Posted by TomT on November 01, 01 at 14:18:29:
In Reply to: Opinions posted by Traveler on October 31, 01 at 14:34:54:
Traveler,
Points well taken, all of them. I guess what it comes down to for me is that I'm not a fan of Gov-Locks primarily due to two of them failing with no real abuse to them.
Somehow those two buggers locked up, "disallowed" axle differentiation, then promptly turned into shrapnel while dragging a tire.
Lou's problem just seemed hauntingly familiar.
Regards,
Tom
: :The only thing that I disagree with is the Gov-lock and friction modifier. There was a clear notice in the owner's manual to service the stock limited slip diff at 5,000 miles that I overlooked.
: That would have applied if you HAD a limited slip, but it was a locker instead. GM has caused much confusion by not properly distinguishing between the two. G80 for both... what a dumb idea.
: :When I inquired about it, I was told (possibly incorrectly) that the friction modifier is not added at the factory for break-in and that I should have serviced the diff at 5,000 miles and added the modifier.
: Boloney
: :By not doing so, the weighted/levered mechanical system they have in the Gov-lock will lock up with heat from an extended hiway drive, then when you attempt to make a turn (i.e. the offramp of a freeway), it acts like a spool in rear only the components can take the stress and things start to break.
: The weighted system can't activate on the highway. It takes a couple hundred RPM difference between the rear wheels to actuate. BUT, the high speed driving can cause the oil to be slung out of the clutch packs and occasionally cause chatter for the first turn or two after exiting the highway. If that is bothersome, then you can mix the LS additive in the oil. GM has also started recommending the additive for 2000 and newer diffs. I haven't seen why yet, nor have I seen their justification for selling gear oil for $ 25. a quart.
: :I'm not saying that this is still the case. It was with my '93. This same thing happened to an '88 FS Blazer in our company truck some years back.
: If it's chattering or binding, it needs to be serviced to find out what has gone wrong, just like anything else.
: : Yes, I made a mistake installing the clutch-type limited slip; I thought it would be a better compromise - simpler design, better performance, not so many moving parts, without the noise of an honest to goodness locker. With the limited articulation of GM IFS, I should have installed a Detroit or similar locker if I wanted halfway decent off-road traction.
: The more articulation you have, the worse the limited slip (not locking) diff will perform. I happen to like the Gov-Lock, but I haven't broken one and gotten miffed yet.
: Detroit and ARB seem to get the most accolades.
: The LSD is not necessarily a bad decision, depending on how you will use the truck.
: : I have often made poor decisions, because I have received recommendations about a component being "way too much for how you use the truck." Many times I am afraid to use the truck as I would like, because I feel that it is underequipped (i.e. clutch-type limited slip vs locker). If I had the locker installed, I'd be able to ease the truck up hills rather than having to beat on it more than necessary to make a hill. For instance, I was told that the Flowmaster cat back system that I now have would be "way too loud", but I love it. Live and learn, as they say.
: : Anyway, food for thought for those contemplating upgrades. IMO, it's better (not always, of course) to overbuild something rather than be overly conservative.
: Choosing excessively strong components is not a mistake. With me it's an economic issue, but I like to overkill drive trains.
: My 2¢ for today.