Manual Transfer Case?

stiletto · September 15, 2008

Was hoping a few folks could help a new potential GM buyer with a couple of questions.

First, I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Chevy or GMC half ton, and would like to avoid the Autotrac transfer case. If I get the manual, shift on the fly transfer case (with the lever on the floor) that is available in the WT edition, what model transfer case am I getting (NVxxx)? This would be a good ole, 2WHI, 4WHI, 4WLo, manual transfer case without the clutches and actuators of Autotrac, am I correct? Are these manual TCs as reasonably reliable as the GM 4x4s of the past? My dad and brother have had much trouble with Autotrac, and I am looking to stay away. I just want a decent 4x4 that can tow up to 5000 lbs with ease, and can hit the hunting trails. Was thinking about the Z71 pkg, but looks like I have to give that up in the WT in favor of the manual TC. For my purposes, I have no interest in the benefits of AWD or Stabilitrak (it will not be my primary driver).

Secondly, what has been the experience with the G80 Eaton Locker as of late? I remember a while ago the G80 developed a bad reputation in some circles as a time bomb, that sometimes took the four speed auto trans with it. However, I drive conservatively and don't burn rubber or do anything that would intentionally cause a large difference in rear wheel rpm. Under those conditions of mature driving and no abuse, is it realistic to expect to get a long, trouble free life from the G80 nowadays?

Thanks in advance.

John

csheatz · September 15, 2008

The G80 on mine loves to eat the tires, but its a love/hate relationship between the life of your tires and your right foot! in other words take it easy on the corners and you will be fine.

As for the floor shift, cant help you there but I will say my work parking lot looks like a chevy truck dealer, I have a 06, company driver has a 04 2500 with the 8.1, and there are 4 more from 03-08, all of us have the push button 4 controled transfer case, with no issues! I had a push button in my last truck and never had a issue. I dont know if there is any truth to this but i was told by a older truck owner that if you shift into 4 wheel high for a few miles once a week and hit 4 low once a month or so, just to get the clutches moving and shake up the fluid that they will work fine. I have done this for at least the last 3 years now and have not had a issue.

I am not trying to change your mind just saying that you dont hear much from people with no complaints but you hear a lot from the ones with issues, and you never know how many of them are from neglect or other odd reasons.

A short story but my friend got a new F150 last summer, took if mudding 2 days after driving off the lot. he had it so caked with mud that he could not get it to shift out of 4 low. the dealer did nothing for him because of the amount of mud on the underside of the truck. he maybe could have washed it before taking it in but now he complains about that truck like it theres no tomorrow. I am not a ford person but there was nothing wrong with that truck before it hit the mud. also the truck didnt even have 100 miles on it! Thats nothing to do with the truck.