Hi guys! Well, I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch, but we are expecting a decent tax refund this year. Not a windfall, by any means, but a little spending money. I want to know if it is possible to add the G80 to my GT5 RPO rear axle differential.

Now, I can admit that I am clearly no expert at this topic and I am woefully ignorant onto this subject. My pickup is, as many of you already know, an ex-service truck. It is a 2001 2500HD with the Z85 suspension package and 4.10’ rear end (automatic and 4x4). I do not know yet what differential that setup has, have not identified it. Can I do that via RPO or visual inspection only?

I am hoping that I can buy the internals needed to add to the differential to convert it to the G80 rear end. Barring that possibility, are there other locking options that are reasonably priced (under $1000)? I would like to avoid needing to have some elaborate installation process with who knows what kind of shop fees. I am open to a LSD option as well, if that is my best hope.

I can tell you that I am certain the G80 RPO code is not present on the sticker, and I can freely spin tires on the rear end in this rainy/mucky weather. I’d like that to be reduced. Can anyone tell me if I am up a creek or if this is actually pretty simple? Also, where would I go about getting this show on the road, so to speak? Ha!



Thanks guys…

Jason

 

yes I think the G80 was available for most pickups.
What people don't realize, is that swapping just the internals can be very expensive, because the job is very labour intensive (it's elaborate. No way around it). I'm talking over $1k. Which is why most people will just swap in a complete used axle. I suggest getting a quote before proceeding any further.
And if you're going to go to that expense, why not use something better like a Detroit Truetrac.

If you don't have RPO G80, then it's a plain open differential

 

Thank you Joe! That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Not the best news, but accurate and that is even more important!

Take care and thanks again!


Jason