Suppose your car is stuck in a muddy ditch and you just can’t get it off regardless of how many times you try. In this case, it would have been greatly beneficial if your vehicle had a G80 differential installed. It can lock up the rear wheels to have them running together at the same pace every time the car is in a low traction situation.
However, how to tell if you have a good differential or not? Turns out it can be easily figured out through the following methods: look for the G80 code in the glovebox, ask the dealer or run the car in muddy ditches to check the rear wheels. Before we go into the details of the G80 differential, let us start from the basics.
Table of Contents
What Is A Differential In A Car?
Multiple systems shoulder the responsibility of a car’s movement. The differential is the system that makes the car turn. The differential either comes as a part of the front axle assembly or the rear axle assembly. In some cars, the differential is a part of both axles.
The car’s differential helps a pair of wheels move while their rotation is in different directions. The differential increases the level of control at the hands of the driver. The functional system maintains a proportional RPM between the left and right wheels. The differential, therefore, maintains a balance between the two pairs of wheels to keep the car steady.
Since the car is a multiple-wheel system, the differential system is a necessity. The maintenance of the car’s differential system is also very necessary. The example of a car’s differential system functions comes through during turnings.
Suppose the car is taking a turn. The wheel on the outside moves faster than the wheel on the inside. This action will cause an imbalance in the absence of a good differential. The differential system distributes the wheel torque so that both the wheels work under equal torque.
The distribution of torque provides the wheels with the right amount of traction. The traction helps the car do a controlled turn. While a differential is present in every vehicle, some vehicles lack it.
For example, go-karts lack a differential system because their wheels rotate at the same speed.
The Types Of Differential Systems
The G80 differential is only one type of differential. There are many types of differential systems. These differentials differ in vehicles of different types. The three main types of differential systems are as follows-
Open Differential
The Open differential system is a classic and the oldest one. The open differential is also the most common differential for many vehicles. The system is very simple and reliable, which gives it an advantage. It is also very versatile and suits multiple types of vehicles.
The open differential system has a pinion gear and a ring gear. The two gears engage with the help of a shaft. The gears transmit power to axles through another set of connected gears. The improvements over this differential emerge from its defect of power transmission.
If one of the car wheels starts to slip, the open differential transmits power to the wheel with the least traction. Open differential, therefore, is not ideal for racing and high-speed cars. The differential is therefore not right for multi-utility vehicles and off-road cars.
Limited Slip Differential
The Limited Slip Differential is the same as the Open differential. However, it differs because it has an integrated clutch system. The clutch system locks the left and right sides of the axle together when the slip is higher. The limited-slip differential is the right system for drag racing cars and heavy vehicles. The system is best for high-performance vehicles that need superior control.
Torque Vectoring Differential
The Torque Vectoring differential is the most recent and advanced differential system. Torque vectoring differential works on a system of sensors and electronics. It smartly collects data from the car steering system and road surface data. The power distribution runs according to the collected data. This approach of the torque vector differential increases the efficiency of wheels.
The torque-vectoring differential smartly handles turns and corners with the apt distribution. The differential system is perfect for cars that need uniform performance. In this article, we discuss the G80 differential, which is an advanced type of torque differential system.
Why Is The G80 Differential Important For A Car?
The G80 differential is a very reliable system that helps maneuver the vehicle in tricky road conditions. It is a low-speed traction aid that offers complete lockup to the car. In normal conditions, the G80 works as a conventional differential system. However, when the wheel speed exceeds the threshold of 120 rpm, the differential locks up the wheels to prevent slip.
The G80 is, therefore, a cross between a limited-slip differential and a locking differential. The G80 engages with the wheels automatically. The differential does not need any extra input from the driver to work. This saves the driver from a lot of work and information feeding to the system.
How Does A G80 Differential Work?
The working mechanism of the G80 differential works when any of the rear wheels start spinning in search of traction. The Eaton G80 differential automatically locks up the rear axle so that the wheels do not slip. This locking system enables the rear wheels to take the car out of tricky situations like muddy roads. Muddy roads come with a chance of skidding tires from excess spinning.
The locking system helps avoid skids and accidents to a great extent. The locking system activates when the rear wheel speed exceeds the 120rpm threshold. The g80 differential is also applicable to a 4×4 pickup truck, which is highly versatile. The advantage that the G80 differential has is its traction.
The traction from the G80 differential has higher traction than the limited-slip differential. The differential acts as a slip differential until the threshold comes up. Once the threshold exceeds, the locking mechanism shoots up after 120 RPM.
The automatic clutch system detects slip and activates the camp plate ramp against the side gear. This action compresses the disc rack of the car. The series of actions trigger the rear axle shafts to rotate at the same speed.
The Eaton G80 locker also goes by the name of Gov-Loc. The Gov-Loc is a true automatic lock that works with multiple cars and trucks.
How To Tell If You Have A G80 Differential: 3 Methods
Under normal driving conditions, the G80 aka MLocker will work as a light-bias limited-slip differential. However, if a low traction condition arises where the wheel speed difference exceeds 100 RPM, a flyweight system opens to engage a latching mechanism. Both the rear wheel axles are brought at the same speed when they are in the full lock and this prevents any wheel slippage.
G80 differentials are generally found on SUVs and trucks. Chevy and GMC trucks have included it for over 40 years now. Other than that, these days the popularity of G80 has risen and it has found its way to Colorado WT, Cadillac Escalade, Canyon, etc.
Moreover, when the traction subsides, unlocking will occur automatically to allow the differential to assume a normal operation. Given below are 3 different ways that can help you figure out how to know if your vehicle has a G80 or not.
Method 1. Look In the Glovebox
Inspect the glove box built into the dashboard of the car. It should have a label with several 3 digit codes organized in alphabetical order. Navigate to the section where you see codes starting with G and look for the G80 code. If you find the code, then your car does have a G80 differential. For your reference, the code will read something like this:
“G80 : AXLE POSITRACTION, LIMITED SLIP’
If the codes are too small to read for you, then ask someone else to read them for you. And if you have lost the label, then you can move on to the next method.
Method 2. Check With The Dealer
Go back to the dealer who sold you the car. They can run your car’s VIN in their system and let you know of all the options your truck has and various details like delivery date, ID code transmission, transfer case, etc. This way you’ll be able to know if your car has a G80 differential or not.
Method 3. By Taking The Car Outdoors
Take your car to someplace muddy or run it over a rough surface that has gravels or boulders. Don’t forget to go along with a partner with you who’ll check if the car has G80 or not. So, while on a beaten or muddy path, if one of the rear wheels of your vehicle starts spinning to get some traction, then the Eaton G80 rear axle shall lock automatically. As a result, both the rear wheels will start propelling the truck to get out of the mud or gravel.
The G80 will lock when the rear wheel speed difference hits 120 rpm. So, if you see both your rear wheels propelling together to take the vehicle out of the mud, that means you do have a G80 locking differential`.
An Alternative Method To Detect The G80 Locker
There is another way to detect the G80 differential and its lock. For example, you start with jacking up both rear wheels of your vehicles above the ground. After this, you hold the rear wheel and turn it slowly. If the other tire starts to turn in the opposite direction, you have a G80 differential.
Another method is to grab a rear wheel and turn it in a direction. Then, you kick it back suddenly. If the other rear wheel turns in the other direction, the car has a G80 locker.
How To Test Your G80 Differential And Locker?
At times, the efficiency of your car’s G80 differential and locker needs a test. It is easy to test your G80 locker if you take it step-wise. The test method is similar to the above jack-up and kicks back method. Grab the rear wheel and turn it with a little speed. Then kick it back to give a simulation of sudden acceleration.
After this, if the wheel on the opposite side stops completely and the other wheels on the side and another side continue to spin, the G80 differential works perfectly.
How To Take Care Of The G80 Differential And Lock?
Taking care of your G80 differential is very important for your car’s functions. Like the engine oil, the differential oil also needs a change from time to time. Yet, differential oil change suffers from much negligence from truck and car owners.
It is easy to forget the differential as it is at the rear and under the car. However, the engine needs the support of many parts, including the differential. Therefore, a car owner must periodically look into the differential’s maintenance. Differential lubrication maintenance keeps the car in good condition for a long time.
The importance of differential services finds a place in the next section. This section deals with how to maintain your G80 differential.
Changing the oil maintains the health of your differential gears. Without a frequent oil change, the gears suffer from wear and tear. The differential also suffers from excess heat and friction, which brings its efficiency down.
All this happens because there is a high level of metal-to-metal contact in the absence of oil.
Lack of lubrication causes failure of the differential system. On the other hand, the maintenance of differential for trucks and cars is very easy.
How To Change The Lubrication Of Your Differential?
Prepping The Differential
The prep phase of changing the oil ranges between a messy and a tidy job. The level of difficulty and mess comes from the location of the differential. Some differentials come with a drain plug which makes it easy. Other differentials come with a housing cover that needs removal before the change.
For the change, you need some special equipment. For example, you need a catch pan a plastic drop cloth to keep things clean. You need to drive your vehicle for some time to warm up the oil before the change.
The next step is a quick cloth change. Grungy, old clothes come across as the right attire for the task. The grunge clothes save your clean clothes from dirt and oil stains.
Moreover, you need mental preparation for the smell of old differential oil once you drain it if you do it for the first time.
To drain the differential of old oil, you open the fill hole plug at the top of the differential setup. Then you open the drain plug. If there is no drain plug, you partially unscrew the housing bolts. This action will loosely open the housing cover.
Always make sure you open the cover gently with the help of a screwdriver to avoid sudden spills. Sudden spills poise the risk of bad stinks and stubborn stains on your clothes. Therefore, you should completely open the cover after most oil drains out.
The prep phase needs extra care so that the casing does not damage. You need to put the assembly back after cleaning and refill.
Thorough Cleaning
Once the oil drains out, thorough cleaning and wiping becomes a necessity. If you are a professional mechanic, this process is easy for you. However, if you are doing it first, take your time. The housing cover, assembly, parts need a deep wipe for proper cleaning. Metal shavings in the oil need extra care. Clean it properly with extra attention to nooks and crevices.
Even the smallest crannies and parts need a cleaning. The fill hole plug also needs proper cleaning. Therefore, this process takes time, even for professionals. Cleaning the fill hole plug is tricky because it has magnetic properties to trap fine metal particles.
Avoid using harsh chemicals for the purpose. Harsh chemicals leave a residue that affects the new oil after the change. Work with a scraper or an abrasive pad to remove metal particles. Use a lint-free towel and a mild cleaner to wipe the housing and plugs.
You can use a simple degreaser to resolve all the old oil. Once you wipe the metal parts out, use a simple magnet around the metals. This removes stray metal shavings and fine particles.
Fill The Differential With Oil
The most important step of an oil change includes stock up of new differential oil in place of old, used oil. Choose a good quality, high-grade differential oil that suits the G80 differential. The oil fill needs proper instructions according to the user manual. The user manual lists the weight and capacity of the differential.
An ordinary differential usually holds around 3 quarts of new oil in it. Read the manual of your car to follow the right approach. The differential oil either needs a pipe or pump. Some differentials directly refill from the bottle. A pump or extension hose makes the process easier.
You fill the differential till the bottom line of the fill hole plug. At a point where the oil drips a bit is a finish. Once the differential fills up, you plug the outlet and seal it properly.
FAQs
Is the G80 a locker or a limited slip?
When the vehicle is driven under normal conditions, the G80 will work as a limited-slip differential with a light bias. However, if any low traction trigger arises that leads to a rear-wheel speed difference that exceeds 100 RPM, the G80 works as a locking differential. It locks the wheel axles within a fraction of a second.
What is the G80 locking differential?
G80 is a specialized differential built by Eaton that aids in low-speed traction. It offers a full lockup to allow the rear speeds to proper together whenever low-speed traction is detected. Its unit works as an open differential that allows the rear tires to spin independently of each other which is the exact opposite of the previous situation.
Why do you need a G80 locking differential?
The G80 locking differential can save your car while driving on a rough surface or when the car gets stuck somewhere like in the mud or gravel. It provides the extra traction required to get through these situations. A lot of times G80 will save you from calling a tow service. It is considered a good alternative to aftermarket lockers and sometimes even a 4 wheel drive.
What are the disadvantages of the G80 locking differential?
The Eaton G80 has a clunky performance whenever there is a high-rpm engagement. Moreover, if you have oversized tires installed in your car and press the pedal quite hard, then it might even lead to the tires bursting out.
Can you install a locking differential?
Yes, you sure can. Just get a rear locking differential of your choice that is compatible with your vehicle. You can install it at home with very few tools. Here is a video tutorial to help you out with the installation of a locking differential:
Checkout our article on How To Remove A Transmission.
At What Speed Does The G80 Locker Unlock?
The speed of unlocking from the G80 lock is unclear. The unlocking speed depends on the modifications to the locker. An unmodified locker allows you to run the wheels at 100 mph speed. The lock stays in place even then. However, the lock stops both wheels from rotating simultaneously at speeds higher than 25 mph.
Can The Differential Overfill With Oil?
Yes, because oil is a liquid, the chances of overfilling are always there. Overfilling usually does not happen with professional maintenance services. However, on overfill, the oil pushes through the seals and the vent tube. Upon seal damage, the axle seals need replacement. Overfill is a common occurrence when oil change happens at the hand of an amateur.
Therefore, hiring a professional mechanic for differential services is always better. A professional mechanic works faster and completes the process without much hassle. The differential also avoids any chances of damage. An amateur needs a lot of time to learn the proper oil change process and execute it. Choose a professional with experience and reputation.
Is Differential Change And Maintenance Necessary?
Yes, differential change and maintenance are necessary. The differential oil is thicker than engine oil with a viscous consistency. This thick oil provides lubrication to the differential parts. However, as time passes, the differential oil loses its consistency and becomes thinner.
Therefore, it loses its lubricant effect and needs replacement as the oil thins out, the metal to metal contact and friction increase. Here differential maintenance services become very important. Usually, cars need differential servicing after every 50000 miles. With differential services, you also need tire rotation services for maintenance.
What Are The Signs Of A Bad Differential?
Sometimes, the differential becomes dysfunctional due to improper maintenance. The signs of a bad differential are leaking oil and strange noises. A constant oil drip from under the vehicle is never a good sign. If there is an oil leak at one of the axles, you need differential services.
Another sign of the bad differential condition is strange noises from the car. If there are strange noises of whirring and rattling, you need the advice of a professional mechanic. In addition to this, an odd vibration during driving is also a sign of bad differential.
A burning or unusual odor is also a sign of a pending visit to the car mechanic for differential services.
Final Thoughts
While the Eaton G80 automatic locking differential can work wonders for some, many might not even know if their car has a G80 differential or not. Once you know that your car does employ the G80 differential, you can take it out on a long journey for it will behave a lot like 4WD. The overall benefits of having a G80 locking differential are enhanced traction and control while driving on the streets.
We hope the above article has served you with the best methods to know if your vehicle has a G80 or not.
