Broken spider gears

[teebes]

Need some new gears for my rear diff. Started hearing loud/sharp noises this AM while enroute to do some local wheeling' with roadie. Popped the cover and one spider is cracked while numerous teeth are a bit chewed up

I found some kits on eBay for about 120 with shipping. Has anyone noticed these for less? Scoped out some replacement axles for about 300'ish, might be time for an upgrade!

[fishsticks]

My spiders have some carnage on them as well, but aren't making noise yet.

Can you link the ebay stuff you found? Are they for open rears? 8" or 8.6"? I'm reasonably sure the spiders/sides are different for open/G80.

[teebes]

Haven't found any listings for 8" locked spiders yet, only some vague listings which I assume are for open diffs. Just trying to get an estimate how much $$ they are going to run for a kit.

[Trail X]

The side gears will be different because they engage with the clutches, but I can't find any part numbers for the top and bottom spider gears to verify if they are the same...

[johnburgelin]

I can send you a picture of my spider gears from a brand new G80. If that helps at all. I don't have any pics of my open diff

[fishsticks]

GM lists the side/spider gear kit for the 8" G80 as PN 12479038.

It's about $380 shipped from gmpartsdirect. $400ish from gmpartsshop.


That's the best I've been able to do parts wise.

[The Roadie]

It could have been Montrose, CO all over again if we had been on the trail and you had to limp off. You got AAA?

I will post Monday about my adventure after some dash-droid-cam videos upload.

[SteveTB03]

It could have been Montrose, CO all over again if we had been on the trail and you had to limp off. You got AAA?

I will post Monday about my adventure after some dash-droid-cam videos upload.

Yeah I don't think that I could come save you then lol

That's really expensive for some new spider gears, for that price it would be more cost efficient for you just to get a brand new real axle.

[teebes]

GM lists the side/spider gear kit for the 8" G80 as PN 12479038.

It's about $380 shipped from gmpartsdirect. $400ish from gmpartsshop.


That's the best I've been able to do parts wise.

Thanks so much! I searched for a while and couldn't find a part number - good job!

It could have been Montrose, CO all over again if we had been on the trail and you had to limp off. You got AAA?

I will post Monday about my adventure after some dash-droid-cam videos upload.

I do. Went to a local branch office this Am to renew my bike's registration only to find out that the DMV is offline throughout all of California - I hate that place

That's really expensive for some new spider gears, for that price it would be more cost efficient for you just to get a brand new real axle.

I'm going to make some calls today, a ton of cheap axles out there on car-part.com

[fishsticks]

Yeah GM seems to think they are gold plated. I can't find anything aftermarket.

Steve we need to take apart your open carrier and compare spider gears.

For what GM wants, I'll run my axle until it grenades and save my money for an 8.6".

[teebes]

Question for all you that have installed lockers in other rear ends (or EXTs)... What brands/models do you prefer and are there any to avoid?

Note, this is anticipation of a 8.6 housing so I have some options. Just spoke to a local axle/gear place that might do the gear work and he likes the Ected (which Alek is currently running). ARB makes one and detroit has a model available, too (assuming this data is accurate via Randy's): http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList.asp ... 46&CatID=7

Opinions?

[fishsticks]

My K5 had a Detroit Locker in it installed by the previous owner. Since it locks under power, you just need to remember to stay off the gas in a turn on pavement.

I abused the hell out of that truck, including dry pavement burnouts of 33" MTs. This was several years ago.

AFAIK, that truck is still wheeling on that same rear end.

12-bolt rear end....so a bit beefier than an 8.6".

[AlekG]

Question for all you that have installed lockers in other rear ends (or EXTs)... What brands/models do you prefer and are there any to avoid?

Note, this is anticipation of a 8.6 housing so I have some options. Just spoke to a local axle/gear place that might do the gear work and he likes the Ected (which Alek is currently running). ARB makes one and detroit has a model available, too (assuming this data is accurate via Randy's): http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList.asp ... 46&CatID=7

Opinions?

The Ected was a no-brainer for me because of 3 things:

1. Its a limited slip when OFF, which helps on snow and ice so no need to worry about inadvertently locking up and fishtailing the rear end

2. According to several sources, heavier duty and less prone to carnage than the "G80" (I sheared some teeth on "old blue")

3. It was less expensive than the "G80" when buying from Randy's (although with patience you can find one for less on eBay)


AG

[fishsticks]

Question for all you that have installed lockers in other rear ends (or EXTs)... What brands/models do you prefer and are there any to avoid?

Note, this is anticipation of a 8.6 housing so I have some options. Just spoke to a local axle/gear place that might do the gear work and he likes the Ected (which Alek is currently running). ARB makes one and detroit has a model available, too (assuming this data is accurate via Randy's): http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList.asp ... 46&CatID=7

Opinions?

The Ected was a no-brainer for me because of 3 things:

1. Its a limited slip when OFF, which helps on snow and ice so no need to worry about inadvertently locking up and fishtailing the rear end

2. According to several sources, heavier duty and less prone to carnage than the "G80" (I sheared some teeth on "old blue")

3. It was less expensive than the "G80" when buying from Randy's (although with patience you can find one for less on eBay)


AG

All of this is true. The G80 has a horrible reputation on other platforms. From what I've read most people either replace them or weld them up.

Apparently the extra hole the G80 carrier has compromises it's overall strength pretty badly. This is in addition to the governor/cam gear and the lame little teeth they have.

[glfredrick]

The G80 was called the "gov-lock" earlier. And, yes, they were prone to blowing up. Tons of Blazer and pickup guys can attest to that.

The Detroit or the ected are both better. ARB air locker is best, if available.

[SteveTB03]

Steve we need to take apart your open carrier and compare spider gears.

Yeah I got no problem with doing that for you guys, that way well know forsure if it works or not.

[teebes]

Thanks everyone! I also like how the Auburn is a limited slip when not fully engaged/locked, something the others simply don't offer.

Well, time to find an axle

[teebes]

Whoohoo... Xl axle in bound for $168 smackers

[fishsticks]

Jealousy... I has it.

[teebes]

Well, the real $$ damage has yet to come. The actual parts list is adding up quickly.

They had free delivery when sending to a business, so instead of me putting the axle on and then upgrading some parts, the Axle shop will be doing all the grunt work this time around.