Hey guys, I noticed in my truck (chevy) that my wheels were chirping around corners and I found out it's as if I have a welded/seized differential. So out of curiosity I took it to my mechanic and he told me it was a clutch inside of the rear end that had worn out on my posi. He said it would be more cost effective to buy an entire other rear end than get it fixed. Does that sound right? Is this a doable job for myself? Anyone know what this clutch is called so I can go price it?

 

Your concern does not sound like a normal limited-slip differential (LSD) concern. Chevy calls theirs Posi-Traction. Basically it is a clutch pack that is splined to the axle shafts, and effectively locks the shafts together when driving straight, and unlocks when one wheel is going faster than the other (turns).

When the clutches wear out, the axle shafts are spinning independent of each other, and the LSD is no longer working. This causes all power to transfer to 1 wheel only, same as an open differential.

Your concern is the opposite of that. Did this just recently happen? Or has it been like this since you bought your truck?

I'd pop off the rear axle cover and take a gander at the LSD, see WTF is going on. Very simple mechanical system, you can rebuild it yourself in a couple hours if you are so inclined.

 

Clutch packs sticking are usually due to either lack of lube or the wrong type was put in.
Like Josh says you can rebuild it in a couple hours.

 

It's been tihs way since I bought it. :'( Maybe it's something I'll have to learn how to do as it's becoming problematic with it being on the road quite a bit recently. (eating tires like CRAZY). LOL