Selectable Locker Options

[wakeup]

I'm looking for some input to help me choose a selectable locker for the rear of my Suburban. I'm just not clear on which type or brand is considered more reliable/stronger.

I've thought about using a limited slip or automatic locker (detroit or similar) but I really want the diff to be open in the event that my wife has to drive on an ice covered road that has not been salted or cleared or what ever is "supposed" to be done to ice covered roads. My theory is that if she breaks traction accelerating with a locked differential, she would loose all of her lateral traction. With just the one wheel spinning, she would still have three other wheels keeping her pointed in the right direction.

So, which type of selectable locker would you recommend and why? Or, tell me why I should go with a limited slip or automatic locker instead.

Thanks.

[snj8198]

Availability will depend on what rear end you have. How many lug nuts does it have? It's either a 10 bolt if it's a 1/2 ton (in a R20?), a semi-floating 14 bolt if its a heavy 1/2 or light 3/4, or possibly a FF 14 bolt in a standard 3/4. Figure that out then we can start mulling over the options.

[wakeup]

it's a 3/4 ton with one of the 14's under it, I would think that all of the big players in the locking differential market have something for either of the 14's (though i haven't actually checked)

Edit: Even if they don't, in my area we have an excellent amount of these vehicles in the salvage yards, so I could possibly switch to the more desirable axle (if I don't already have it) if that's what was needed to get the locker that I need.

[Mike C]

Most likely your burb is equipped with the semi-float 9.5" 14 bolt. Personally, I would just run an Eaton posi over the selectable locker. But the Eaton Elocker is probably the cheapest if you are keeping stock size tires. They have at least one here for less than $700: http://www.overstockdiffparts.com/Pr...px?ProdID=2625
ARB is only $720, but you have to add a compressor.

[wakeup]

Guess I should of put this info in the original post, but I'm actually planning to use 4 inch lift spindles in the front (for an 88-98) and see if I can fit 35's with that. If they don't fit, I'll use a body lift and/or fender triming.

With that said, It will be a very rare occasion that I would "stress" the diff. It will be used as a daily driver and to tow my k10 to off road events/trails and camping trips. This truck will not be used for any type of off road "wheeling" the locker would purely be a precaution against non improved/muddy roads getting to and from camp sites and events.

I like the way that eaton works. I would think it would be strong enough for my application, what do you think?

[Mike C]

If you aren't rockcrawling with a 72:1 crawl ratio and turning tight I think it would be fine for a daily driver type. I think that's the diff the H2 comes with? And they come with 35's stock. I was considering it for my Jimmy, but I have a bid on a used Eaton posi right now which I think I've decided is how I am going to go.