So what's the real deal with my gov bomb?

[Redwookie]

So this is my second "real" truck my first being an 85 1/2 ton chevy 4x4 and now my 89 k5. Before that I messed around with all things Camaro but never really messed with diff that much till now. My vehicle option codes listed in my glove box claim I have 3.73 gears and a factory locker. At least according to the link to deciphering the option codes I think I found on here a while back. And as I understand it, it isn't a limited slip but a locker with a clutch pack? And also if this is the case does it actuallydo anything??!! I've only had the Blazer out a few times and haven't noticed anything special as far traction coming from thr rear. I haven't had anyone actually eyeball the back and tell me if I've only had one tire fire but it sure as heck feels like it. I know they are junk to the "junkies but till the $$ is around to put my14bff in it's what I got. Soo.. is it worn out? Do the clutches wear? Am I imagining it and I am getting some help out back? Is it just busted? Isthe option code wrong? Fill me in mighty Blazer Kahunas

 

[noJeepshere]

look up "gov-lock", kinda scary what theyll do. one way i test mine is put one wheel in dirt and the other on bare pavement, then gas it enough to spin the tires. itll lock up if it still works, if not, well, be careful from then on, theyre not called bombs, for no reason.

 

[Wrench]

There's a lot of misinformation floating around about gov-locks, but the primary thing to remember is that they are designed to help out in low traction situations, not as a boggin/crawling/racing traction device. In other words, if you want to find out why they're called gov bombs, start doing burnouts on dry pavement. Or one wheel in mud and the other on dry pavement.

On the other hand, if you're in a slippery situation and not getting traction, you should feel it lock up when the difference in wheel speed (between the slipping and non slipping tire) reaches 100RPM. If the clutches are tight, it'll kick a little. They lock up hard, that's why you don't use them for clutch dumps or rock crawling.

 

[Mudbug1979]

Bomb

If your going to wheel it, be afraid, be very afraid, moooohhhhaaahhhhaaaa

 

[Redwookie]

Well took into some fairly serious wheeling, at least for me, yesterday at chivo falls. Everything worked great except the fuel pump DOH!!!!! That was fun. It took a team of three Jeeps and a 1/2 ton truck to pull my ass out of the canyon I was in. Then I got to wait in a blizzard for a tow truck! It was a fun day!

 

[pauly383]

They will lock at low speeds , and they will grenade at any speed . Not a very sturdy design . Mine went 3 years from purchase of truck to explosion .

Solution was an open carrier axle and a lockright .

 

[Redwookie]

They will lock at low speeds , and they will grenade at any speed . Not a very sturdy design . Mine went 3 years from purchase of truck to explosion .

Solution was an open carrier axle and a lockright .

Well hopefully it lasts just long enough..I've got a 14bff sitting in a shed just waiting for the money to lock it, put it on, and do the 8 lug conversion up front..