I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71 with a 5.3L flex-fuel engine and was wondering what GM meant when the sticker that came with my truck listed a locking differential? Is this a true locking differential or a limited slip differential, and is the "locking differential" only on the rear or are both front and rear differentials "locking differentials"? My manual states to use a SAE 80W-90 axle lube in the front and a SAE 75W-90 synthetic axle lube in the rear. I thought that this would indicate the front being a different axle setup than the rear, and possibly not being a "locking differential." Would anyone be able to tell me what exact options were included with my truck other than my differentials? My VIN number is 1GNEK13ZX2R228674. Thanks.

 

Chevy no longer makes a front locking diff, they are reffering to the rear which has an electronic locker. I can't help with the vin# but the code in the glove box should show a G80 rear.

 

Thanks. So what would I have in the front differential? Is it an open differential or a limited slip differential?

 

most likely a open front

 

I second the open diff. I don't think I've ever seen a stock Chevy with a limited slip front diff.

 

What about a 2007 AWD Yukon Denali? What differentials do they consist of?

 

they are the same..except for the inside has more style then the surb or tahoe.. i got this from wikipedia ....The only exterior difference between the Yukon Denali and the standard Yukon are the chrome grille and extensive use of chrome accents; and of course the insignias, embeveled rockerpanels, chromed headlights and the Vortec 6200 engine which it shares with the Cadillac Escalade

 

Yep, same front and rear with a center diff in place of a transfer case on the awd models.

 

Found this link that helps clarify the AWD and 4WD systems...

http://www.rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/...e_4WD_awd.html