Quote:
Originally Posted by justcuz
Some Eaton 3/4 ton and GM 14 bolts came with a locker from the factory. In fact I may be wrong but the detroit locker (called a No-Spin) was the only traction aiding device available for an Eaton rear end.
The Eaton automatic locking differential also locks. It is a combination of a locker and a limited slip. It has friction discs that tighten up and lock the rear wheels together when the difference in axle speed is over 100 RPM, however it unlocks at speeds over about 20 MPH. This rear end is commonly called the Gov-lock because of the flyweight mechanism that engages the friction discs.
This is a simplified explanation, there is a better one on youtube.
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I'm afraid that you have combined a few things here....
The Eaton axles (HO 52 and HO72) did indeed have "No-Spin" differentials (Detroit Locker) and that was the only traction-aid available in them. AFAIK though this does not apply to the 14-bolt corporate axle though.
Early 12-bolts had a clutch-type Posi-traction that was similar to the car units.
The Gov-lock replaced the older clutch-type posi-traction in newer 10-12-14 bolt GM corporate rearends.
The "Gov-lock" is just an
overly complicated clutch-type posi-traction unit. It does NOT lock....it just supplies a bit more pressure to the clutches as it engages. It operates more like and open differential that can "turn into" a posi-traction ans needed. They are way to complicated, with too many tiny moving parts....inside a very stressed part of the driveline. It's called "Gov-lock" because that is the name the manufacturer gave it....GM called it by an option code (G80) They are inherantly weak. With a totally stock and gently driven truck they can live a long time....but with increased performance, bigger tires, and/or abusive driving...it won't last. When they fail, it is generally catastrophic.