Difference between G80 and G65

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Scottydoggs

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2017
Posts
2,646
Reaction score
3,976
Location
NJ
G80 is a mech locker. one wheel slips even a tiny bit the other wheels locks it up like a spool racing rear end. when its locked up and your turning tight, you'll feel the turning side back wheel trying to spin and even feel the back end of the truck hop a bit at each rotation. might hear some clunking as well. all normal.
 

iamdub

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Posts
20,821
Reaction score
44,943
Location
Li'l Weezyana
Someone please share what the difference is. Thanks.

G80 is the RPO for a locking differential. Exactly what type/style of locking differential varies between vehicles and generations. A big misunderstanding is that it's exclusive to the infamous Eaton Gov-Lock.

G65 is the RPO for manual level control, which, I think are the "Nivomat" shocks. Basically a mechanical ALC as opposed to the one that uses air sleeves and a compressor.
 
OP
OP
OR VietVet

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
20,734
Reaction score
36,566
Location
Willamette Valley
G80 is a mech locker. one wheel slips even a tiny bit the other wheels locks it up like a spool racing rear end. when its locked up and your turning tight, you'll feel the turning side back wheel trying to spin and even feel the back end of the truck hop a bit at each rotation. might hear some clunking as well. all normal.
I should have been more clear. I know what the G80 is, because I have it on my Z71 and am sorry for not sharing that. I saw a G65 on a RWD Suburban I am thinking about buying and thought to compare the two. Manual level, huh? Gotta dig deeper to understand.
 

swathdiver

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2017
Posts
19,582
Reaction score
26,270
Location
Treasure Coast, Florida
I should have been more clear. I know what the G80 is, because I have it on my Z71 and am sorry for not sharing that. I saw a G65 on a RWD Suburban I am thinking about buying and thought to compare the two. Manual level, huh? Gotta dig deeper to understand.
G80 is not in lieu of G65. With Chevrolet trucks and wagons the G80 was an option while Cadillac and GMC included it as standard equipment most of the time.

That Suburban has the Premium Smooth Ride Suspension, ZW7 and in that generation such includes the G65 Nivomat self-leveling shocks. The springs are softer on this suspension type as the shocks are not your average kind, they are smart but not electronically smart!
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
11,869
Reaction score
24,133
Location
Elev 5,280
The rear Nivomat shocks self adjust, but since they're manual adjust they need to do a little work before they actually restore ride height. So when weight is added or a trailer is hooked up it may take a block or two of driving for them to bring the rearend back up.

Provided, of course, they haven't been replaced with standard shocks (and hopefully stiffer springs).

Ha ha, I got away with saying "rearend" and "stiffer." ;)
 
OP
OP
OR VietVet

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
20,734
Reaction score
36,566
Location
Willamette Valley
Yeah, I thought it was a weird relation in his question, especially just the part about asking about the well-known G80 RPO.
I was giving the G80 as a comparison to the G65, not knowing what the G65 was, at all. Since the G80 RPO code is the letter G and two numbers, I referenced and compared to G65 again because of not knowing. I ask if I don't know or understand.
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
132,321
Posts
1,865,947
Members
96,912
Latest member
Papaskip
Top