Chevy Truck Locking Rear Differential

While servicing the differential on a 2004 silverado pickup truck i thought i d take the opportunity to explain how a locking differential works.

Chevy truck locking rear differential.

Look for the ones that start with a g g80 locking diff gu4 3 08 gu5 3 23 gu6 3 42 gt4 3 73 gt5 4 10 but if you have an open diff or locker it still takes regular gear oil. While a differential usually allows each rear wheel to rotate at different rates automatic locking rear differentials lock the rear wheels forcing both to rotate at the same speed. However you could have a locking rear differential. Customers in the market for a mid or full size pickup truck are well aware of the benefits that come with a rear locking differential.

In general motors case the eaton g80 automatic locking. General motors installed the eaton g80 gov lock on many chevy 4 4 trucks with 10 and 14 bolt rear differentials. Randys carries gm differentials from the small 6 5 as found in the chevy vega up to the larger gm 11 5 common under 3 4 and 1 ton trucks from chevrolet and gmc. You can check that by opening your glove box and you ll see a silver sticker full of 3 digit codes.

The differential is a drivetrain component that is used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Although these are adequate for typical street driving they are not suitable for high performance or extreme use such as hard four wheeling or straight line. The truck has a locking rear differential and different drive modes along with features typical of gmc trucks such as the brand s unique lift gate and a carbon fiber bed. General motors has been offering an automatic locking rear differential in its chevy and gmc trucks for more than 40 years.