How difficult and/or expensive would it be to convert my '04 Silverado's differential to a limited slip or locking differential? What all parts would I need (housing, guts, etc)? Would it be cheaper to get aftermarket stuff, even if I go through gmpartsdirect.com? Would either the transmission or engine management need to be reprogrammed? Before '04, I think they called it limited slip...now they call it 'locking'. Has it really changed? I'm not looking for a performance upgrade...just traction in mud and snow. Thanks.

I'm assuming it's a 1/2 ton. You need a gov -loc carrier unit, 10 bolt, 30 spline axles. The Ring gear should fit onn the new one. get a GM unit so you don't have to shim it for backlash (should be done anyways). you will need 2 LM501330 carrier side bearings and races made by timken (don't get cheap bearings). And you are looking at 500 for the unit and $60 in bearings, and I hope you have a bearing splitter and press.

Ithink there is a kit in www.stylinconcepts.com, try there...

I wouldnt buy a gov loc if I were u there a plenty of places on the internet that sell limited slip units I would recommend jegs or summitt racing but cheaper units/complete kits can be found brand new on ebay

Sure you can get a Eaton or a Alburn..etc. I was just trying to keep it simple. Because the Gov-Loc is GM's stock limited slip replacement.

If you are not going to be doing any hard core 4wheeling then I would go with the Auburn or some sort of limited slip. I agree with the above. Stay away from the gov lock. Not heavy duty at all.

Thanks!

Have you checked on the price of installing the parts yet?

Last time I looked (3 years ago) -it was almost as much to install the POSI as it was to buy the thing in the first place! That really turned me off, and I didn't have the tools to do it myself.

~Rob

costs about $150.00 to install in my area

or just get a Z71 and 4 wheel low is all the locking tracktion you need :-D

Im surprised that that chevy doesn't come standard with a limited slip.

I've been thinking about a powertrax from richmond gear. Seems simple enough to install and the price sounds good.