boisevan

Hi. I love my 1988 GMC camper van.

I just had a local shop put new bearings in the rear end. It was howling.

I want to add positraction now. Should have thought of that when they had the rear end opened up.

I’ve read that I can buy a Detroit Locker and that does the trick.

But will that Locker still use the nice new bearings I just paid to install? Or do the new bearings get scrapped?

mountainmanjoe

you can probably keep em.

StanVan

I don't know about an '88, but GM used multiple differentials in any given year. For example, my '16 could be either a 9.5" or a 10.5", and both are 14 bolt. The best way to know is to have a dealer run your VIN.

canucklehead

Yes, you should have done both jobs at once. Doing the locker install comes with new bearings.....lol
The bearings get pressed onto the carrier I believe, and you will be getting a new carrier with the detroit tru track. Your old ring and pinion can still be used

mountainmanjoe

Bearings are not pressed into the carrier. See Step #9
https://www.chevydiy.com/how-to-disa...-step-by-step/

oilcanhenry

The DT locker isn't the same as Posi-traction, I hope you know. Be careful to use the correct lubricant and additives.

canucklehead

The outer race is held by the clamps, the inner race and bearing is pressed onto the carrier. Your step 9 only shows the carrier removal. If it was not pressed on the inner race would spin on the machined surface.

mountainmanjoe

No, no, I was right. They aren't pressed into it; they're pressed ONTO it. Just like you said haha. Thanks for clarifying.

Sorry, OP. Maybe you can keep them as spares.

canucklehead

I have the g80 and the teeth were broken. I paid an axle shop 600 bucks for a new carrier and I believe ( cannot remember) he used new bearings. He also quoted me 1200 for a detroit tru track, since the g80 is not that tough. That is our funny coloured over taxed canadian dollars.....