Locker Differential vs LSD

[81Cheyenne]

I have a chance to buy what appears to be an Eaton Positive Locking Differential for about $65. I think that it's the one that looks for a 100rpm wheel to wheel differential.
I have an 81 C10 2WD that I'm going to eventually put a 383 in and use mostly for daily driving, hauling,boat pulling, camper etc.  The guy says that it will work with 2.73 to 3.73 ratios. 
Would this be a good way to go or would I be better off with a Limited Slip differential?

[Captkaos]

for what you are doing it should work fine as long as it fits your application?  Is it used? Why was it removed?  BTW, it is a gov-loc if it is an Eaton.

[81Cheyenne]

The guy said that it came out of a wrecked 86 truck. He said that he didn't actually drive it though.  Is there anything that I should watch out for on it?  I found it on Craigslist. Almost forgot, he said that it's out of a 10 bolt.
thanks

[VileZambonie]

Yeah make sure it works! lol Gov-Loc's are known for grenading under extreme force which could be something as simple as you pulling out in a turn and punching it. If I was going to build a posi I would save up and just do it with a high quality LSD.

[xtremjeepn]

One thing to keep in mind is that it is very common for people to confuse and misuse the terms "locker" and "Limited Slip".

A true "locker" is one that will mechanically lock the left and right shaft together. Even if one wheel is up in the air they will turn the same speed. These are not the best in a steet application.


A "LSD" tends to be a torsen or clutch type connection from the left to right axle. These will power both wheels in "many" situations but not like a true locker.  Give an LSD a big variation in traction between right and left and it will fail you. For example a wheel up in the air. LSD will typically send all the power to the wheel with the least grip. It will send power to both wheels only when both wheels are "close" in their traction. (going in a straight line on dry pavement for example).



LSD is MUCH more friendly on the street.


Just something to think about.

[SUX2BU99]

Of the vehicles I've owned over the years with factory LSD setups (stock 81 Jimmy 2wd, 88 Mustang GT with Traction-Lok, 2 Dakota R/Ts, 03 Tahoe), the mos frustrating then was when it would 'let go' and a nice dual-tire burn turns into a 1-tire fire. Especially on right-hand turns. My Jimmy clunked a lot when it was trying to keep from unloading on one tire and would get lock the inside tire on very cold mornings before the thick gear fluid warmed up. The Mustang's clutches wore out eventually. The Dakotas weren't too bad at all really, but I didn't put too much mileage on them before trading in. The Tahoe I haven't had much chance to test it out as it gets pretty good traction all the time, but I got a feeling it would let the unloaded tire go without a whole lot of prodding.

Apparently the locking diff option, G80 (by Eaton), in the new GM trucks is quite amazing in it's operation and effectiveness.