So, I've the opportunity to get a pretty good deal on a rear from a 92 that was wrecked with 80k on the clock.

The thing has been sitting in someone's barn for the last 15 years or so.

According to the guy, the seals and fluid would probably need to be replaced (which I would obviously do).

Now, the reason for the swap would be because I have no limited slip on my truck now and the one wheel wonder action just doesn't cut it for me.

Would this be a worthy swap, or are the chances of the LS actually working well too slim to make it worthwhile.

Thanks!

damon

 

Do you plan to go further into traction devices ? IE I know I'm gonna go to a full locker so a intermediate step to a LS would not be worth it to me.

 

You can throw a new set of clutches in it for about $60, then it's guaranteed to work.

 

If it is a Cummins truck, then why not buy the whole thing for the extra goodies ??

If it is pretty-much a bolt-in affair, I would for certain jump on a good spare rear-end/axle, regardless of it being L/S or not.

You can never have too many spare parts; so long as you have them, they will never be needed; it's just good insurance.


So far as would I go to the trouble of swapping, once I had the rear-end in my possession, I would probably sieze the opportunity to completely rebuild and bullet-proof the whole thing while it was laying on the saw-horses, even give it a show-truck paint-job, before I began the swap.

Once I had the new in and the old out, I would give the old likewise treatment, thus it would be ready at a moments notice to be bolted in.

 

On the street the factory LS units are very good. I have never had a time when only 1 wheel would spin. I can put 1 wheel in the dirt, the other on the pavement and it will spin both. They make a huge difference in traction. A single will spin forever once the traction is broke, but a posi hooks and goes.

 

Thanks guys.

I'm going to be honest: I live in New Jersey and drive a giant 4 wheel drive truck. I don't really need more traction, but I'd just like a LS unit...there are times, such as rain or the occasional snow where it'd be nice to get a little more bite.

That being said, I cannot justify the cost of a $1000 locking unit, or really spending that much money on the rear itself, and I'm space limited as far as storing such a thing as an extra.

My plan is pretty much to pick up the new and unload the current, which is a perfect specimen of a rear, except the one wheel wonder deal.

I can however justify the cost of the unit, subtracting the cost of the resale of the replaced, along with a few seals, some lube and that $60 kit mentioned above.

I know some rears are really just problematic to begin with, as far as traction control goes, and I wouldn't want to go through the whole deal without at least knowing a fully functional unit would even be worth the time.

I plan on addressing any brake issues, cabling issues, and seals/rust as appropriate as well.

 

You can store it at my place if you need to hahahaha

 

What i'm doing with my spare 3.54 LS rear right now is i have the brakes all apart I'm leaving one side together to go off of and I'm doing all new 3" 1 ton brakes with all new hardware and all....Someone told me about the GM wheel cylinders but they also said they will apply slower since there is more piston dia. inside the wheel cyl.

Also doing new axle seals, new e-brake cables. And i guess since the kit is only $60 i may attempt to the do the limited slip unit......

Then i'll just store it so when i have a 1st gen someday I'll just swap it in

 

Well if you got the money and the time I don't see why you wouldn't do it. They are really simple to rebuild, and I've never really had anything with the LS system mess up on me. Just pinions....but that's a different story. I say go for it.

 

I love the limited slips in my dodges, couldn't imagine having one with out one. I rebuilt the Dana 70 in my 93 and installed new clutchs and its nice and tight similar to what a locker feels like.

 

Just remember, when you go from the peg-leg to the LS unit, when you spin it will want to swap ends on you a lot quicker.

 

Is there a kit or something that someone could buy that would turn the one wheel peeler into a limited slip.? I'm just asking because my truck is a dually and I think it could be hard to find another dually rear end for it with the limited slip

 

I think you can buy the Power-Lok carrier still; the open carrier has to go, and be replaced with the LS one. If you do that the it will need to have the bearing's pre-load and end play adjusted( right-left position respect to the pinion ). With it that far apart it would be a good idea to replace the pinion bearings while you're at it.

I put a 3.07 LS in my 1990. New bearings, new clutches, powder-coated the housing and upgraded to 5/8"/Grade 8 U-bolts. Couldn't be more pleased...
cheers,
Douglas

 

Thanks, guys. I think I'ma pick it up. It's a drum/drum rear end, same ratio as I have, but LS, with extra parts, and he's throwing in an IP to boot. Just have to go pick it all up...and then hopefully I can sell my rear and make a little money back.

 

I haven't had much luck wit LS or lockers. But then I usually live were there is a lot of ice in the winter. I'd rather have one drive wheel slip and maintain control than both slip and loose control. I would opt for a selectable locker like ARB.