Diagonal test note: Explore our renowned diagonal test featuring the cutting-edge Chevrolet Colorado Z71! Commonly known as the G80 due to its order code, this exceptional vehicle boasts an automatic rear axle lock that engages when one wheel starts to spin, allowing both rear wheels to drive the truck forward. However, this year's model has introduced a peculiar phenomenon: the G80 emits a cringe-inducing sound upon engagement, even with my attempts to execute smoother transitions-occasionally a painful experience. Nevertheless, it efficiently performs its function without the need for manual button pressing, whether in 2WD or 4x4 mode. The G80 employs a flyweight-type governor that activates when excessive wheel slip is detected. A self-energized clutch system initiates the engagement of a cam plate against a side gear, compressing the disc pack and ensuring both rear axle shafts/wheels rotate at the same speed. The lockup and disengagement processes occur instantly and are practically imperceptible to the driver. The ride is notably smoother as the G80 primarily operates as an open-type differential under normal driving conditions. It's worth noting that the WT and LT models come equipped with an open differential, while the G80 limited-slip differential is a standard feature on the Trail Boss and Z71 variants. For the ultimate in off-road prowess, the formidable ZR2 boasts power-locking front and rear differentials.
@@CarQuestion Higher trims do zr2s have front and rear along with 4H 4L and 4Auto, GM is also using ELSD they marketing as G95, i wish they would put it in this though instead the old clunky G80 Edit: i just read somewhere the 2 lockers in ZR2 are ELSD controlled by button the other ones in Suburbans are only Auto ELSD rear, i believe it's same Eaton as Jeeps use, Eaton does offer both manual or auto control
There was a comparison test here on RUclips years ago, between different models of truck, that criticized the quick/abrupt engagement of the G80 as well. It jolts the other wheel so quickly that it can also lose traction. There's no refined, gentle way to let it transfer power.
Mechanical limited slip differentials certainly work but man, they can also be very scary when you're in an obstacle that involves necessary finesse to avoid damage or danger of slipping off a steep ledge, etc. Finesse is tough to achieve when off camber with a mechanical limited slip.
My G80 is abrupt but living in Wisconsin I’ve used thousands of times with no concerns. After literal decades in use, they’re proven effective and reliable and from my experience quite predictable. The haldex in my Tiguan was a different story, waited on ECU to engage when it saw fit and it was abrupt and violent every time. I was always expecting it to explode. Never did and that little mountain goat held up okay but I never felt comfortable pushing it and testing like I do my G80 in my Silverado.
I’d say it’s a deal breaker for non-off-roader mall crawler owners who rely on tech instead of their foot. 99.4% of the population will never utilize a locker even if it was manual
Diagonal test note: Explore our renowned diagonal test featuring the cutting-edge Chevrolet Colorado Z71! Commonly known as the G80 due to its order code, this exceptional vehicle boasts an automatic rear axle lock that engages when one wheel starts to spin, allowing both rear wheels to drive the truck forward. However, this year's model has introduced a peculiar phenomenon: the G80 emits a cringe-inducing sound upon engagement, even with my attempts to execute smoother transitions-occasionally a painful experience. Nevertheless, it efficiently performs its function without the need for manual button pressing, whether in 2WD or 4x4 mode.
The G80 employs a flyweight-type governor that activates when excessive wheel slip is detected. A self-energized clutch system initiates the engagement of a cam plate against a side gear, compressing the disc pack and ensuring both rear axle shafts/wheels rotate at the same speed. The lockup and disengagement processes occur instantly and are practically imperceptible to the driver. The ride is notably smoother as the G80 primarily operates as an open-type differential under normal driving conditions.
It's worth noting that the WT and LT models come equipped with an open differential, while the G80 limited-slip differential is a standard feature on the Trail Boss and Z71 variants. For the ultimate in off-road prowess, the formidable ZR2 boasts power-locking front and rear differentials.
I wish they just had a manual locker.
With a simple button !
@@CarQuestion Higher trims do zr2s have front and rear along with 4H 4L and 4Auto, GM is also using ELSD they marketing as G95, i wish they would put it in this though instead the old clunky G80
Edit: i just read somewhere the 2 lockers in ZR2 are ELSD controlled by button the other ones in Suburbans are only Auto ELSD rear, i believe it's same Eaton as Jeeps use, Eaton does offer both manual or auto control
@@tallll70 the Colorado Trail Boss, Colorado Z71, Canyon AT4, and Canyon Denali, also have a two speed transfer case with 2H, 4Lo, 4Hi, and 4Auto
There was a comparison test here on RUclips years ago, between different models of truck, that criticized the quick/abrupt engagement of the G80 as well. It jolts the other wheel so quickly that it can also lose traction.
There's no refined, gentle way to let it transfer power.
Yep totally right! But I still wish it was smoother!
I’ve used a G80 for 13 yrs..it’s absolutely fine for 99.4% of the population.
I’ve been using a G80 rear Diff for 25 years never heard or felt it engage like that
Try it in a similar test and send us the video
Mechanical limited slip differentials certainly work but man, they can also be very scary when you're in an obstacle that involves necessary finesse to avoid damage or danger of slipping off a steep ledge, etc. Finesse is tough to achieve when off camber with a mechanical limited slip.
My G80 is abrupt but living in Wisconsin I’ve used thousands of times with no concerns. After literal decades in use, they’re proven effective and reliable and from my experience quite predictable. The haldex in my Tiguan was a different story, waited on ECU to engage when it saw fit and it was abrupt and violent every time. I was always expecting it to explode. Never did and that little mountain goat held up okay but I never felt comfortable pushing it and testing like I do my G80 in my Silverado.
Classic GM quality..
Subaru n'a plus l'exclusivité depuis longtemps de l'efficacité du système awd. Pourquoi acheter un Subaru alors?
Bonjour from Québec 😊
Salut mon ami !
How loud, rough and unrefined. Could be a deal breaker for some buyers.
A deal breaker? Maybe not, but sure is annoying if you push it like this.
I’d say it’s a deal breaker for non-off-roader mall crawler owners who rely on tech instead of their foot. 99.4% of the population will never utilize a locker even if it was manual
@@mabelpup8502 I bet this kind of clunky locker is no good in the snow too, where your car needs to avoid sudden abrupt changes.
@@DavidDLee I own a 23 Colorado Z71 and I can assure you I'm going places in two-wheel drive that some vehicles are struggling in AWD.