I recently had my rear differential rebuilt on my '86 K5, and I'm not sure if it's a limited slip locking differential like I requested it to be. I never hear it lock up, and sometime both wheels will spin dirt (sometimes only one will). What's the best way to see if the diff locks when slipping?
CK5
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How to Tell if Limited Slip Locking Differential???
- Thread starter PWagon
- Start date
What diff did you request they put in there?
If it's the stock diff, it'll be open.
Jack one side of the rear up and try to drive in 2WD. Some aftermarket lockers only lock when going straight, and unlock when turning.
If it's the stock diff, it'll be open.
Jack one side of the rear up and try to drive in 2WD. Some aftermarket lockers only lock when going straight, and unlock when turning.
4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
Probably the factory Gov-Loc, it'll run open until a difference in opposite wheel speed occurs, then slam into locking. 
Probably the factory Gov-Loc, it'll run open until a difference in opposite wheel speed occurs, then slam into locking.
What kind of axle are you running? The 14 bolt version of the gov-loc is pretty sturdy, haven't heard of many problems. The 10 bolt version is a problem waiting to happen, hence the term "gov-bomb"
It's always your choice, but in these trucks axles are so cheaply available that most times you're better off going that route than a rebuild.
Speaking about gov-lock....Near impossible to test in the truck unless you can get into mud where you can rotate the wheels fairly slowly and see both sides at the same time.
You can jack it up and jerk on one tire to get it rotating, which sometimes will be enough to get it to lock up for a split second. Large tires or dragging brakes won't make that fun to try.
You can pop the cover off and look.
Working right, you shouldn't hear or feel it lock up. Once in a very great while I will feel mine lock if I'm on some super slippery surface.
I've had it lock sidehilling on ice at slow speed and the rear end started to come around, but I wouldn't suggest seeking that situation out to test.
You can jack it up and jerk on one tire to get it rotating, which sometimes will be enough to get it to lock up for a split second. Large tires or dragging brakes won't make that fun to try.
You can pop the cover off and look.
Working right, you shouldn't hear or feel it lock up. Once in a very great while I will feel mine lock if I'm on some super slippery surface.
I've had it lock sidehilling on ice at slow speed and the rear end started to come around, but I wouldn't suggest seeking that situation out to test.
