stupid newb rear axle question

[DustinC1989]

I've done TONS of reading on axle swaps and im sorry to ask a stupid question but I just have to make sure. Everything on the trailblazer seems too simple

So from what I have gathered, I can swap in a 8.6" and nothing has to be changed?
Again, just double checking since everything has gone smooth on this truck and right now I can pick from 6 8.6's with 3.42 and lockers(g80, they keep calling it a locker) in my area for under $400 and under 100,000 miles

[v7guy]

as long as the gearing is the same you're correct

[djthumper]

Check the year vehicle those are from as well. You have to have a rear axle from a 06 or newer for that to be correct.

[DustinC1989]

Yup, I specifically searched for 3.42 to match. They are all 06-08

This truck is starting to scare me... everything is going to well, something is gonna spontaneously combust

[Conner299]

Just some food for thought... You may want to consider getting an axle without the g80. Especially if you want to upgrade to a locker in the future. From what I've heard and read, the g80 is a pain to deal with on repairs, and has more moving parts than some lockers. I was considering doing the same the thing you are, then reconsidered and decided on an axle with no g80. Word round the campfire is if you have a g80, then decide to put in a locker, you'll need to change the carrier out for an open carrier. Plus, its easier to find axles without the g80, and they're cheaper. Just my two cents...

[dvanbramer88]

Just some food for thought... You may want to consider getting an axle without the g80. Especially if you want to upgrade to a locker in the future. From what I've heard and read, the g80 is a pain to deal with on repairs, and has more moving parts than some lockers. I was considering doing the same the thing you are, then reconsidered and decided on an axle with no g80. Word round the campfire is if you have a g80, then decide to put in a locker, you'll need to change the carrier out for an open carrier. Plus, its easier to find axles without the g80, and they're cheaper. Just my two cents...

Agreed, And you need special tools and special experience to swap a G80 carrier to an open carrier. Hardtrailz did it.

Depending on the OP's mission, he may be better off buying an open axle and a locker all in one shot.

But the G80 is adequate for most people as long as you take care of it.

[navigator]

does anyone have any record of a TB grenading a G80 in an 8.6? I understand they are beefier than the ones in the 8.0 and several guys on here run them.

[NC_IslandRunner]

does anyone have any record of a TB grenading a G80 in an 8.6? I understand they are beefier than the ones in the 8.0 and several guys on here run them.

Never heard of it but it's got to be easy to do, the problem isn't the 8.0 axle is weak it's the G80 by design will grenade under certain conditions. biggest problem with the 8.0 axle is the G80 is the only locker available for it, If more lockers were made for it we wouldn't really need to change the axle.

[DirtyBacon04]

i know for a fact Roadie has grenaded his G80, and I'm pretty sure he has an 8.6, too

[navigator]

I thought he upgraded to the 8.6 (wG80) after he grenaded his 8.0 with the G80.

[DirtyBacon04]

you're probably right. I'm used to being wrong

[chevycrew]

If you are planning bigger tires, I would pick up a non-g80 rear with 3.73 or 4.10 gears, then swap the front diff to match. It will save you $ in the long run.

[The Roadie]

i know for a fact Roadie has grenaded his G80, and I'm pretty sure he has an 8.6, too

Both of these statements are true.

[navigator]

Roadie, did you grenade the G80 in the 8.0 or 8.6 axle?

[Karo]

Pictures from my manual (sorry only cell phone pictures)
This is the G80 8.0 Locking Differential:

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This is the 8.6 locking Differential:



Never knew that there is a difference.

Didn´t want to hijack the thread but did someone know if there is a difference in the brake rotors between the 8.0 and the 8.6?
Karsten

[fishsticks]

All brake hardware is the same.



Skip to 6 minutes in to discover why not to buy a G80. (32" tires)

[v7guy]

SS rear and airlocker. After that you're solid... until someone breaks that combo.

Or you can cheap out and break shit like roadie lol

[Cable810]

Donny when you blew the G80 in the video was it in the 8.0"? Cause since Karo posted the pictures of the G80s from what I would conclude is that the 8.6"G80 is stronger than the 8.0" G80?!?!

[fishsticks]

Donny when you blew the G80 in the video was it in the 8.0"? Cause since Karo posted the pictures of the G80s from what I would conclude is that the 8.6"G80 is stronger than the 8.0" G80?!?!

It was an 8.0. However the design is fundamentally the same, with all of the same drawbacks. Rapid engagement/disengagement (like you'll get when dealing with rocks) will kill them. Ask all the full size guys with buckets of G80 parts.

If you're looking for some good snow traction it's fine.

[Conner299]

I wonder what the OP thinks about all the information that has disseminated down through this thread, and what his opinions are.