Newbie 4WD question

[9C1C]

Hi all - I got a 2004 Yukon SLT 4x4 a few months ago, and I've not owned a 4x4 before. From what I understand, when in 4H if one of the front wheels loses traction and the rear wheel on the opposing corner loses traction the Yukon will essentially be stuck. I noticed I have the G80 code for limited slip and wondered if this means that in the situation I just mentioned my rear axle would put power to the wheel with traction, thereby meaning the rear wouldn't need a locker to get traction. Is that right, or does the G80 make no difference in that situation (ie put power to the spinning wheel)?

 

[DirtDigler]

Yrs, the G80 does apply power to both rear wheels when it senses wheel slippage. As for how well it works, sorry, I couldn't tell you.

 

[Bill 1960]

The G80 is a decent locker. It’s RPM sensitive, when the wheel speed difference is great enough it locks. Hard and abruptly. So it’s better for slick surfaces than rock crawling.

There is a document by GM I’ve seen posted on here with precise descriptions of exactly how it works. Maybe you can search it or someone will resurface that.

There is also, I believe, active BLD (brake lock differential) action incorporated into the front and rear using the ABS to brake a spinning wheel. Unfortunately I have not found any solid information on precisely under what conditions this operates.

 

[Teamiez]

All I know is my 01 Tahoe does not have a g80 Locker but the thing goes through a lot more then I thought it would when I purchased it ( snow / mud). 265/75R16 bf good rich ko2’s help!

 

[George B]

You will be surprised how far your truck will go in stock form. I had an 03 suburban with goodyear duratrac tires and that thing was a tank.

 

[Teamiez]

You will be surprised how far your truck will go in stock form. I had an 03 suburban with goodyear duratrac tires and that thing was a tank.

I have no complaints at all! I went from a 2001 grand Cherokee limited with the 4.7L V8 & Quadra drive (limited slip differentials front and back) and thought was going to be disappointed in the Tahoe & I was wrong.

 

[9C1C]

Thanks for the replies! I do have some Yokohama Geolander A/Ts on it in 285 and I've only been able to test out the 4WD on a wet grassy slope so far (got me off no problem). Before I end up in some actual challenging conditions, like some snow this winter or on a muddy trail, I wondered just how much the G80 helps with the 4WD system.

 

[Spacido]

My 2001 Tahoe is fitted with the G80 with Pirelli Scorpion AT + tires.
I often do all terrain with my truck and I use it to take out my wood trailer for the winter (around 1000 lbs for the trailer and 5500 lbs of wood). The G80 is very very efficient, I am rarely in 4lo or 4hi.

It's been a long time since it hasn't snowed a lot in my area so I can't say if it's effective on snow, but in other conditions, a Tahoe and the G80 are impeccable

You put yourself in Auto 4WD when you are doing off-road or in difficult weather and your truck takes care of keeping you alive