How can I test if my G80 is "working as designed".
I got hung up the other day (frame hung, see-saw) and I swear I only had one-wheel wonder action going on out back.

Thanks,
Jay

 

got the same g80 in my blazer and I get the same thing all the time. only one spinning when supposed to have two.....

 

It's not a locker and if I remember correctly the design of it makes it work kind of like a variable limited slip. Unless one tire is sensed as slipping, the other tire won't lock in. I believe it was designed to keep your rear end from coming loose and sending you sideways on things like a gravel road (which I had happen to me once with a true limited-slip axle.)

 

Correction, it is a locker. It is a gov-loc assembly that is used. It will act somewhat like a light limited slip under normal conditions and once one slip on one wheel is sensed, it will lock the diff up, turning both wheels. This may result in the back end getting loose, but is to be expected with anything but an open diff.

As far as testing goes... That is a tough one. Given that there must first be a speed differential between the two wheels, it presents a problem for testing. While you are out and about, try getting onto a loose surface and just mash it in 2wd. See if one wheel spins or two...

 

I dunno, I've grown up calling an axle that turns both wheels at the same time, all the time, a locker, activated either manually, electrically, or by pneumatics. GM can call the G80 what it wants to, but to me it's a form of limited-slip axle.

Just found this short article on this subject:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/locking.html

 

From the link above:

 

Yeah, I read that. It's the last line that counts. Even a limited-slip 'locks' up at some point. I'm still gonna callour's a limited-slip.

I know, I'm just hard-headed.

 

The difference as I see it is even if a limited slip will 'lock-up' at some point, it will not lock as soon as the automatic locker that the G80 is. Weakness aside, the G80 is the best of both worlds, limited slip around town so you don't wear your tires out prematurely and a locker when things get messy.

 

Awright, now we're gettin' closer! I love common ground.

 

The G80 is supposed to lock up at something like a 200RPM difference...

The G80 in the new style GM pickups works MUCH better...


I'm not a fan of the G80 in my Blazer... it might as well be an open diff, for how often it locks, lol.


There's a Volvo board somewhere, where the guys are modding their G80's for full lock 100% of the time... Which means you can probably get the G80 to lock earlier...