LSD Clutches

[EndeavoredH3]

A few friends and I from work were on the topic of differentials, seems that I would like to install a rear locker in the distant future. But as we were talking about the limited slips we have on the h3's, they told me that the clutches within the differential wear out and the diff begins to act like an open differential over time and mileage.

Has anyone ran into this and has ended up replacing said clutches? Ive tried to find an "expected service life" on these things and i haven't found any information. I would assume that the more you beat on the differential the faster they become worn. Im currently at 165,000 miles and it's been a question recently, I average 5 ish rock crawling trails a year that the LSD would be put to work. I plan on taking on a trail here soon in Sedona so Ill pay more attention to the diffs and see if they're exhibiting open diff behavior.

But all in all, has anyone replaced these clutch packs? (And yes, I understand that I could just "swap for a locker" but there's no money or time for that at the moment with school :giggle

 

[4speedfunk]

H3’s only come two ways. Single track (open) or with a selectable Eaton E-locker. Of course you could install an aftermarket automatic limited slip but frankly, selectables are much preferred.
Clutches do wear out on LSDs but they should be good for 100k miles. My Burb has a factory LSD (Gov-Lok) and at 240k...it sometimes shudders around corners, especially when cold.
Most H3 guys run the E-Locker and you can bypass a lot of the setup hassle by simply replacing the entire rear axle with one from an Adv. Pak. equipped H3. These are very common and easier than cracking open your existing axle. They go for $600 - $900...less than a brand new E-locker diff. Install is easy and requires no special tools or downtime. Just swap the entire housing and hook up the wiring via a typical automotive relay & switch.

 

[alrock]

A full conversion or rebuild of the rear diff is about $1200 for parts, and 4speed's recommendation is a good one. I searched for an adventure rear end for a while and when I finally got one, they figured out that they had not identified it correctly. For me they were tough to find but a little patience will go a long way. I ran out of patience and rebuilt my rear diff but please note that included a new ring/pinion and everything else since I had chunks and shavings throughout.

Reloader put a lunchbox locker into the rear of the XJ he had for a while and it did well in Moab. But that type might interfere with the H3 ABS.

 

[EndeavoredH3]

H3’s only come two ways. Single track (open) or with a selectable Eaton E-locker. Of course you could install an aftermarket automatic limited slip but frankly, selectables are much preferred.

Thank you for clearing this up for me, I guess I never knew what I had. Still learning. Also, another thank you for giving me the info on the Limited slip.

 

[EndeavoredH3]

A full conversion or rebuild of the rear diff is about $1200 for parts, and 4speed's recommendation is a good one. I searched for an adventure rear end for a while and when I finally got one, they figured out that they had not identified it correctly. For me they were tough to find but a little patience will go a long way. I ran out of patience and rebuilt my rear diff but please note that included a new ring/pinion and everything else since I had chunks and shavings throughout.

Reloader put a lunchbox locker into the rear of the XJ he had for a while and it did well in Moab. But that type might interfere with the H3 ABS.

Did you look into grabbing a new axle, possibly one from GM with some sort of warranty? Like you said, I could probably find one with some patience and persistence as well. Thank you for the info.

Off topic question, but where is that picture located in your signature? Always have wondered since joining the forum.

 

[alrock]

BTW, you can easily handle anything in Sedona without lockers. I did many trips in my H3 before a locker was put in.

I didn't look at an axle assembly. If I spent $1200 on diff parts, I'd be scared to think of what GM would charge for a new assembly. A selectable locker will last a long time if properly used. For example, you should be at a stop before turning it on, roll forward a foot or two before the locker is needed to allow the pins to engage. It's the wheelspin before the locker is engaged that kills the part. And my ring/pinion had 175,000 miles on them before they failed.

The signature photo is from the Back way to Crown King, near the top. https://alrock.smugmug.com/Offroading2013/Crown-King-030913/

 

[4speedfunk]

Here's one removed by a total dumb-ass. The shafts and yoke straps are missing. The backing plates are mangled. The locker wiring has been cut. But, since you have most of that stuff on your existing axle...its a pretty good deal at $600 shipped. This guy doesn't even mention it has a locker but, it does...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Hummer...h=item5d7304522c:g:DMIAAOSwEAtZX~Yk:rk:6:pf:0

Ohio...$675 shipped...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hummer-H3-...=item25f518fa69:g:eJMAAOSwSO5a52V5:rk:13:pf:0

Connecticut...$599 or best offer...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Axle-...=item4b576cc9fa:g:zHQAAOSwl5JcC~7w:rk:21:pf:0

Chicago...$250 obo w/$250 shipping... (get the offroad lights too)...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Axle-...=item4d8324bcaf:g:DKkAAOSwGD1cAF69:rk:71:pf:0

Maryland...$750 w/free shipping...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Axle-...=item2ac1515a69:g:y8oAAOSwLgpcOOSE:rk:59:pf:0

Massachutssass...$693 w/free shipping...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/06-Hummer-...=item41d3e194e1:g:07cAAOSwOA1aBJaa:rk:58:pf:0

Georgia...$500 w/free shipping...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Axle-...=item3d79508fcc:g:Z6cAAOSwikJb4vvr:rk:89:pf:0

It goes on and on and on...not a problem finding a locking H3 rear axle. If you type your ZIP code into the eBay search, you can probably find one close enough to pick up in person.

BTW...code Z85 means nothing. You want code ZM6 for the locker. Make sure it comes from a 5-cyl. to get the 4.56 gears. Guys selling this stuff, have no idea what an Adv. Pak is...what it included...or if their truck has it. So insist on photos of the actual rear end. Also insist on a photo of the code tag and/or dash buttons from the same H3. Lastly...the 09-10 rear 10-bolts have a larger inner pinion bearing. I would not specifically hunt one down but, if you run across an 09-up axle...it is a slight upgrade from the 08-earlier axles.