78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
I have not researched the different types. I just want to be able to get up snow covered steep paved roads without tire chains.
CK5
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Axle swap compatibility/
- Thread starter 78 GMC Jimmy
- Start date
You might scroll through this one to learn more: https://ck5.com/forums/threads/locker-questions-and-preference-poll.323167/
78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
I appreciate the info. Skimming, it looks like there are a lot of options and a lot of opinions.
For me, its just what ever is cheap and easy. I would just weld the damn thing, except... Wait, maybe I should just weld the damn thing....
No, its really a street rig. I don't go off road. Its not worth shredding my rear tires all year around, just to be able to drive in the snow 2 days per year. They should just have a manual lever on the rear axle that you can engage to lock it and unlock it. Why don't they have that!
They do, it’s called an OX locker, ARB makes one that works with air 
i had a detroit locker in 1 winter with 38" tsl swampers in a long bed . more than 2" i had to use 4wd to drive straight down a road . swapped my g-80 back in and never a problem after that . they do work but are a different animal for sure .
78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
Detroit or lock rite are sketchy in the snow or ice in my opinion. The truck always wants to swap ends, you have to run in 4wd. G80 has better snow manners in 2wd. I think the 14B G80 are a decent diff, the 1/2 ton ones not so much. They are called Gov bomb for a reason, weak. Both my V2500 square burbs and my '04 2500HD have G80, I drive them in the snow a lot and they work great.
no it is 2 short
he says it is 28 spline, the number comes back as a 10 bolt carrier which would be 28 spline
78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
I usually like to drive in the snow in 2 wheel drive. Drift corners, rooster, doughnuts etc. I want to be able to go up a hill in the snow in 2WD that is this steep: /
Full time lockers in a k5 will frustrate you in the snow and ice. Mine put me in the ditch many times after switching ends. Even with the longer wheelbase of my suburban I had to steer with the throttle and leave the hubs locked in to tap 4h when needed.
The G80 is probably as snow friendly as they come, although if you drive it right (wrong?), you can get the rear end to step out. If you go that direction, the whole axle swap might make sense. Anything besides a lunchbox locker is a gear setup. If you are willing to go through that, many here will recommend the Tru-trac. If you pay a shop to do all of the work, stepping from a Tru-trac to a selectable doesn't look like a huge leap.
That being said, if the goal is just to get up a snowy hill once in a while - just drop the requirement that it has to be in 2WD!
That being said, if the goal is just to get up a snowy hill once in a while - just drop the requirement that it has to be in 2WD!
78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
The area that I live, the snow only sticks for maybe a week per year at most. But because the paved roads are so steep and isolated, whole neighborhoods get snowed in. The city doesn't plow the roads, because its not a high priority area. In the snow, the mail and Amazon is delivered by hand with the drivers walking up and down the hills. I am always the first tire tracks out of the area, and people seem to wait for me to go first, so that they can see if its even possible to make it up and down the hills. After I go, others follow in my tracks. I am pretty sure that an open diff rig is not going to make it anywhere this winter, and I am not going to be able to find 37" tire chains for a reasonable price.
Good tires and G80 will get you a long ways in snow. I don't do any crazy stuff, but I do like using 2wd until 4wd is a requirement, so I know I have some margin to get back out.
If I didn't have the G80, true trac would be my next choice.
Not Xxxxxtreme, but this is typical in 2wd with narrow AT tires (Granted, I do air down to about 20psi). Might even have been towing my trailer.
If I didn't have the G80, true trac would be my next choice.
Not Xxxxxtreme, but this is typical in 2wd with narrow AT tires (Granted, I do air down to about 20psi). Might even have been towing my trailer.
What tire are you running? My 37" tire trucks are actually my worst in snow. The '04 with 285 all seasons or cooper snow claw tires is way better. The G80 will pull my snowmobile trailer up to 10,000ft is 2wd most of the time. 4wd and over a foot of snow on the road is no problem. Mud terrains and or wide tires are terrible in the snow and ice. I have run BFG, Swampers, Coopers, Toyo, Nitto off road tires in large sizes and they were all really bad in snow or ice.. A narrow 33" tire with a specific ice and snow rating will out perform them all.
You aren't far from Kenny. If your truck is drivable, I'd see if he's willing to be paid to get one of his axles ready for you and then let you drive over and help swap it at his place with the lift. That would be money well spent for easy, quick, peace of mind, and a chance to meet a cool CK5'er.
78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
Ya, I thought about that. He suggests not doing that though. He feels that replacing my seals and installing a "lunchbox diff" is the way to go. I wonder what he would charge to do that to my axle.
Talk to some folks with lockers before committing to that in a truck with a fair amount of on road time. G80 is tough enough in 14 bolts. Other devices may be more road friendly if you don't want a g80. The van axle is nice for the track width as well. Good luck!
78 GMC Jimmy
1/2 ton status
With the current setup, I have terrible traction. If its raining, taking off from a stop sign is one wheel wonder, unless I am careful. Although I do usually stomp the gas peddle a lot. I'm sure snow will be terrible.
My current tires:
Link: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/wan/d/seattle-wanted-k5-blazer-parts/7761617086.html
My current tires:
Link: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/wan/d/seattle-wanted-k5-blazer-parts/7761617086.html
Those tires are most of your problem in snow.
