How Strong Is The G80 In The 14 Bolts?

ATMINF · July 20, 2007

I have asked this in a seperate forum, but did not get any solid answers from people that really knew the answer. I have heard of some of the G80 failures in the 1/2ton 10 bolt trucks, but have not heard of any breaking in the 3/4ton 14 bolt full floaters like the ones in our trucks. I was wondering if they are really that much stronger/better, or its that fact that most of don't go crazy and overstress our trucks (ie; putting huge tires 35-40+ and lifts on basically stock light duty platforms). Thanks!

Canuck2500hd · July 20, 2007

G80 AKA the Gov-bomb. I wish it was just the 1/2 tons. I grenaded mine last week and I only run 37's. Alot of Diesel guys with the 11.5" aam axel who sled pull or drag break the G80. I'm going with a Detroit Locker in the rear, bye bye AAM crap.

vortec22 · July 20, 2007

I am interested in how many break under normal usage in these rear ends? My dad's truck has 80,000 on it and mine has 40,000, and ours still work. They are both used to tow, hunt, and general farm work. I've put mine through a workout in the snow and greasy mud but again I only have 285/75/16 tires on my truck.

spartus · July 20, 2007

G80 AKA the Gov-bomb. I wish it was just the 1/2 tons. I grenaded mine last week and I only run 37's. Alot of Diesel guys with the 11.5" aam axel who sled pull or drag break the G80. I'm going with a Detroit Locker in the rear, bye bye AAM crap.

I fail to see how you can call something CRAP when you use it beyond it's design limits. Just goes to show your lack of knowledge. BTW, the Lockers in the 14 bolts are made by EATON. You'd be suprised as to what type of testing AAM does on it's rear axles to find points of failure. The axles are actually designed really well for their INTENDED PURPOSE.

ATMINF · July 20, 2007

So I guess I was kind of correct to say that as long as you don't put huge tires on the rear the G80's last? I know that 285's pretty much equal 33's and that are the size I was planning to go with eventually. Anyone else? Thanks so far for the info!

Genuinefine409 · July 21, 2007

As long as you don't abuse the G80 i think it'll be fine. I have a 2000 S10 with the 8.5" 10 bolt rear. It had a G80 from new until about 2 years ago with I upgraded to a spool because of drag racing. My G80 had well over 500 11 second runs with slicks on it. I use a 4.88 gear and i had 60' times of 1.56 then. Never once gave me a problem however i've heard enough storys to make me upgrade before it did let go. I had a 96 Z71 which it did break at 170,000 miles but i was always decent to it and i never abuse my vehicles. My 14 bolt 10.5" FF in my 2002 2500HD has 142,000+ miles on it and it works great. Anyone that really uses their truck hard would disagree with me. Most people think it should handle whatever they throw at it which they are probably right, it should, but it can't and its defenitly not a Detroit Locker(which is also an eaton company).

Canuck2500hd · July 22, 2007

[qoute\]I fail to see how you can call something CRAP when you use it beyond it's design limits. Just goes to show your lack of knowledge. BTW, the Lockers in the 14 bolts are made by EATON. You'd be suprised as to what type of testing AAM does on it's rear axles to find points of failure. The axles are actually designed really well for their INTENDED PURPOSE.

Well for starters one of our delivery trucks is a 05 2500hd with the 14 bolt and the G80. It busted a nut 4 days after we bought it. No abuse, driven by a lady no less. Maybe a flaw in the part, who knows. Repaired under warranty and it is not as uncommon as people think.

The G80 in my truck is an AAM unit, it was stamped not only on the carrier but the unit itself. Now correct me if I am wrong on that, I'm sue you will no doubt.

No doubt the 14 bolt itself is an outstanding piece, that goes without saying. But the locker in MY opinion is not.

And thank you for the compliments on my inteligence.