I am looking at a new 2008 Tahoe and it has the Locking Rear Differential option. What are the Pro's and Con's of getting the Locking Rear Differential?

 

Gets you two black streaks instead of one. [sm=gears.gif] jk

Seriously I believe it gives you better traction in both 2WD & 4WD modes. Not sure how this works as I grew up with the old Positraction which just used spring loaded clutches.

 

Here is a link to a good training video that Eaton produced for GM regarding the G80 Locking Differential.
Ford and Dodge do not offer a locker, only limited slip which was designed for performance cars but is almost worthless on a truck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8nAbg5suFw

 

damn, I learned something new. Had an '07 Tahoe Z71 4X4 but replacing it with a 2WD Z71"Burban with G80 locking differential. Good thing to know that I won't be spinning as much as the other manufacturers. Tahoe was going to get to play in the mud, not the Suburban. But nice to know that it'll handle well in slippery situations.

 

Is the G80 only on the rear on 4WD?

 

Yes only the rear axle.
This type of locker would not work well on the front axle since in its operation it completely locks up both wheels on the axle, this would make it very difficult to control the vehicle under certain conditions.
And since so much traction can be attained by the front tires the use of a G80 up front would put a tremendous amount of stress on the front suspension and steering system.

 

Don't know much of the technical difference, but I had a '07 Tahoe w/ it then I got a '07 Yukon XL without it. I was very dissapointed when I realized I didn't have it on my new vehicle. Living in rainy Seattle the Tahoe w/ the locker would rarely every have the stabilitrak engage. Without the locker it does it all the time. Real annoying!

 

An interesting read on the subject:

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/autoworld2613.shtml

 

good read

 

Great article.They make it sound as if the G80 is a new feature though when in reality GM has offered it since the 1980's but it wasn't until just recently that GM and Eaton have started to publicly tout this substantial edge (with the G80) over all the competition.