 on top of the cost of whatever traction device you buy for installation. It can get spendy. I like Detroit Tru-Trac and Auburn Gear the best in a 2wd rear.

[Ackattack]

What's your budget? Its real easy to just whip out a checkbook and buy and have installed whatever you want.

If you're on a budget it gets tougher.

In my jeep I had an ARB air locker in the rear. It was great for off roading, and great for the street since you can turn it off. There are also some eletronic lockers that you can turn on and off.

I had a Detroit True Trac in the front axle of my jeep, and sometimes I would only be spinning one tire up front when trying to climb an obstacle, so I wasn't real impressed with it.

In my trucks (2wd street trucks) I've installed two eaton posi units myself, and have been happy with them.

[leddzepp]

I would not buy a rear end out of a junkyard. It is a crapshoot at best. 40 + yrs old and they need to be rebuilt. The 2 times I have bought used rears out of a yard they howled like a coyote, same for anything on craigslist. It is spendy, but worth it to have one built right.

[Grimpala]

Not a truck, but I've got an Eaton in my 96 Impala and love it. The car has a 13:1 383 on avgas with a T-56 and 4.56 gears and I've never (knock on wood) had a problem with the posi.

Put one in dad's Chevelle as well. It needs new clutches (bought it used), but those are about $100 and we're back in business.

[thewrai6th]

I'm in San Jose area. My budget is about $400 plus install. I usually do my own work, but this looks like I need some other tools.
Ill probably end up getting an Eaton or Auburn LSD and install kit.
Thanks for all the info!
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[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I would not buy a rear end out of a junkyard. It is a crapshoot at best. 40 + yrs old and they need to be rebuilt. The 2 times I have bought used rears out of a yard they howled like a coyote, same for anything on craigslist. It is spendy, but worth it to have one built right.

This is why I just bit the bullet and rebuilt the whole enchillada. Save the money a little at a time if you have to then do it.
by the time you mess around with something old and then it fails or is installed incorrectly you will have wished for the chance to start over from scratch!
well thats my .02 cents