Reliability of the G80 Locker

[Messenger]

I want to hear your thoughts and concerns on the G80 locker. I've been playing around with the idea of putting one in when I swap the gears. I've heard mixed things about it. I guess they call it the GOV-Bomb. The will be used as a recreational/weekend driver, occasional two tracking, and some weekends at Silver Lake Sand Dunes here in Michigan, and maybe a burnout or two if possible.

Here's my build:
Built up 350 SB appx 340hp
TH350 with shift kit
3.73 Gears with possible G80 Locker
31" Tires

 

[350runner]

They do good just stay away from right hand turn burn outs and you'll be ok

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[NOPHO84K30]

Im prety sure mine just craped out got the one whel peel now. But I dont know how old it was could be original im looking at a detroit new gears master install kit open carrier around $1400 having a shop do the install im not trying it never done it not trashing new parts trying to figure it out ....

 

[bucket]

Gov-loc in a 10 bolt is like Russian roulette. Nine times out of 10 they fail, sometimes they just quit working, but sometimes they pop and the pieces get lodged somewhere and can chip teeth or even grenade the carrier.

 

[gpmorgan]

Eaton limited slip is what I used on my c1500. Quite and smooth operation. The only time it slips is when you turn but if WOT you better hang on because you will be drifting. And yes, the gov-lock is a gov-bomb.

 

[kleedus]

the g80 is considered a low speed traction device not really designed for burn outs and abuse. more for slow light duty stuff snowy muddy roads in a daily driver.

I have one in my 07 crew cab I just found that out today I had an axle seal leaking while fixing that I discovered the g80 in it. I daily drive it and never new it was in there. it works still I just don't get this truck in situations where I need it so I never new.

 

[HotRodPC]

Gov-loc in a 10 bolt is like Russian roulette. Nine times out of 10 they fail, sometimes they just quit working, but sometimes they pop and the pieces get lodged somewhere and can chip teeth or even grenade the carrier.

They're worse than Russion Roulette. You're right, 9 of 10 fail, not 1 of 5 or 6.

There are plenty of other good LSD (Limited Slip Diff) units, or Locker Units out there. Avoid the G80 Eaton Gov-Lok. It doesn't get the name Gov-Bomb for no reason at all.

You can even cheap out and go with a Lunchbox locker in an open diff without having to reset up your ring and pinion if you can tolerate a bit of harshness on turns and maybe some ratcheting noises from the rear axle. I'd keep in under 300hp and consider 33in tires the max if going with a lunchbox. It's said they'll handle up to 35in tires and 350hp, but a safety margin in there it should last. I wouldn't hesitate to put one in a stocker with some mild adders.

 

[HotRodPC]

the g80 is considered a low speed traction device not really designed for burn outs and abuse. more for slow light duty stuff snowy muddy roads in a daily driver.

I have one in my 07 crew cab I just found that out today I had an axle seal leaking while fixing that I discovered the g80 in it. I daily drive it and never new it was in there. it works still I just don't get this truck in situations where I need it so I never new.

This is also true about low speeds under 25mph. Gov-Lok is a fantastic unit if all you're doing is things like pulling a boat out of the water up a slippery ramp or trying to get up a snowy slick steep driveway. Past that, they just don't tolerate much abuse.

 

[HotRodPC]

Eaton limited slip is what I used on my c1500. Quite and smooth operation. The only time it slips is when you turn but if WOT you better hang on because you will be drifting. And yes, the gov-lock is a gov-bomb.

That is a good unit. Now I do forget which one, but the Auburn LSD is also a good unit. Foamy did the research when he was shopping for one and one of the 2 won him over because one could be rebuilt fairly reasonably, and the other once it wore out, by the time you rebuilt it, you're better off just to buy a new unit. Most LSD units use clutches and steels like an auto transmission clutch pack and they do wear out over time.

 

[MadOgre]

I think the Torsen or Detroit True Trac lockers are still in the same price range as Eaton or Auburn Limited Slips.

I have not seen one in action but I am curious as im thinking that I may want one.