Opinions Please re: IFS diff

[dirtyoldman]

Ok,so now that I have a good working G80 for the rear axle it's time to address the front.My Burb is a DD so I know there are certain considerations for that.I'm looking a Eaton's Tru-Trac but I know there are others out there.I've looked at some Auburn stuff also.I'd love to have an ARB air locker but don't have the money for that.Keep in mind my Burb is a '95 3/4t. with the 9.25 diff....thanks for your help

 

[Cowboy Cadillac]

Re: Opinions Please re:IFS diff

Because its a DD id say get the ARB or Eaton E-locker. You'll need to have an air source for the ARB as well if you dont have one already.
Another option would be a DIY locker( Lock right, Quik lok, Aussie locker) which are way easier to install as you dont have to reset ring and pinion gears.
They aren't for hardcore wheelers but in a DD/weekend warrior they would fit the bill. They're usually several hundred less than other lockers.

 

[Zembonez]

I've seen a lot of people saying a front locker offered very little extra compared to an open diff if the rear has a locker (or in your case a G80). The one place the front locker shines is when you are doing some serious rock crawling.

Now this is from the Jeep world, but I'd think the G80 and the front engaged would be almost as good as having a front locker.

Just an opinion.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Because its a DD id say get the ARB or Eaton E-locker. You'll need to have an air source for the ARB as well if you dont have one already.
Another option would be a DIY locker( Lock right, Quik lok, Aussie locker) which are way easier to install as you dont have to reset ring and pinion gears.
They aren't for hardcore wheelers but in a DD/weekend warrior they would fit the bill. They're usually several hundred less than other lockers.

Thanks James,I did some searching and read up some on Richmond Gear's site...also sent 'em an e-mail asking for some info

I've seen a lot of people saying a front locker offered very little extra compared to an open diff if the rear has a locker (or in your case a G80). The one place the front locker shines is when you are doing some serious rock crawling.

Now this is from the Jeep world, but I'd think the G80 and the front engaged would be almost as good as having a front locker.

Just an opinion.

I've been watching a lot of videos of snow & mud wheeling lately and the ones who were having the hardest time going forward were the ones with open diffs.Even though they might have some type of locker in the rear if the front is an open diff they're forward progress is greatly reduced.The ones who made it the furthest or got out of a bad situation were the ones with some type of traction control diff in the front.Maybe I'm wrong but that's the way I see it.

 

[Zembonez]

No doubt having a front locker is some better... Question is how much I guess. I've never been a mud wheeler.

 

[99 4X4 5.3]

Depends on what you want to do. Ever tried to control a truck with all 4 wheels spinning the same? On ice and snow it's even worse.

Now if your just bogging or rock hopping sure it would be better.

 

[canuckz71]

An Eaton-E locker would be a good idea like James had stated, they aren't cheap though. They showcased them on Truck-U on Speed a few months ago and they look sweet.

Benefit of them is you run a completely open front diff until you flick the switch where it becomes a fully locked diff unlike the G80 as far as i understood it.

It would be a good idea so that you don't have both fronts trying to spin under a loss of traction while cornering or something even though it is an unlikely situation. And as stated above trying to control a truck with al 4 wheels spinning the same at the same time on snow/ice is a hairy situation even though I'm sure you dont have to worry about that.

 

[Zembonez]

Did GM offer a locking front diff?

 

[dirtyoldman]

Depends on what you want to do. Ever tried to control a truck with all 4 wheels spinning the same? On ice and snow it's even worse.

Now if your just bogging or rock hopping sure it would be better.

No but I'd sure like to try,to see what it's like

An Eaton-E locker would be a good idea like James had stated, they aren't cheap though. They showcased them on Truck-U on Speed a few months ago and they look sweet.

Benefit of them is you run a completely open front diff until you flick the switch where it becomes a fully locked diff unlike the G80 as far as i understood it.

It would be a good idea so that you don't have both fronts trying to spin under a loss of traction while cornering or something even though it is an unlikely situation. And as stated above trying to control a truck with al 4 wheels spinning the same at the same time on snow/ice is a hairy situation even though I'm sure you dont have to worry about that.

I'm liking that E-Locker too,at least there's no air pump plumbing involved.Maybe I'll just have to save up some $ a little longer


Thanks for your input guys

 

[drperry]

Depends on what you want to do. Ever tried to control a truck with all 4 wheels spinning the same? On ice and snow it's even worse.

Now if your just bogging or rock hopping sure it would be better.

It's a lot of fun

An Eaton-E locker would be a good idea like James had stated, they aren't cheap though. They showcased them on Truck-U on Speed a few months ago and they look sweet.

Benefit of them is you run a completely open front diff until you flick the switch where it becomes a fully locked diff unlike the G80 as far as i understood it.

It would be a good idea so that you don't have both fronts trying to spin under a loss of traction while cornering or something even though it is an unlikely situation. And as stated above trying to control a truck with al 4 wheels spinning the same at the same time on snow/ice is a hairy situation even though I'm sure you dont have to worry about that.

The G80 in the trucks is either fully locked or open... No in between... It's just an automatic locking diff.

Did GM offer a locking front diff?

Hummer H2 and H3

Depends on what you want to do. Ever tried to control a truck with all 4 wheels spinning the same? On ice and snow it's even worse.

Now if your just bogging or rock hopping sure it would be better.

No but I'd sure like to try,to see what it's like

An Eaton-E locker would be a good idea like James had stated, they aren't cheap though. They showcased them on Truck-U on Speed a few months ago and they look sweet.

Benefit of them is you run a completely open front diff until you flick the switch where it becomes a fully locked diff unlike the G80 as far as i understood it.

It would be a good idea so that you don't have both fronts trying to spin under a loss of traction while cornering or something even though it is an unlikely situation. And as stated above trying to control a truck with al 4 wheels spinning the same at the same time on snow/ice is a hairy situation even though I'm sure you dont have to worry about that.

I'm liking that E-Locker too,at least there's no air pump plumbing involved.Maybe I'll just have to save up some $ a little longer


Thanks for your input guys

Do some research on beefing up steering components, too, just in case... I know the S-Series stock parts can't really handle a locker

Mostly just the idler arm gets the shit pounded out of it.