Lockers?

Drivetrain discussion including Transmission, Differential, Driveshaft, and related items.
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Numbah1
Posts: 75
Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2019 9:45 pm

Lockers?

Post by Numbah1 »

I was trying to get my Caprice outta the ice and it seemed like it only had 1 wheel rolling. Not acceptable as im going to the strip soon. Has anyone tried a locker? 1st car ive had with independent suspension. Wonder what the stability control will do lol
Ilikemtb999
Posts: 220
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2019 11:49 pm

Re: Lockers?

Post by Ilikemtb999 »

Do you have rpo code g80? It should have a limited slip then. Maybe it’s worn out
Navy Lifer
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Re: Lockers?

Post by Navy Lifer »

G80 was standard on all PPV's, from memory.

The Zeta sedan uses a 8.3" (210mm) diameter ring gear/ring & pinion. The OE limited slip unit was supplied by ZF. There are at least a couple of optional differentials found in the aftermarket, and those that I'm aware of are the helical gear design, with no clutches. https://www.harrop.com.au/shop/image/ca ... 0x1000.jpg

One is supplied by Harrop (from AU), and is a modified Eaton Detroit Truetrac unit.
https://www.harrop.com.au/shop/truetrac ... -32-spline

Another is supplied by Wavetrac, made in USA, from https://autotech.com
https://autotech.com/wavetrac/gm/wavetr ... odore.html

The Wavetrac unit makes an interesting claim about it's design that seems to directly address what you observed--see video in link. It's really not anything to do with IRS vs a solid axle suspension design. http://www.wavetrac.net/technical.htm

The alternative might be to change "up" to a Camaro differential assembly (from 10-15 Camaro SS) which is a 218mm (8.6") ring gear/ring & pinion, made by AAM in the US. The differential housing from Camaro/AAM is more robust, in addition to the larger ring gear diameter, with a somewhat broader ratio selection. It DOES fit in the sedan cradle/crossmember assembly. It can be found with limited slip, and there are at least several aftermarket differential options--Auburn offers a cone/clutch LSD, and there is an Eaton Detroit Truetrac unit available. There may be some other options--Wavetrac does not make a 218mm diff unit.

None of the options is inexpensive--if you KNOW a take-out unit (for a swap) is in good condition, the best bet might be to find a high-mileage 218mm unit, rebuild it with a new Truetrac, and your choice of gear. The Wavetrac in the 8.3 sedan housing is an interesting option--yes, it's pricey. The Harrop unit is somewhat less, but no idea about shipping to the US, and there's still the matter of who (in your area) has the expertise to properly set up a diff + R&P. (rebuild). Not radically different that a solid rear axle, but the unit needs to be out of the car, no matter what gets done to it.
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kevink
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Re: Lockers?

Post by kevink »

The cheapest, simplest way to go it so get a 5th gen Camaro rear in the gear ratio you want and either just use it or rebuild it with steel clutches (~$200).
2011 9C3: 11.48 @118.
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Fudgehog
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Location: Wisconsin

Re: Lockers?

Post by Fudgehog »

I grabbed a 50,000 mile 3.27 off of ebay and my traction in slippery conditions has improved an easy 70% or so.

Much more noticeable and less inclined to spin. My mileage has only taken a 5-10% hit too, not enough to notice.

And she launches. I'm happy with the swap.
13 Caprice 6.0L, Solo catback exhaust, 3.27 diff, VCM OTR and Volant throttle spacer, MSD coils plugs wires, transmission pan upgrade and widemouth filter. Camaro 18" rims.

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Numbah1
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Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2019 9:45 pm

Re: Lockers?

Post by Numbah1 »

Car has a 165k, so its prolli just worn out. I seen those links in another thread but it seemed like the guy just rebuilt an LSD and didnt use a spool. I got on summit and searched for 5th gen lockers. The Auburn popped up for 660, i was ok with that but 1200 for a locker is pretty damn high. I need to do more research, so use to c clip rears
119C3NJ
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Re: Lockers?

Post by 119C3NJ »

My car is an '11. It will climb a ice and snow covered hill like no other rwd car I have ever owned. Downside is this happens at 8mph. Place the throttle wherever you like 8mph is all you get. Comical but effective.
2011 9C3 Caprice PPV Phantom Black
1995 MG5 Yukon GT Black
1993 Harley Davidson FLSTC Black
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