The G80 locking differential is a great addition to any GM car or truck. It provides extra traction when you need it, and can help you get unstuck if you’re in a bind. However, the G80 has been known to have some problems, particularly with its locking mechanism.
If you’re having trouble with your G80, here are some things to check.
If you own a GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from the 2007 to 2014 model years, you may be experiencing problems with your locking differential. The issue arises when the truck is put into four-wheel drive and the front wheels begin to slip. This can cause the rear wheels to lock up, resulting in a loss of control and potentially an accident.
The good news is that GM has issued a recall for these trucks and will repair the problem free of charge. If you have experienced this issue, or if you know someone who has, please spread the word and make sure that everyone gets their truck fixed!
Credit: www.youtube.com
Is G80 Locking Differential Good?
When it comes to locking differentials, the G80 is definitely one of the better options out there. It’s specifically designed for off-road use, so it can handle a lot of abuse and will keep your vehicle moving even when the going gets tough. The main advantage of the G80 is that it’s extremely strong and durable, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down on you when you need it most.
It’s also relatively easy to install, which is always a bonus. Overall, if you’re looking for a top-quality locking differential that can handle just about anything you throw at it, the G80 is definitely worth considering.
What is a G80 Locking Differential?
A locking differential, often called a locker, is a variation of the standard open differential found in most passenger cars. The main difference between the two is that a locking differential can lock the two wheels on an axle together so they turn at the same speed. This is useful when one wheel has traction and the other doesn’t (such as when you’re driving off-road), because it prevents the wheel with less traction from spinning uselessly.
Locking differentials come in several varieties. The most common type uses gears to lock the axles together. Other types use friction or hydraulics to achieve the same effect.
Somelocking differentials are automatic, while others require manual intervention (usually via a switch inside the vehicle) to engage them. The G80 locking differential was introduced by General Motors in 1981 as an option for its light trucks and SUVs. It uses gears to lock the axles together, and can be engaged automatically or manually.
The G80 is still in production today and can be found in a variety of GM vehicles.
How Do You Tell If Locking Differential is Working?
Locking differentials are a great way to increase traction, especially when off-roading. But how do you know if your locking differential is actually working? Here are a few ways to tell:
1. Listen for the sound of the locking mechanism engaging. When you turn on the locking differential, you should hear a clicking or ratcheting sound as the mechanism engages. If you don’t hear this sound, it’s possible that the locking differential is not working.
2. Try turning while in neutral. With the locking differential engaged, try turning the wheels while in neutral. The wheels should resist turning and may even lock up completely.
If they turn easily, then the locking differential is not working properly.
3. Feel for increased resistance when turning while driving slowly. With the locking differential engaged, drive slowly and make turns gently.
You should feel an increase in resistance as you turn compared to when the locker is disengaged. If there’s no difference, then something may be wrong with your locker.
4. Look for tire marks when cornering hard while off-roading .
When cornering hard while off-roading with a locked differential, you should see tire marks on both sides of your vehicle (if one side starts to slip, the other side will take over).
How Do I Know If I Have a G80 Locker?
If you’re not sure whether or not your vehicle has a G80 locker, there are a few things you can check for. First, look for an external plug on the differential cover. This is where the locker’s air line connects.
Next, check for a sticker on the differential cover that says “G80” or “gov-lock.” If you see either of these, chances are good that your vehicle has a G80 locker.
Once you know for certain that your vehicle has a G80 locker, you can start enjoying all the benefits it has to offer!
How a G80 Gov lock (Gov bomb) works and why they fail.
G80 Locking Differential Rebuild Kit
If your car is equipped with a G80 locking differential, then you know that it’s a great way to keep your vehicle’s wheels from slipping. However, over time, the locking mechanism can become worn and need to be rebuilt. Fortunately, there are kits available that contain all the parts you need to do just that.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what’s involved in rebuilding a G80 locking differential. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right kit for your needs. By the end of this article, you should have everything you need to get started on your own G80 rebuild project!
G80 Locker Upgrade
If you have an older car with a G80 Locker, you may be wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the newer model. Here’s a detailed rundown of what the upgrade entails:
The G80 Locker is a locking differential that was available on GM vehicles from 1988-1997.
It uses a viscous coupling to provide traction to both wheels when one is slipping. The newer model (available on 2003+ GM vehicles) uses an electronic control unit (ECU) to activate the locker when needed.
There are several benefits to upgrading to the newer ECU-controlled locker:
1. Increased Traction – The ECU can engage the locker more quickly and effectively than the viscous coupling in the older model, meaning that your vehicle will have better traction in all conditions.
3. Greater Durability – Because the ECU controls engagement, there is less wear and tear on parts, meaning that your locker will last longer before needing replacement or repair.
Gm G80 Gov Lock Rebuild
If your car is equipped with a governor, you may have experienced issues with the governor locking up. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it is caused by debris getting lodged in the mechanism. If this happens, don’t panic!
You can usually fix the problem yourself without having to replace the entire unit.
Here’s what you’ll need to do to rebuild your GM G80 governor:
1) Remove the affected component from your car.
This will vary depending on which model you have, but it is usually located near the transmission.
2) disassemble the component and clean out all of the debris that may be causing the issue. Be sure to inspect all of the moving parts for damage and replace any damaged pieces.
3) reassemble the component and reinstall it in your car. Be sure to double check that everything is secure before driving!
How to Fix G80 Locker
If your G80 Locker is giving you trouble, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, check the fluid level and add more if needed. Next, check the locker for any debris or rocks that may be causing it to bind up.
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the locker itself.
Conclusion
The G80 locking differential was a factory-installed option on GMC and Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. The locking differential is designed to engage when one wheel loses traction, providing power to both wheels for increased traction. However, some owners of GMC and Chevrolet trucks and SUVs have reported problems with the G80 locking differential, including premature wear, binding, and failure to engage.
