GM locking differential - how it works

While servicing the differential on a 2004 Silverado pickup truck, I thought I'd take the opportunity to explain how a locking differential works

[stopspinskydiving]

Look in the glove compartment at the code sticker. If you see G80, then you have the Eaton locking rear dif.

[MitzvosGolem]

In old days we would put ebrake on half way when wheel spinning would transfer torque to other tire and get you out of a rut.

[codymoncrief]

Gov-locks actually also have clutch packs inside. Basically when the flyweights begin to move outwards, the first weight actuates a pressure plate that applies the clutches and effectively brakes the two axle shafts before the mechanical latch fully locks the spider gears, yielding a smooth engagement. The clutch system works well for most normal driving and stock size tires. The problem lies in the clutches. With worn clutches, heavy throttle, and/or oversize tires, the clutches are no longer able to effectively slow the axle shafts; this results in the latching action being quite violent. This inadequate braking is responsible for the failure mode of gov locks.
The 14-bolt version is quite a beefcake and is very robust, but the 10/12 bolt versions are notorious for failures. If you have one, I highly recommend replacing it at soonest convenience. For a normal street/winter vehicle, an Eaton True-Trac would be perfect. For an off-road or heavily worked truck, a Detroit no-spin would be likewise a good choice. Just my 0.02, take it or leave it.

[brijahn]

Great video. Thanks for explaining in a way that's easy to understand.

[Sammy-bljf]

wow!! always wanted to see how it actually works, appreciate it bro thanks for that..

[yupsir]

1 millions views! Great video. I drive my 4x4 silverado in 2wd as far as I can to see the locking diff at work, till I get stuck because i didn't air down and just stick it 4wd to keep going

[bravo]

Very nice job Van. Using an actual differential. Thanks

[voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang]

Wow - amazing expose on limited slip locking diff - riveting. thanks

[thatkyleguy]

Cool video, very informative, thank you!!

[denverkenyon]

That is awesome! Thank you for this wonderful explanation!

[JayJay-devq]

The anchor peice that the spinning "Gov" locks on to also moves with centrifugal force so it will swing out of the way when the carrier is rotating to fast so that the "Gov" will not catch it to activate the locker. That way it will not lock at high speeds and damage it self or cause both tires to break loose on wet road surface at high speed.

[EnvoyExpress]

THANK YOU! that was a great help. Thank God

[engineercar]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing.

[evangelon]

Cool, thanks for the vid. I learned something.

[altonlewis]

it's a good locker mine works great when it snowed I just put cider blocks in the back I didn't really need my four wheel drive I got around fine

[TheDpkustums]

just reassembled my g80 locker and the governor lock slides side to side do I drive them in farther so they don't slide so much

[kcstrm]

Thanks for the info man! I'm rebuilding my 10 bolt 8 1/2 rear now. I'm NOT a mechanic, I'm just NOT paying over 3k for a shop to fix my cracked pinion!
Wish me luck, and thank you for the video.

[ctascmercdoc]

You are super close to explaining the G80 Locking diff. or Gov Loc. Also this is considered a LSD, it has clutches that have a low preload on them, at least my 70s GM truck was. When the govenor opens and locks on to the tab it caused a ramp to move to increase psi on the clutch packs to lock the diff under power it does not lock to the spider gears. Also it will only lock under 25mph, above that speed +/- the govenor spins out so that it will not latch the tab. This is a good diff but does not like to have tires over 33inches on them.

[abdcontractingltd]

I have a question, i bought a 09 silverado with 4.56 yukon gears installed for larger tires. They are both open differentials. Could i get a locker installed with these gears ? or would i have to order a new set of gears altogethe

[guest]

8 months ago from 24 feb 2019 2:43 pm est:
thanks

24 feb 2019 2:43 pm est:
i wonder whether rear-drive-shaft is being pressed against left-side-gear which face to right-side.