Visually inspect the Gov-Lock by taking cover off and looking for chunks of metal at the bottom of the housing.
Also, once you get it apart, you will see all kinds of small springs, weights, and gears, that look like clock innards. Inspect the small gear teeth (inner part of the carrier, drivers side) for broken teeth, and see that the weights on the carrier aren't stuck open or closed.
This works on S-10's, but not sure how it works on our trucks with the bigger rear ends/bigger tires. Jack up the rear end (off the ground) put the vehicle in neutral, e-brake off. Spin one tire slowly, and watch the other one. If the gov-lock is operating correctly, (or maybe even broken) the opposite tire should be spinning in the OPPOSITE direction you are turning.
Now, if that checks out ok, try spinning the same tire by hand, HARD. Try to turn it as fast as you can, from the get go. The mass you are trying to turn might be too heavy, but on the S-10's, you can move the tire fast enough to actually get the rear end to lock up. You'll hear and feel the "clunk" typically as the other axle takes up the movement you are imparting.
Be aware, that at least in a 10 bolt, the Gov Lock carrier WILL explode if you like to spin large tires. If you know the limitations, and SLOWLY increase RPM's in tire spinning situations, you will lessen the likelihood of breakge. I've had two of them, and didn't break either, and I'm still running one of them.
Dorian
My tech/links page: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</a>
No anti-theft measures on your truck? No pity when its stolen
