Okay, I was wondering if I can install a G80 in my 2wd rear end, or if I should just get a rear out of a 4wd model with a G80?
Also, would there be any advantages seen by it on the street?

 

I think there might be some length differences involved... but otherwise I would say see what ya can find... A full swap would be much more fun than tearing the diff open...

 

Yup I believe the axle on a 2 wheel drive is narrower than a 4wd. Not positive but pretty sure.

 

The 2wd are 54.5 LONG

The 4wd are 59" LONG

The 4wd ZR2 HD 63" LONG
All of the above are at the Wheel Mounting Point
Also look inside the Glove Box for Gm Codes
GU4=3.08
GU6=3.42
GT4=3.73
GT5=4.10
And if they have the G80 by them Jack Pot= Lockers
Good luck And Hope this Info is of use ?

 

The G80 was offered in 2wd trucks as well. You need to determine which gears you have because there are two different series of carriers. IIRC, if you have 3.08/3.42, you have a series 1 carrier and if you have 3.73/4.10, you have a series 2 carrier.

You could use a G80 out of any 7.625" rear axle under an s-series truck provided it is the same series carrier. I believe that the axle spline counts remained the same 2wd to 4wd provided you stay close in year.

You cannot use the G80 out of a ZR2 because it is not the same size axle as most of the rest of the s-series trucks. The ZR2's come with the 8.5" rear axle.

 

Also most of the 2wd 2dr 5-speed Blazers, like mine, have the 8.5" rearend, too. The 8.5" rearends use 30 spline axles. I'm pretty sure the 7.5/7.625" rear ends all use 28 spline axles.

If you do a lot of research most people hate the Gov-lock (G80). Most refer to it as a Gov-bomb or other negative phrases. Unless $$ is an issue, I would personally get an aftermarket posi/locker rather than go with the OEM option.

Later, Doug

 

the gov bomb name came from the early incarnation in which the Eaton Gov-Lock was introduced. Over time, the design was found to be sorely lacking, and was upgraded in the mid 80's and redesignated as the "G80 locking differential" same in spirit and function, but COMPLETELY different design.

The gov-lock was such a well recieved design that most major manufacturers offer a similar designed "locking rear diff" as optional equipment in there vehicles. granted this is based on the g80 update.

The crew that tends to hate the g80 is the cheap *** racer crew that want the g80 in place of a locker so they can still drive comfortably on the street, but get the 2 wheel launch. if you stuff a g80 under an upgraded 400+hp z28/corvette/nova/chevelle etc, you deserve to shred your carrier.

To answer your question: yes, you can get a g80 for your 2wd. just get it in the same size and gearing as your current set up OR replace the entire axle with one that has matching gears. Also, since you have a 190 hp suv, you should not run into a problem of putting too much power to the g80

 

Here's a fun little fact:

Camaros/Firebirds also came with the G80. My wife had a '98 Camaro SS, 325 hp with the G80 and it NEVER failed to leave to long, black stripes behind it. Mine still works in my Blazer with 188K.

That being said, get an aftermarket posi/locker as stated above. You can find them fairly cheap (under $400) and it will be brand new vice pulling a G80 out of a rearend that you have no idea how many miles are on it.

 

I just put a powertrax lock rite in $380 with shipping and took less than 2 hours to put in. If you can do a brake job you can put in a lockrite. I was originaly going to get a g80 but didnt work out also you have to get all the s@#t to line back up. Its realy up to you but if you get a lock rite you will not be dissapointed.

 

Man, thanks for the help, everyone.

I'll take a look into what's out there. I'll also have to see what Carrier I have...