The fact that you can make any kind of adjustment you want to the vehicle is also a big advantage. The Chevy Silverado responds quite well to modifications. The changes can be made without having to spend too much money as well. 

Besides the usual changes to the wheels, and fenders, people also like to add locking differentials to the vehicle. This is because the locking differential adds more power to the vehicle when it runs off-road. 

But you might be wondering, does my Silverado have a locking differential? There is no point in adding one if the vehicle already has one installed. 

A great way to check if the Chevy Silverado has a locking differential is to open the dash. If you see the g80 code on the dash, the Silverado model has a locking differential. Not all Chevy Silverado’s come with the differential lock. Only two models do.  

There are other things that you need to know about the Chevy Silverado locking differential as well. So keep on reading to learn more. 

Does Silverado Have A Locking Differential?

Not all Chevy Silverado models come with the locking differential factory built. The only Chevy Silverado model that comes with this part preinstalled is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2. Another car made by GMC, the Sierra 1500 AT4X also comes with the differential lock. The feature is available in trucks that are packaged with the Z71 off-road bundle. 

General motor vehicles do not have the traditional electronic locking differential. If you open the dash, you will see a g80 code on top. This means that the vehicles come with an automatic locking differential named the G80. 

General Motors has designed the differential to be capable of locking the movement of the right and left wheels. Therefore, the movement is synced and identical. This feature is automatically initiated once the vehicle can recognize that one of the wheels is spinning slower than the other. 

If your Chevy Silverado does not come with locking differentials, don’t worry you can just add them later on. The vehicle responds to modifications quite well. If you want to learn more about different kinds of modifications on the Chevy Silverado, you can check out my writing on Chevy Silverado 285/60r20 compatibility and Chevy Silverado GMC Canyon wheel compatibility. 

Why Don’t Car Companies Put Differential Lock In Their Vehicles? 

Factory-build locking differentials are quite rare. You will rarely see them built in, even in 4×4 vehicles. 

One of the main reasons why people do this is because most truck buyers swap them out for more powerful ones anyway. Besides changing the differential, they also change the axles.  By eliminating the locking differential as a whole, they can reduce manufacturing costs and make a profit. 

Sometimes this also helps them sell the vehicle at a lower cost which makes the truck more affordable and therefore more attractive to customers. 

People often prefer heavy-duty and more powerful sir-powered lockers instead of the electronic ones that the factory offers. 

If you want to add differentials to your Chevy Silverado, or if you want to upgrade your current one, you can take a look at more powerful options such as the Yukon Dura Grip Limited Slip Positraction Unit. If you have the money, you can also take a look at the Yukon Gear & Axle (YGLGM8.5-3-30) 30-Spline Grizzly Locker. 

What Is A Locking Differential, And How Important Is It? 

Before learning about a locking differential, we must know what a differential is. So, a differential is a part in the axle which enables two wheels of the vehicle to run at two different speeds. 

This can sometimes disrupt the smoothness of the truck. So, to lock both wheels at the same speed, you need a locking differential. This makes sure the wheels do not spin out of control and ruggedly when running off-road. It also helps with traction to push the vehicle forward by feeding the unit more power. 

Most of the trucks that you get in America come with some sort of differential locking method. Very rarely does a truck come with the locking differential pre-installed. But you can make adjustments by adding a separate one later on to most of the models. Nowadays, you get an electronic locking differential on most 4×4 trucks. This helps you to lock the wheels at the push of a button. 

The main reason why you should invest in a locking differential is that it performs well on slippery roads. The grip and control of the vehicle increase significantly. 

Another reason why they are crucial is that they stop your car from spinning in circles if it slips on snow or a wet road. Wheel Spinning can also be prevented. So it is an integral part of the vehicle’s overall safety. The preciseness that you get from the front locking differential is incomparable. 

In general, trucks just perform a lot better when they have a locking differential. All off-roaders swear by this addition to any 4×4 vehicle. Just take a look at this video about GMC 1500 Sierra AT4Xand you will know just what I am talking about. This car has locking differentials, so you can see the difference in speed and movement. 

Which Trucks Come With A Factory Build Locking Differential? 

Although you cannot get front and rear differentials on all chevy Silverado models, you can get them on a few ones. I’ve discussed that above. Here are some other vehicles that come with different kinds of locking differential. 

1. Automatic Locking Differential 

Land rovers come with automatic locking differential technology. This automatically locks the wheels to be coherent once the vehicle gets stuck. Other examples of vehicles with electronic locking include Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and also the Ram 1500. 

Before adding electronic locking on their trucks, General Motors also used similar technology. 

2. Rear Locking Differential 

A lot of SUVs and trucks nowadays come with the rear differential locking option. Some of the vehicles include the jeep Mojave, Tundra TRD Pro, Ram 1500 TRX, Toyota TRD, and also the Ford Raptor. 

Front-locking differentials come in handy for low-speed rock climbing with vehicles. 

3. Front Differential Lockers 

Elite vehicles such as the Rubicon, G wagon, ZR2, and AT4X come with front differentials. This is why these vehicles tend to be so expensive. 

4. Front And Back Differential Lockers

A few very elite vehicles come with this feature. These include Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the heavy-duty Dodge Ram Power Wagon, 

5. Lockers 

Lockers are added to only a few of the capable off-road trucks. That is why you will find this amazing feature in vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, Jeep’s top-trim Wrangler, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Silverado. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Final Words 

A locking differential can be very beneficial for 4×4. Besides making your vehicle smoother, it can also increase safety.

I don’t think I have to tell you any more about the benefits of adding a locking differential. Unfortunately, not all Chevy Silverado models come with the locking differential feature. If you’re still wondering, does my Silverado have a locking differential? Try and check the dash. If it has the g80 code, the vehicle has locking differentials.

If not, you can just add them separately!

The post Does My Silverado Have A Locking Differential? How to know for sure? appeared first on Chevy Ideas.

One of the key aspects that people are most interested in changing for the Chevy Silverado is the wheels. Luckily, there are a lot of big tire sizes that can fit onto the Silverado stock suspension quite easily.

The 285/60 r20 is a very popular wheel in the market right now. You might be asking yourself, will 285/60r20 fit Silverado?

The answer to this question is yes. It will fit on the vehicle quite easily. You won’t even have to do too many adjustments to your vehicle to make these wheels work. All you have to do is do some minor plastic trimming and you’re good to go!

Keep on reading If you want to learn more about the procedure and the wheel’s interchanging benefits.

Will 285/60r20 Wheels Fit Silverado?

The short answer to this question is yes! You can easily swap in a 285/60r20 with your Silverado without having to make any massive changes to the vehicle.

The only adjustment that you might have to make is a little bit of trimming. But, with the right kind of installation process, even that can be avoided.

The Chevy Silverado is a very versatile unit. It can adjust to a lot of different types of accessories with ease.

If you want to know more about its versatility you can check out my other articles on GMC Canyon wheel compatibility with Silverado, and suburban fender flare fitting with Silverado.

The biggest size of tire that you can install on the third and the 4th generation Chevy Silverado 1500 can be a max of 33.5 inches. Therefore, the 285/60R20 can fit the Silverado very smoothly.

Why Change Silverado Stock Wheels?

While the Silverado stock wheels are great on their own, many people prefer changing the wheels to another kind to get some added benefits.

If I focus on this specific wheel here, the 285/60R20, there are a lot of people who prefer this wheel more than the stock wheels you get on Silverado. But why is this?

Silverado comes with a few issues. There are many reasons why people would want to change the stock wheels. One of the key benefits of using the 285/60r20 wheel is that it can be used on any kind of terrain. The wheel performs great on rough Rocky roads, and even on slippery muddy roads.

People who take out their Silverado for work purposes on uneven terrain, therefore, prefer a more durable and sturdy will such as this model.

In no way am I saying that the stock wheels on the Silverado cannot handle this kind of terrain. But, the advantage of changing the wheels to the 285/60R20 is that the performance becomes smoother.

Another reason why people might choose these wheels over the stock ones is that they are much bigger. People are sometimes drawn to bigger wheels because of the stability and power that it offers. Luckily, the Silverado 2020 model and even a lot of the newer models are open to such versatility.

How To Change Silverado Wheels?

Now that you’re sure that the 285/60r20 is compatible with the Silverado, you just need to know how to change the wheels. Here are the steps that you need to follow to successfully change the wheels at home.

Raise The Vehicle

The first thing that you will have to do is raise the vehicle from the ground a little bit. You can get a lot of different tools to do this. Load up the track on the flat side of the chassis frame and lift it.

Remove The Tire

Before you secure the new tires, you will first have to get rid of the old ones. This is a fairly easy step that does not require too many complicated tools.

Use a good quality lug nut wrench such as the Amazon Basics Universal Folding Lug Wrench.

Remove the tire and set it aside. Sometimes the lug nuts are not exposed, in a situation as such, you have to remove the hubcap and then remove the lug nuts. You might need to use a good quality flat-tip screwdriver such as the CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set.

Remove the cover. Even with the lug nut not exposed, the process is not too complicated.

Replace The Tire

Lastly, all that is left to do is replace the tire with the new one. Grab the 285/60r20 wheels and secure them onto the lug nut studs. They should fit perfectly.

After they have faith, tighten the lug, not in place. Don’t overtighten the wheels, just make sure that they are firm and secured.

After you have installed the wheels, lower the vehicle, and you are good to go. It is truly that easy!

You can also watch a good video on installing bigger wheels on a Silverado to make things easier for you. Check it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Still wondering, will 285/60R20 fit Silverado? The answer to your burning question is yes, it will.

The Silverado can run with wheels that are a maximum of 33.5 inches. So, you can easily fit the 285/60r20 wheels on this vehicle.

Even the installation process is very simple. You won’t be needing any complicated tools.

The post Can You Install 285/60r20 On Stock Suspension? Find Out Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Chevy Ideas.

This may occur for various reasons, such as your Silverado’s wheels being entirely out of balance. Sometimes it could be due to the tires, brake rotors, and different parts of the suspension system being worn out. Or the torque converter could have shuddered.

In this guide, I will discuss everything there is to know about why Silverado feels like going over rumble strips. So, keep reading.

Silverado Feels Like Going Over Rumble Strips?

When driving over rumble strips, I usually experience loud, growling noises and vibrations in my Silverado. Of course, this is normal. But what happens when you hear these sounds while driving on a smooth road with no rumble strips? Below, I will explain some possible causes of such vibrations. 

1. Out-of-balance wheels

Your Silverado could feel like going over rumble strips when driving at high speeds due to unbalanced wheels. This mainly occurs due to the tires being unevenly worn out.

Generally, if the rear wheels are not aligned, you will feel the vibrations throughout your truck’s body. But the shaking will be most vigorous around the steering wheel if it is just the front wheels that are imbalanced.

2. Damaged tires

Sometimes, the feeling of going over rumble strips on your Silverado could be due to damaged wheels. It could be the tires have cuts, bulges, cracks, separated treads, or are unevenly worn out. Apart from that, the tires could be loose due to the lug nuts not being tightened properly.

3. Worn-out rotors

It is not uncommon for Silverado’s brake rotors to get warped over time due to heavy wear and tear. Unfortunately, when the rotors become too thin, your Silverado may produce a rumble strip vibration every time you brake.

4. Defective wheel bearings

On many occasions, I have witnessed lousy wheel bearings being the cause of vibrations in the steering wheel of a Chevy Silverado. If the wheel bearings are defective, you may hear growling noises when driving straight and cornering. And as you cruise faster, the noises usually become louder and the vibrations stronger.

5. Bent or imbalanced drive shaft

If experiencing intense vibrations underneath your Silverado, the front or rear drive shafts could be out of balance and bent. This can be due to broken welds, dirt build-up, or missing balance weights. Worn, loose, or broken U-joints may also be the cause of the imbalanced drive shafts.

6. Problem with the transmission mount

During hard acceleration or sudden braking, your Silverado may feel like going over rumble strips due to the worn-out transmission mount. If this is the case, I suggest having the mounts replaced as soon as possible. Because if not, it could lead to further damage, like a Chevy Silverado gear shifter not working due to leaking transmission fluid.

7. CV axle issues

CV axles are situated next to your Silverado’s wheels. Their role is to transmit power from the engine to the wheels. So, when the axles are worn out or defective, you may hear unwanted vibrations in your vehicle, especially when cornering.

8. Malfunctioning torque converter

A torque converter is a fluid coupling whose role is to transmit power to the transmission from the engine. When it starts malfunctioning due to fluid problems, worn clutch, or valves, your Silverado may feel shuddering or vibrating. This feeling occurs every time you step on the gas pedal.

How To Fix A Silverado That Feels Like Going Over Rumble Strips?

I can’t say that there is a one-size-fits-all solution. The rumble strip noise could be due to various reasons, like soft Chevy Silverado brakes. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you fix your vehicle.

Step 1: Performing diagnostic tests

Immediately after you notice the vibrations in your Silverado, I suggest you take it to a dealership near you or an auto-repair shop. This way, a certified technician can quickly diagnose the problem and advise accordingly on what to do.

Step 2: Fixing the wheels problems

To fix imbalanced tires, you simply use a wheel balancer. You could also apply small extra weights to the wheels. But for worn-out tires, you must replace them with new ones and tighten the lug nuts securely.

Step 3: Replace any defective parts

You don’t need to replace everything in your Silverado. However, if the brake rotors are worn out, you should get new Power Stop KC2069-36 Z36 Drilled/Slotted Brake Rotors. These rotors are available on Amazon, and you can check their price here.

Additionally, you might have to replace the CV axles, transmission mount, wheel bearings, and torque converter.

FAQs

In this section, I will respond to commonly asked questions regarding Silverado feeling like it is hitting rumble strips.

Conclusion

Silverado feels like going over rumble strips, even among other vehicle models, is a common issue. This problem occurs for several reasons, including imbalanced wheels, defective transmission mounts, and worn-out rotors. Therefore, having a certified technician perform a proper diagnostic on your Silverado is essential. This way, you can know how to fix the vibration.

The post Silverado Feels Like Going Over Rumble Strips? – 8 Common Causes appeared first on Chevy Ideas.