4x4 question?

[bcripe]

I was talking to a buddy who just bought a 02 Suburban today. We were talking about the 4x4 systems and I was telling him about the TLC locking rear dif and how that is an advantage. He told me that when he pushes his 4x4 button that his front axle is locked (both wheels have equal power) and that his rear end will lock after a wheel with no traction spins 1.5 revolutions. I told him I didnt think that was how his Suburban worked but he is convinced that is how all Chevys are and always have been. Both front wheels are locked and the rear end will lock when one tire spins. No electronics involved. I think it works more like how our center dif lock works and that only one back and one front tire is getting power and that the wheels with the least amount of traction will spin. And that the feeling he gets when in 4x4 on pavement is due to eneven tire rotation binding his drivetrain when turning. Does this make sense? Does anybody know if this is true?

We have a case of Alaskan Amber riding on it.

Thanks,
BC

 

[montocr]

suburban

The front is an open differential. People get confused because they think that the axle disconnect in the front is a diff lock. When the system is in two wheel drive the non-disco side spins the spider gears, rather than the whole front diff. The rearend locking device that he is talking about is the gov-lock. These do "lock" when one wheel spins faster than the other, as it has weights that work off of centrifigul force. They also lead to premature differential failure in many vehicles.

 

[uzj100]

Great explanation montocr.

He owes you some beer.

uzj100

 

[bcripe]

montocr, thanks but I guess I am still a little confused? The front is an open differential that does not lock but the rear on the Sub is a type of Limited Slip Differential? Do you know how the Autotrac works on the Suburban and how is it different/same as my 99 TLC with locking rear dif? So is it safe to say that the Suburban does not have a basic 4x4 system but the TLC does without the locking rear dif and center lock?

Thanks,
BC

 

[uzj100]

auto-crap 4x4

Autotrac 4x4 System
The Autotrac active transfer case (not available with StabiliTrak), standard only on 4x4 models, helps Suburban adjust to varying road conditions. The Autotrac system features four drive modes (2HI, AUTO/4WD, 4HI and 4LO) plus a neutral setting:
2HI improves fuel efficiency by completely disengaging the front drive axles.
When engaged, AUTO 4WD detects rear-wheel slippage and automatically shifts into 4WD, as road conditions dictate.
4HI helps handle snow, ice, rain and most off-road conditions.
4LO helps handle extreme conditions such as steep hills, deep sand, mud or snow.
Neutral allows Suburban to be flat-towed.(1)

2HI - LC does not have this
Auto AWD - LC does not have this either - some power is always goin to the front on the LC, provides better handling in most conditions
4HI - LC has this when you lock the center diff in high range - equal power to both axles
4LO - LC has this when you lock the center diff in low range - equal power to both axles
Auto locking rear diff - LC does not have this but had an option for a manual locking rear diff in '98 and '99

The chevy site does not mention a real off road traction control system, more like a stability program.

uzj100

 

[offroadkid]

Here's a helpful site: http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/george_couyant/diffs/diffs.html

 

[CruisinGA]

The gov-lock isn't standard, or common, AFAIK.

Just tell your buddy he bought a piece of american made trash, and that he will need a new tranny before 100k, and if he does any towing a new rear end before 150k.

Gov-lock or not, his 'burban sucks balls compared to any LC, and I'm willing to bet a box of cubans that he has no traction control of any kind other than possibly some electronic junk for soccermoms on wet roads.

(just got rid of our last burban (of 3) for an 80 LC. )

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Wow, That Was Brutal.

 

[mabrodis]

Brutal, but true.

I've had several people offroad tell me their vehicles have a 'locker', then I tell them to drive up this trail and see how it works. Never fails, they lift a rear tire and it spins wildly and all progress is lost. They back up confused and try it again, same result, they they hit it faster and faster until they bounce through and then say how the system works. I did this with my TRD Tacoma, then I slowly idle through lifting a tire further than them, yet no hint of wheel spin, then explain how a REAL locker works... The effect is even better when you have a Lexus with both factory lockers and they have some other semi-luxo vehicle which they compare to a Lexus...

 

[bcripe]

Well he finally understands and is buying me a case of Alaskan Amber. He does have the factory locking rear option but thats not stock.

Thanks again,
BC