Inside the Eaton G80 Locker

This is a computer animation of the internal components of the Eaton G80 Locking differential offered in GM vehicles.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• locking differential
• locker
• eaton
• rear
• axle
• end
• g80
• side
• gears
• ring and pinion

[brandon54321att]

Y do u need this stupid ball of plastic and metal...just recycle it...it does nothing to me cuz i dont get it...i lost u at the first word u said...boring video

[tubeoverton]

@brandon54321att It is true that this video is not as exciting as your xbox, but I can't take credit for making it, just posting it. And don't worry about not being able to understand it now, maybe when you get a little older you'll be able to figure it out....?

[Metallica1071991]

So in theory, if I put a heavier spring, OR turn added some turns onto the existing spring on the counter weight you could have you the differential remain locked longer?

[tubeoverton]

@Metallica1071991 I think if you made the counter spring stronger it would probably raise the speed at which the locking feature becomes disabled...? So I think this wouldn't necessarily make it stay "locked" longer, just have the ability to "lock" at higher vehicle speeds...?

[CowboyPenner]

At what speed/rpm does it engage/disengage?

[tubeoverton]

@CowboyPenner The locking action of the differential doesn't kick in at an exact speed. It begins to lock whenever there is a difference in speed between the left and right axles of about 150 rpms. However, the locking feature is mechanically disabled at speeds above 25 mph for safety purposes. (cornering at speeds above 25 mph with locked rear end could cause severe "fish tailing" and loss of vehicle control).

[Metallica1071991]

@tubeoverton Bingo. But I'm not about to try it on my truck.

[CowboyPenner]

@tubeoverton Thanks for the info. Here's another question that I've been tryin' to figure out. How do I engage the differential so that it has a chance to work properly? Do I need to roll on the throttle slowly and keep the engine rpm's at a certain level or the back wheels spinning at a certain speed?

[XxClemsonTigersXx]

@tubeoverton My truck see's its fair share of mud and slick stuff, so i know eaton did something right. The locker is best used for me when crossing a ditch, because it throws one wheel up in the air and tucks the other one in the fender well, but with the g80 it keeps on going. My dad has a 2000 2wd silverado 1500 with 165K miles on it and im pretty sure it has a g80 and it has absolutely no problems once so ever.

[tubeoverton]

Thanks for the feedback! I also have one in my 04' Trailblazer. It's the best vehicle I've ever owned, got 125,000 on it and have used the lock up feature many times and like you, I haven't had any trouble. I serviced the fluid in it @ 75,000 and probably will again @ 150,000. I plan on doing a video of that service when I do it and will share with you guys. Granted, I don't do the "off-road, try to tear something up stuff ", but it worked really well in the 6" of snow we had recently.