I finally found a gen 3 truck to replace my 97 gen 2. Its an 03 w/3.73s and 5spd. trans, 4x4, Q.C., short bed but it doesent have a limited slip rear end, or front end for that matter.

Can it be converted to L.S. or is their a controllable locker out their for a reasonable price?

I really would like to find out my options other than swapping out the rear end. I believe the existing rear end is an 11.5 inch differential or there about.

Any insight would be apprieciated!!!

Thanks,
STOCKDODGE

 

Are there any Salvage/Wrecking yards around that have late model trucks? I would start there and find a replacement center section with Limited Slip.....

 

It should have the AAM (?) differential and that is a limited slip, only like a Detroit Locker. Chebby used the same diff and it was a open diff.

 

Check to see if it has the AAM 10.50 or the AAM 11.50 rear axle

 

When I ordered my 03 in 2002 I had to specify that I wanted a limited slip diff I don't think all AAM rear diffs that are used in Dodges are limited slip.
Jim O

 

it is an 11.5 Without L.S.
have you been through this before?

 

Looks like my thread died... But you sound like you may have some insight into my problem. My rear end is, in fact, an 11.5 inch without limited slip. Do you know if it can be retroed to become a limited slip diff or will the whole thing have to be removed? Also, I wonder if their is a detroit locker style after market set up for this rear end?

Thanks for the look,
Nelson, (AKA STOCKDODGE)

 

As I understand it, the stock LSD is a worm gear design - like a Gleason, TrueTrac, or Torsion. It is not a true locking diff, it is a limited slip. There's a big differance. Both designs have their advantages and disadvantages.

Detroit Gear is owned by Eaton. They make the TrueTrac and the Detroit Locker (among others). There's an application guide on their web site, but I get an error message. www.eaton.com

To add LSD, you don't need to replace the entire rear end, just the differential. The design is an integral carrier, like a Ford 8.8". That means you can't just pull the pumpkin and replace it like a Ford 9". The job requires special tools and skills that the average home mechanic doesn't have.

OTOH, a complete rear end swap can often be done in your garage with a little help.

Talk to a local builder with a good rep, and see what that will cost you parts and labor. Then, start calling around to bone yards and see what a low mileage replacement will cost you. Then ask what yur take out rear is worth. Sometimes it's cheaper to just replace the whole thing.

 

Agree with bob, replacing a whole axle is a very easy job, replacing gears isn't. But really, the factory limited slip is crap, if you want to spend the money do it right and go aftermarket and you'll be much happier.

 

what are some good aftermarket options?

 

check out this page

http://www.4wheelerssupply.com/catal...470_496_22_503

 

Thanks guys, THATS A LOT OF GOOD INFO, I'll have to see what I can find.

I checked out the 4wheelers supply link but not sure what will work in my AAM 11.5, as far as aftermarket posi-tracs go.

How bad are the stock L.S. set-ups? It doesent sound like they are all that well liked.

I really want something that will perform as well as the LSD in my 97 Dodge 2500.

Well...
Thanks again!
Nelson, (STOCKDODGE)

 

The gear type limited slip that is in the factory AAM 11.5 works well IMO. Much better then the clutch type that was used in the earlier Dana rear ends. I have the factory limited slip in my 05, and have had 1.58 60' times with it at the drag strip.

Paul

 

Anyone seen one of these ECTED lockers for our trucks?

 

what about using a spool for the rear end like the ones used in the dana 44's