G80 Does Not Lock

[grimmysnr]

I know most folks dont like the G80 but my truck is still under warranty and I would much rather just have GM put in a new one, however, I keep getting the run around from the dealer. Basically couple years back when I spin one wheel there would be this clunk from the back which let me know that everything was working or some type of response back there. Now whenever I spin just one wheel I dont hear anything and it doesnt seem like its locking because the wheel just does whatever. This can be from a dead stop and with the pavement around here its really easy to spin wheel with little power applied. Took it to the dealer a few times asking them to ops check it and they came back with "everything seems to work fine". I am just not buying it anymore. There is no leaking, or strange noises, and the truck drives fine. Tranny shifts great and everything. So could my G80 still be broken? I have tested it a few times on gravel roads and quite a bit last winter. I can't really assess whether anything is happening other than the fact I don't hear that clunk noise anymore.

 

What should I do? Besides spend $3498714014 on a new locker since the new lean and mean GM will be footing the bill.

[2COR517]

Have you tried one tire on the hot top and one on gravel? What does it do then when you flatten it?

[bossier62guy]

I know most folks dont like the G80 but my truck is still under warranty and I would much rather just have GM put in a new one, however, I keep getting the run around from the dealer. Basically couple years back when I spin one wheel there would be this clunk from the back which let me know that everything was working or some type of response back there. Now whenever I spin just one wheel I dont hear anything and it doesnt seem like its locking because the wheel just does whatever. This can be from a dead stop and with the pavement around here its really easy to spin wheel with little power applied. Took it to the dealer a few times asking them to ops check it and they came back with "everything seems to work fine". I am just not buying it anymore. There is no leaking, or strange noises, and the truck drives fine. Tranny shifts great and everything. So could my G80 still be broken? I have tested it a few times on gravel roads and quite a bit last winter. I can't really assess whether anything is happening other than the fact I don't hear that clunk noise anymore.

 

What should I do? Besides spend $3498714014 on a new locker since the new lean and mean GM will be footing the bill.

 

Go find a ditch like this guy did and give it an ops check....

 

[grimmysnr]

Have you tried one tire on the hot top and one on gravel? What does it do then when you flatten it?

 

I tried one tire on ice the other on pavement. This didn't yield the results I was looking for because the truck just felt like it gradually slipped itself off the ice. There was no "bam" diff is locked and off you go kind of thing. I will go drive around and see if I can find some kind of ditch. I have seen some people do that and quite a few youtube videos too.

[2COR517]

Stacks on a pickup crack me up.

[Nanotech Environmental]

I had the clutch pack replaced in my G80 this past winter under warranty(IIRC at about 57000kmish - 2006 Ext. cab 4x4). I had similar problems as the OP. Only problem is that now I have essentially a locked rear end, as they tightened things up more than the stock settings when they did the install. I doesn't bother me too much, as it works the way it should in the snow. But when the posi finally craps out again, I'm putting something much better in.

[dlewis1111]

When I am on a dirt road and hit it, my G80 locks in and I can spin both wheels equally almost from the start. Does yours do this? Have you changed the fluid and looked inside to see whats going on?

[grimmysnr]

I have changed the fluid and in fact had gm do it with there recommended oil and they found no metal or anything of interest. It is kind of hard to test things really because I really have to romp on it to get the wheel spinning sometimes and I cant tell if both are locked or one spins more than the other. Without that clunk and then instant traction I am not sure how to troubleshoot this. I am still on the lookout for a ditch that I can test at. Most around here are in neighborhoods and I am sure they wont appreciate me romping through their yards.

[gave20]

Besides spend $3498714014 on a new locker since the new lean and mean GM will be footing the bill.

 

I think 3.4 billion dollars is a little steep for a G80, maybe search the junkyards for a wrecker. I maybe talked into parting with mine for $1 billion.

 

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[builderpaul]

I have changed the fluid and in fact had gm do it with there recommended oil and they found no metal or anything of interest. It is kind of hard to test things really because I really have to romp on it to get the wheel spinning sometimes and I cant tell if both are locked or one spins more than the other. Without that clunk and then instant traction I am not sure how to troubleshoot this. I am still on the lookout for a ditch that I can test at. Most around here are in neighborhoods and I am sure they wont appreciate me romping through their yards.

 

If you have a floor jack just jack up one rear and put it in gear. If truck moves the G80 is working.

Above 20 mph these will not lock. If you floor it (romp on it, flatten it, etc) you can spin the free wheel over 20 mph before the locker has a chance to lock. Easy on the gas will lock them.

[mr_bots]

Pull over with one tire in the dirt, gravel, snow, etc a and one on the street, then give it enough gas to break the tire on the low traction surface loose. If you hear any tire spin from the tire on the street, it works. I've done this a few times to make sure it still works.