factory locker? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1972CST · 12-29-2010, 12:03 PM

Is the "gov lock" locking diff the 12bolt axle similar to the eaton locking diff in the late 90's z71's (G80)?

LONGHAIR · 12-29-2010, 06:52 PM

Yup, but I wouldn't bother with the time and expense to install one. They are a known issue in all but the most mild conditions and driving styles....and if you drive like that, you don't need posi-traction anyway.

Just an FYI, they do not "lock" like a traditional "Detroit Locker". A "Gov-Lock" is just a clutch-type posi-traction with a mechanical governor that controls the pressure to the clutches. It is way too complicated, with tiny parts that cause catastrophic failures.

Altec · 12-29-2010, 07:38 PM

They don't call them grenades for nothing!

**special-K** · 12-29-2010, 08:35 PM

They are good for what they are designed for and used properly. I've never had a problem with one. They are a ball-ramp design that engages with wheel speed. If you pound the peddle hard before it's engaged you can hurt it. If you just get it to spin and wait for it to engage it'll get you out of a spot. It's not a hard core off road traction devise,like anything factory except the good old No-Spin which is a Detroit Locker. I compare it like this...if you put a limb in a chipper,then start it and go to rev it,it'll stall. If you have it running and revving,then put a limb in it turns it to chips. You just have to know how to use the equipment and use it that way. The Gov-loc isn't good for drag racing or rock climbing but is better than an open diff when extra traction is needed. The one in my suburban has kept me from getting out and locking the hubs more times than I can count.

**Dieselwrencher** · 12-29-2010, 09:29 PM

Good explanation Tim.

snj8198 · 12-30-2010, 11:50 AM

It's pretty neat when they come apart!...... if you don't care about that housing.

1972CST · 12-30-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

They are good for what they are designed for and used properly. I've never had a problem with one. They are a ball-ramp design that engages with wheel speed. If you pound the peddle hard before it's engaged you can hurt it. If you just get it to spin and wait for it to engage it'll get you out of a spot. It's not a hard core off road traction devise,like anything factory except the good old No-Spin which is a Detroit Locker. I compare it like this...if you put a limb in a chipper,then start it and go to rev it,it'll stall. If you have it running and revving,then put a limb in it turns it to chips. You just have to know how to use the equipment and use it that way. The Gov-loc isn't good for drag racing or rock climbing but is better than an open diff when extra traction is needed. The one in my suburban has kept me from getting out and locking the hubs more times than I can count.

Wow, thanks for the insight. Could the no-spin be found in the 12 bolt or in the Dana products?

Redcap · 12-30-2010, 01:13 PM

They are known locally as the Gov-Bomb for good reason.

12-29-2010, 12:03 PM	#1
1972CST Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Concord NC Posts: 511	factory locker? Is the "gov lock" locking diff the 12bolt axle similar to the eaton locking diff in the late 90's z71's (G80)?

12-29-2010, 07:38 PM	#3
Altec Getcha Pull Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: MD Posts: 691	Re: factory locker? They don't call them grenades for nothing! __________________ '81 K10 454/SM465 '86 S10 Blazer '95 H-D Softail '96 Integra

12-29-2010, 08:35 PM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: factory locker? They are good for what they are designed for and used properly. I've never had a problem with one. They are a ball-ramp design that engages with wheel speed. If you pound the peddle hard before it's engaged you can hurt it. If you just get it to spin and wait for it to engage it'll get you out of a spot. It's not a hard core off road traction devise,like anything factory except the good old No-Spin which is a Detroit Locker. I compare it like this...if you put a limb in a chipper,then start it and go to rev it,it'll stall. If you have it running and revving,then put a limb in it turns it to chips. You just have to know how to use the equipment and use it that way. The Gov-loc isn't good for drag racing or rock climbing but is better than an open diff when extra traction is needed. The one in my suburban has kept me from getting out and locking the hubs more times than I can count. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 12-29-2010 at 08:39 PM.

12-29-2010, 09:29 PM	#5
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: factory locker? Good explanation Tim. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

12-30-2010, 11:50 AM	#6
snj8198 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Star Valley, WY Posts: 2,038	Re: factory locker? It's pretty neat when they come apart!...... if you don't care about that housing. __________________ Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's

12-30-2010, 01:13 PM	#8
Redcap Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lewis County, WA Posts: 1,523	Re: factory locker? They are known locally as the Gov-Bomb for good reason.



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