1985 Chevy S10 Pickup Truck Differentials & Spools

At RealTruck, we carry a wide selection of performance differentials for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs, including limited slip, locking, and spools! We also offer several differential accessories, like transfer case drops, differential guards, and more! 

Truck Differentials

So what are differentials, anyways? These complex gear sets are found within each drive axle of your vehicle; they consist of a pinion gear, which takes in rotational force from the driveshaft(s), the ring gear, which bolts to the differential carrier and meshes with the pinion gear, and several smaller differential gears (spider gears) within the carrier that allow the axle shafts to move independently from one another. 

This entire system works together to drive your vehicle forward and reverse while allowing the axle shafts to move at different speeds through turns, seeing as the outer wheel has more ground to cover than the inner; at least, this is how most differentials operate from the factory. 

These differentials are referred to as ‘open,' meaning each axle shaft can move at a different rate than the other without limitation which, while effective for street driving, poses serious traction issues off-road. In the dirt, open differentials route power to whichever wheel has less traction; in extreme off-road obstacles, this could be a wheel that’s barely touching the ground or not at all! Luckily, several differential types remedy the shortcomings of open differentials.

Limited Slip Differentials

Limited slip differentials, often called ‘posi-trac’ or ‘trac-loc,’ employ gears or clutches within the differential carrier that limit the variance in speed between axle shafts. These differentials enable your vehicle to comfortably navigate tight turns on the street while locking the axles together during limited traction scenarios, like off-roading, racing, or driving in wet conditions.

 While popular for daily drivers and sporty applications, limited slip differentials are not recommended for heavy off-roading, as the clutches are prone to wear.

Locking Differentials

For heavy off-roading, we recommend locking differentials. These differentials can lock the axle shafts together, ensuring maximum power gets applied to both wheels for exceptional traction in slippery/loose ground conditions like sand, mud, snow, and ice.

Locking differentials are available in two styles–selectable and automatic–which determine whether the differential pneumatically/electronically actuates with an in-cab switch or actuates automatically once specific conditions are met. In both cases, locking differentials offer decent streetability and exceptional off-road performance.

Spools

Where locking differentials are refined, spools are the brutes of the differential world. Unlike lockers, which offer decent streetability, spools mechanically tie the axle shafts directly to the ring gear for full-time, always-on power. These differentials are best for drag racers, drifters, and other dedicated track cars; however, streetability suffers significantly. 

Differential Parts

Aside from differentials, we carry several differential components to bolster your driveline. These include items like transfer case drops, differential guards, and more! 

Additional Differential & Drivetrain Parts

At RealTruck, we also carry several drivetrain components to complement your new differential, including:

• Differential Rebuild Kits: These kits include everything necessary to rebuild your ride’s differential, including bearings, crush washers, shims, hardware, seals, and more! These kits are required when replacing the ring and pinion gear or doing a full rebuild and refresh. 

• Differential Covers: We offer a wide selection of factory style and upgraded differential covers, offering enhanced fluid cooling, durability, and impact resistance! 

• Locking Hubs: Pair rugged locking hubs with your new locking front differential for added strength and durability!