Why in the hell would GM do this? My 97 K2500 with towing package, comes from the factory as a one wheel wonder. Why would you build a heavy duty truck and not make it posi? Is there any benefit to having it be a non posi rear end. Other than the fact that the GM limited slips were not that great.

 

I believe the G80 Eaton locking (not clutch-type) rear end is an option for the lower models and standard on the LTZ. At least that's the way it was on the GMT900s.

 

Personally, I love the G80 locker. However, it's a bit on the fragile side and doesn't tolerate a lot of abuse. If you're the type that likes to do a lot of smoky burnouts or donuts, it's likely you'll break something. Moreso on the 3/4 ton trucks.

Chevy doesn't do Positraction-style rear axles in the trucks - meaning limited-slip with clutch packs. The G80 is a true locking differential. There is a difference.

 

Tested mine the other day when there was still some snow in the middle of the street. With one rear wheel on the snow and the other on pavement, it accelerated normally w/ no wheel spin on the snow. This was in 2WD. A posi rear would have accelerated at about half normal.

 

Why not? The auto locker on our 07 is quite nice I must say. Turn traction off and as soon as you start spinning it locks up instantly. Great for drifting

 

I don't have the G80 in my truck, just a plain jane one wheel wonder. This thing is the most uncapable truck I've owned. It gets stuck in two wheel drive on a flat surface and packed snow. The tires are in great shape also, so it's not like I have bald tires.

 

Vehicles which carry heavy loads operate more efficiently with open type differentials.
It doesn't matter how new or how much rubber you have on a tire, if it doesn't have the proper tread (like for snow), any vehicle can have limited traction. That includes 4WD's and or with some sort of limited slip Diff.

If you want your Truck to deal with Snow, then put Snow Tires on it (at least on the rear).