3wd ???

tyhuck · January 16, 2013

Not at all. Going down a straight road with equal traction at all tires then you have an essentially even split to all four.

SO essentially, in situations where traction is limited and not equal to all wheels, the 4wd becomes useless?

Example: Im driving through mud and as I approach the end of the mud (or even sand) hole my rear axel (G80 engaged successfully) is spinning both rear wheels, and one of my front tires hits a slick spot and also begins to spin. The one tire on solid ground will never receive traction?

Seems like they could have put some sort of limited slip in it that wouldnt blow it up. Not a full locker, just something that will put a little more tension on the tire that grips to get you out of a sticky situation.

kstruckcountry · January 16, 2013

I believe ARB makes a front locker for the GM front axles. Most people stay away from locking an IFS because it can damage front end components. Well it can damage a solid axle as well, but you get what I mean. Long story short, traction especially with big tires, breaks stuff.

tyhuck · January 16, 2013

I believe ARB makes a front locker for the GM front axles. Most people stay away from locking an IFS because it can damage front end components. Well it can damage a solid axle as well, but you get what I mean. Long story short, traction especially with big tires, breaks stuff.

I smell what you are steppin in. Thats why I havent, and wont do anything to the front diff. I was just saying that GM should develop a front diff that has some sort of limited slip, and build it to handle the extra stress without exploding internally.

Ive never been in a situation that my truck woudlt get out of on its own, and I dont really forsee getting into one where I currently use my truck. It was just a thought I had.

KMGZ400 · January 16, 2013

SO essentially, in situations where traction is limited and not equal to all wheels, the 4wd becomes useless?

Example: Im driving through mud and as I approach the end of the mud (or even sand) hole my rear axel (G80 engaged successfully) is spinning both rear wheels, and one of my front tires hits a slick spot and also begins to spin. The one tire on solid ground will never receive traction?

Seems like they could have put some sort of limited slip in it that wouldnt blow it up. Not a full locker, just something that will put a little more tension on the tire that grips to get you out of a sticky situation.

yes thats how it works, i cant imagine there is much ice in texas, but you can really play around with spinning the tires on ice, and get a good understanding on how it works.

having the G80 really does help in offroad situations, especially in 2WD

tyhuck · January 16, 2013

Well, it depends on what part of Texas you are from. Im kinda on the line where ice can become a problem, but most of my 4wd use is in mud or sand.

MikeNH · January 16, 2013

SO essentially, in situations where traction is limited and not equal to all wheels, the 4wd becomes useless?

Example: Im driving through mud and as I approach the end of the mud (or even sand) hole my rear axel (G80 engaged successfully) is spinning both rear wheels, and one of my front tires hits a slick spot and also begins to spin. The one tire on solid ground will never receive traction?

Seems like they could have put some sort of limited slip in it that wouldnt blow it up. Not a full locker, just something that will put a little more tension on the tire that grips to get you out of a sticky situation.

Yep. Most manufactures steer clear of any kind of front diff traction aid for whatever reason.

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waumo1 · January 16, 2013

If you don't have a rear locker or traction control, apply your parking brake a bit which should stop the spinning wheel and give the other some power. I used that technique a few times to get my old RWD Pontiac with an open differential traction on ice and snow.

Our Jeep SRT has open differentials. It uses traction control to apply the brake to the spinning wheel and regain power to the other wheel. It works well.

tyhuck · January 16, 2013

Yep. Most manufactures steer clear of any kind of front diff traction aid for whatever reason.

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Yeah, I know Ford sells the majority of their 4wd trucks without a rear locker unless you specially order one. I think its their way of getting you to buy the FX4 package.

Chris · January 16, 2013

Could an E or air locker in the front be beneficial? That way it only locks when you want it to lock such as being stuck

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Frogfish · January 16, 2013

Could an E or air locker in the front be beneficial? That way it only locks when you want it to lock such as being stuck

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Lots of trail rigs that double duty as a DD have ARB air lockers in the front.

TimmyG · January 16, 2013

Gm wont add a locker based on price and 80% of the people wouldnt use it

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kstruckcountry · January 16, 2013

The main issue on locking ifs is breaking components like tie rods and CVs. But believe me, I've thought about it many times.

If I get to build my GMT 400 beast it may get one.

4 Wheel Off Road's ultimate adventure truck was an IFS F150 in 2011, they built it up and put 40's on I think. Only issue they had was a mangled CV I think.