Chevy Truck feature focus - G80 Locking Axle

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham

Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com

4/27/2015

 

Chevy trucks have a lock on traction. In a recent product focus document, GM shined the light on its G80 Locking Axle. A locking axle is what makes it possible for a vehicle like a 2WD Silverado pull a boat up a ramp. Locking axles also help 4WD trucks gain better traction. Explaining what makes the G80 option code special, Jeff Luke, Chevy's executive chief engineer said, “The G80 locking axle provides a greater traction advantage than limited-slip differentials in most situations, while its automatic engagement requires no driver involvement, unlike some competitors’ electronic lockers, which require driver activation. The G80’s simplicity, durability and sure-footed grip have been proven with generations of customers, as it has been a staple of the Chevy truck lineup for more than 40 years.”

 

The G80 is standard on LTZ and Z71 versions of the Silverado 1500 and all Silverado 2500 and 3500 and available on most models. The feature requires no driver involvement. Explaining how it works, Chevy said, "When the G80 detects excessive wheel slip, a flyweight-type governor engages. A self-energized clutch system causes a cam plate to ramp against a side gear, compressing disc pack to cause both rear axle shafts/wheels to rotate at the same speed." The end result is less wheel slip and greater traction.

[MikeNH]

GM needs to give up on this. Both my Silverados had it and it was worthless. I don't know if Eaton gave GM a killer deal on a few million of these or what but I'd take a manually-activated e-locker that I felt confident would actually engage all day long over wondering if the G80 will actually lock up.

[barry G]

GM needs to give up on this. Both my Silverados had it and it was worthless. I don't know if Eaton gave GM a killer deal on a few million of these or what but I'd take a manually-activated e-locker that I felt confident would actually engage all day long over wondering if the G80 will actually lock up.

 

I actually agree. If you have rally road ride to get to where your going, angled roads, curves doing the wrong thing..

those lockers have been a source of pain here.

 

If there was a switch, like a tractor trailer.. real hard definition. It would be awesome. Else...let the automatics go to automatic fanbois.