G80 Discussion & Tech!

[pauly383]

Just go browse around at AAM's website , and you find what types of lockers and LS units are available in GM's and Mopars modern rigs .

 

[AJMBLAZER]

So what we have it down to is it's a uniquely designed locker that doesn't lock up 100% like a Detroit or Lock Right but isn't up to the task of serious use, doesn't age well, and is known to blow itself up and even if it survives until "old age" it probably won't lock anymore...?

 

[pauly383]

The new ones last longer from what I understand . Like 700r4's

 

[Avery4jc]

Yeah the G80 in my C2500 still works perfectly (saw that in the sand in the dunes as well as the snow/ice here in Texas) and the truck has 86,xxx miles on it... I had the bearings checked and fluid changed in the rear end before our trip from Cali to Texas but thats it so as far as I know its the original unit...

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The 14FF ones are a whole different animal from everything I've heard. Maybe they're actually big enough to survive, I dunno.

Open diffs for me. Easier to put a Detroit or anything else in.

 

[guz71]

So what we have it down to is it's a uniquely designed locker that doesn't lock up 100% like a Detroit or Lock Right but isn't up to the task of serious use, doesn't age well, and is known to blow itself up and even if it survives until "old age" it probably won't lock anymore...?

Right but it does lock up, or am I confused now?

 

[dyeager535]

They lock up.

 

[Avery4jc]

So we have...

1. They do lock up when working properly
2. They use clutches to soften the typical locking feel associated w/ lockers such as the detroit
3. 14ff G80's are different than "gov-bombs" which are G80's in 10b's
4. The RPO code G80 is very generic so it could actually be a number of setups

 

[guz71]

except the dont really lock up....just messing with ya. Are the ones in the 14ff's a whole different design, or just built better?

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Probably just larger components so they have a bit more stress resistance.

Rather have a proper locker any day.

 

[dyeager535]

The differential case is the weak part in the gov-lock 10 bolts, the 14SF I've seen it looks like the carriers hold up, but can strip the small gears that drive the gov-lock.

The 14FF carrier design is entirely different, which is likely why it seems to hold up so much better.

Agreed on the locker portion, it's not a real one, which is great for mostly on-road or very light offroading, but since it's not always locked up, hardcore wheeling can show its limitations.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

What do they put in the new trucks? Or is it an in-house built unit?

I got to thinking about that...I think his '07 should have the new electronic traction control systems...so maybe that has something to do with it?

 

[guz71]

The gov lock actually locks the axle shafts together, so I would consider it a locker. Not trying to argue, but if it actually locks the axle shafts up so that they cant spin different of each other and recieve equal amounts or torque, wouldnt it classify as a locker? The fact that it doesnt work over 25mph is another hit against it, but at slow speeds it would work like a detroit, give it holds up anyways....

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The thing I have against it is the whole "not locking under certain situations" thing. That doesn't apply to something like a Lock Right, Detroit, NoSlip, Aussie Locker, etc except when turning. They lock up 100% otherwise.

The Gov Lock is a psuedo-locker to me. If anyone's ever used a PowerTrax NoSlip or Aussie Locker with their improved manors then you'd REALLY question the need for a Gov-Lock.

 

[Avery4jc]

The fact that it doesnt work over 25mph is another hit against it

Well that's not good... especially because in situations like sand/mud/ice I'm sure you can have a wheel speed of 25mph+ and not actually be going 25mph...

 

[guz71]

Yeah, I dont think anyone would ever swap one in on purpose. I think its more like if you had to categorize carriers, what would the gov lock fall under. It would be the little wimp of lockers. Id have to agree with the powertrax, drive with improved manors and the act very nice on the street.

 

[BILTIT]

Yeah, I dont think anyone would ever swap one in on purpose. I think its more like if you had to categorize carriers, what would the gov lock fall under. It would be the little wimp of lockers. Id have to agree with the powertrax, drive with improved manors and the act very nice on the street.

I swapped one in on purpose for my 14bff. I wanted the ''no lock up over 25''. I have seen so many people going up icy hills at 100k/hr and the rear end slides sideways from there locker fully engaged. I don't want that and i drive in the snow/ice alot. They are a locker just a modified one to act differently from the norm. They were produced for the masses as most did not like the driving characteristics a normal locker gave but they still wanted a lock up device when the tires are spinning at different speeds. The case takes the brunt of the force with these lockers, hence the 10 bolts breaking all the time. The 14bff case is large enough to handle the forces so it does not breal near as much.

A nice video of how the locker works, would be nice to see alittle more but better than nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbMZ9vcYVSg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8nAbg5suFw


For the real technical types:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=FO88AAAAEBAJ
http://www.google.com/patents?id=2gg-AAAAEBAJ

 

[Avery4jc]

Thanks for the link...

In the side-bar movies it had this one which I found really cool... the beginning 30 seconds is pretty dumb but watch the tests they run... pretty slick...

 

[BILTIT]

For those non-believers out there, yes i still have the open case and will put a detroit in when (if?) this gives up the ghost.

 

[3car]

good vid.

Thanks for the link...

In the side-bar movies it had this one which I found really cool... the beginning 30 seconds is pretty dumb but watch the tests they run... pretty slick...