I plan to do a lot of off-road trails for fun/exploring/camping/fishing/hunting but NO rock crawling (can't afford to be breaking stuff in the middle of nowhere) - So, given my intended use, is the G80 diff gonna lock when I need it and get me out of trouble, or is it more likely to break and get me into trouble instead?

If there's any doubt, I think I'd get a mechanical OX-locker, simple and reliable full lock diff from what I've read.

If the G80 is still working I'd keep it until it breaks. I think I would seriously consider putting a locker in the front. When you go to 4 wheel drive, it's really 2 1/2 wheel drive. Also, the correct tires will also help a bunch as you wander from the pavement.

I had a 97 Tahoe 6.5 with the same options you have. It was a great truck! I'd run the stock 10 bolt G80 till it lets go, then go find yourself a 6 lug G80 9.5 14 bolt from a HD 1500 C/K truck for what an aftermarket locker installed will cost you.

If the G80 is still working I'd keep it until it breaks.



I'd run the stock 10 bolt G80 till it lets go


From both of your quotes it sounds like it's not a matter of "if" but "when" it breaks/let's go? - If that's how it is, will it leave me stranded when it breaks, or will I be able to limp out of there? - I just had the cover off, to replace the oil, and everything looked good inside, nice even wear patterns, no chipped teeth, no metal particles in the oil.


go find yourself a 6 lug G80 9.5 14 bolt from a HD 1500 C/K truck for what an aftermarket locker installed will cost you.

Is the 9.5 14 bolt G80 going to be more reliable and more effective than a cable operated mechanical locker?


I think I would seriously consider putting a locker in the front.


I like the sound of that advice. Put an OX-locker in front for now, then another one (or a 14 bolt w/G80) in rear when my 10 bolt G80 fails...but will it leave me stranded when it fails? I'd just as soon toss it out now, if there's any doubt? - The places I want to go are very remote and I'll be gone for days.

Thanks for the advice, guys!

If you know how it works and use it accordingly you wont have any problems. I have owned both 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks with gov-loks and never had any problems.

When something fails it's never going to do it at an opportune time. Me personally I prefer a manual activated locker so if you're going to spend the money anyway, build it with the OX.
I guess it all depends on how deep your pockets are.
The factory locker should last awhile though as long as it's not beat upon like a rented mule.

The G80 was designed for ice, rain & snow, not for off-road. Just my opinion.
In the off-road crowd we call it the Gov-bomb.
"Heartbeat Hauler" is right on the money with the suggestion regarding tires. I reco B.F.Goodrich KM2.

Auburn, Eaton both make great limited slip units. They also make electric lockers for several applications including the GM 10 bolt. Yukon makes a Dura Grip limited slip which is also good.

Any of the above units will work great for you. If you think that you might be getting a little more serious off road you should look into the selectible lockers.

I also think that having a rear locker/limited slip will help you a lot on the trails more than just putting a selectible locker in the front. You will get more use out of it.

My g80 didnt last long at all. It just doesnt spin two wheels now. But I still drive it every day.

"Gov-bomb"? LOL, that says it all.

I'm a poor carpenter, so I'll have to handle that bomb like live ordinance till I can afford to swap it out for a 14 bolt 9.5" with an OX-Locker (or similar) installation.


"Heartbeat Hauler" is right on the money with the suggestion regarding tires. I reco B.F.Goodrich KM2.


I agree - I bought a nice cheap set of used '03 17" Escalade rims (just because I like how they look on the old Tahoe) and mounted a new set of Yokohama Geolanders A/T-S - These are pretty much my daily driver wheels that will allow me to do mild off-road on random dirtbike haulin' trips and get me to the local fishing holes. I plan to mount a set of Cooper Discovery ST's to the stock 16" Tahoe rims and install them for the more challenging off-road trips.

So how do you know if your G80 is working or broke? Burnout and see if 2 wheels spin or what? on dirt or pavement? OR do you have to pull the dif cover off and look in there for broken parts.
Thanks.

No lockers are available for the gm 8.25 ifs front diff.

For a rear 10 bolt, i vote for a trutrac. I don't think a locked 10 bolt will hold up long.

No lockers are available for the gm 8.25 ifs front diff.

I did not know that. Is there another ifs gm diff available that can take a locker? Or do you have to do a straight axel conversion to get the front locker?

The 9.25 ifs that is available in the 3/4 ton trucks and up has lockers available. But, the diff case is prone to cracking from the extra stress. Some guys get away with it while others destroy the case. Also, the 9.25 diff is not a direct swap and would take significant work to be done correctly. By then you would have been better off doing a SAS.