snowmirage wrote:I do apologize as I'm sure this must have been detailed some place here or on trailvoy but I am having a heck of a time finding it dispite my weeks or searching.
Firstly how can I find out what my trucks gear ratio is? I assume its in the VIN codes but in all my reading I havent heard it mentioned yet.
As I have the Short Wheel base model I assume I most likely have the 8" rear end. Or do I 100% have the 8" (2003 Trailblazer LTZ 4x4 I6)? I get the impression the 8.6 was only available with the V8's?
Many people seem to throw terminology around willy nilly interchanging "limited slip" and "locker". To my understanding (and I'm pretty sure I am right) "limited slip" allows one wheel to spin X amount faster than the other. While a "locker" locks the wheels together and they must spin at the same speed, and when most of us are referring to a locker they mean a mechanically engaged locker, the unit senses when the wheels start to spin and locks them together. I am not 100% clear on which of these were offered as factory options as I have heard posts mentioning both on the other site.
I have heard mention of the G80 being available as a factory option for the 8" is this a "locker" or a limited slip diff?
From what I understand the long wheel base models (EXT and such) came with an 8.6" rear end. Did ALL the EXT models come with this axel? Certain years? What locker / limited slip options were offered from the factory with that axle? And how can they be identified?
I was considering going and finding a junked Trailvoy that came with the factory locker / limited slip that I wish I had. I figure that the 8.6" from the EXT if readily available shouldn't be that much more than the 8" and would be that much stronger.
Lastly how can I tell if a vehicle has/ or had the 8" or the 8.6" and if its axle has the factory locker / limited slip option, by VIN I am guessing ? Any indication just by looking at the axle?
Flying Monkey wrote:This is also on my "to do" list since I dont have a G80. So to make sure I understand correctly it would be better in long run to pick up a 8.6 and put the Lunchbox Locker in it?
JamesDowning wrote:Flying Monkey wrote:This is also on my "to do" list since I dont have a G80. So to make sure I understand correctly it would be better in long run to pick up a 8.6 and put the Lunchbox Locker in it?
Lunchbox is not necessarily better, just cheaper to install.
I vote for getting the 8.6 w/ G80... then if you don't like it, go get a selectable. The issue is only that a G80 housing is possibly not strong enough for a lunchbox locker.
JamesDowning wrote:Flying Monkey wrote:This is also on my "to do" list since I dont have a G80. So to make sure I understand correctly it would be better in long run to pick up a 8.6 and put the Lunchbox Locker in it?
Lunchbox is not necessarily better, just cheaper to install.
I vote for getting the 8.6 w/ G80... then if you don't like it, go get a selectable. The issue is only that a G80 housing is possibly not strong enough for a lunchbox locker.
Flying Monkey wrote:my original plan was to start hitting junk yards and such to try to find just a better geared G80. Want at least a 3.73. I think the 3.73 would be better on 33's then my 3.42 (non-G80). And if I go to 35's later with BL ill definatly need something higher then then 3.42.
Flying Monkey wrote:my original plan was to start hitting junk yards and such to try to find just a better geared G80. Want at least a 3.73. I think the 3.73 would be better on 33's then my 3.42 (non-G80). And if I go to 35's later with BL ill definatly need something higher then then 3.42.
bartonmd wrote:Flying Monkey wrote:my original plan was to start hitting junk yards and such to try to find just a better geared G80. Want at least a 3.73. I think the 3.73 would be better on 33's then my 3.42 (non-G80). And if I go to 35's later with BL ill definatly need something higher then then 3.42.
You know you'll also have to change out your front diff, right?
Mike
Flying Monkey wrote:my original plan was to start hitting junk yards and such to try to find just a better geared G80. Want at least a 3.73. I think the 3.73 would be better on 33's then my 3.42 (non-G80). And if I go to 35's later with BL ill definatly need something higher then then 3.42.