No G80 Locker Blues

[Shawn T]

On my last two half tons (one OBS and one NBS) I had the G80 locking rear. On this 03 HD I just have an open diff. It is a long story. I ordered this exact truck with the auto locker in it and I backed out at the last minute. Unfortunately, when I changed my mind again, the dealership had sold it. I had them do a dealer search and they found an identical truck, except for one option, the G80. I said, "oh well it wont really matter that much". Boy was I wrong. I had to use 4wd in a parking lot the second day I had it because I was on a bind and the one tire just kept spinning. I have been in about 20 situations just like that in the last year and a half. My other 2 trucks were pretty capable in 2wd, but this truck is a pig. I guess my question is: Can I find an 11 inch G80, 3.73 autolocker on Ebay or in a junkyard and have it istalled for a reasonable price. I don't want an aftermarket true locker. I want the auto locker with no switches and no worries. I know the labor alone is probably steep. I just can't live without it anymore. It feels like my truck has a broken leg when I go hunting and offroading. It just limps around in 2wd waiting for the 4wd crutch.

[dewfpo]

It shouldn't be hard to one in a wrecking yard. The G80 for your truck has been around long enough. If your not going to do the install yourself, I suggest taking it to a rear end specialist to make sure all the tolerances are set dead on. If you go with bigger tires you may even want to consider the 4.10 rear.

 

DEWFPO

[number9]

Yes, I agree - take it to someone that KNOWS how to work on gearsets/rearends for SURE. Not just anyone can do them right. If you have to take it to the dealer (I know $$$$) but don't let some backyard wrench rip into the rearend guts of a brand new $$$$$$$$ truck.

[builderpaul]

Someone may chime in on this but I heard the G80s in the NBS 2500HD and bigger (full floating rear ends) use a different clutch from previous years. Might want to check that out before junk yard serching.

[Jacqson]

On my last two half tons (one OBS and one NBS) I had the G80 locking rear.  On this 03 HD I just have an open diff.  It is a long story.  I ordered this exact truck with the auto locker in it and I backed out at the last minute.  Unfortunately, when I changed my mind again, the dealership  had sold it.  I had them do a dealer search and they found an identical truck, except for one option, the G80.  I said, "oh well it wont really matter that much". Boy was I wrong.  I had to use 4wd in a parking lot the second day I had it because I was on a bind and the one tire just kept spinning.  I have been in about 20 situations just like that in the last year and a half.  My other 2 trucks were pretty capable in 2wd, but this truck is a pig.  I guess my question is: Can I find an 11 inch G80, 3.73 autolocker on Ebay or in a junkyard and have it istalled for a reasonable price.  I don't want an aftermarket true locker.  I want the auto locker with no switches and no worries.  I know the labor alone is probably steep.  I just can't live without it anymore.  It feels like my truck has a broken leg when I go hunting and offroading.  It just limps around in 2wd waiting for the 4wd crutch.

 

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If you don't have the G80 option in your truck consider yourself lucky. I have had nothing but trouble with these things in several trucks. If you want a good G80 type unit go for the Eaton Posi, it is an awesome unit which is rebuildable and is light years better than the G80 unit that you can only buy new from GM. I know that the G80 option is also made by Eaton but there is no comparison between the two. I have seen the Eaton for around $450.00 new and most places will give you free shipping.

[Bgdsub72]

that was the first option I looked for when I considered a truck at the dealership. My 95 was a non G80 truck and I got in a bind on a few ocassions. Glad my new truck has it!

[chevhot]

how soon are you looking to get it o am going to put 4:88 in my truck with a Detroit Locker and i will have the G80 for sale

[the blur]

I would love to put a G80 in my Denali. G80 is NOT available from the factory on the Denali.....

[ROMAD]

Ok, I am new to this site, so don't beat me up for asking dumb questions...but.....

 

I have a 99 rado 2WD 1500. It has 315/75/R16s under a 7inch lift. The rearend code says GU6 and G80. I have been told that is a 3.42 gear and a auto locker? My question is..can I just change the gear size to a 4.10 or 4.56 and keep the stock locker? If anyone has any knowledge of this...and I am sure there are tons of ya...please Help!!!

 

 

 

Tony out "Death on Target"