2018 Tow Rig Thread - ExtraSlow does it again!

[SkiBum5.0]

A real Sask special with the big boards! Great find for towing.

[ExtraSlow]

Truck has two batteries, anyone know off the top of thier head how they are wired? Is there an isolater between them or what? Which is the "primary" battery?

[ExtraSlow]

Decoded the various RPO codes. Nothing earth shattering, but did see that it's the 9200 lbs GVW package, 4.10 gears, dual batteries, 125 Amp alternator, built in Flint Michigan. Good stuff.

[CUG]

What RPM are you at on the highway?

[ExtraSlow]

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What RPM are you at on the highway?

about 2100 rpm at 115 km/h.
The more common 3.73 axle should be approx 10% slower, so 1900 rpm or so.

[ExtraSlow]

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Decoded the various RPO codes. Nothing earth shattering, but did see that it's the 9200 lbs GVW package, 4.10 gears, dual batteries, 125 Amp alternator, built in Flint Michigan. Good stuff.

As a handy alternative to decoding all the RPO codes, I found out you can also email GM. Sent the email yesterday, got the response today with the build sheet, which is basically the RPO stuff all written out. That's easier. Only difference is that the build sheet shows a "locking axle" and the online RPO decoder said limited slip differential. Not sure which I have, or how to tell. I don't think GM used the electronically locking axle, so tehre's no button on the dash or anything.

Not that it matters to me, but how would I know which I have?

[dirtsniffer]

If the RPO code is G80 then it is an automatically locking differential and not a true limited slip, although it does lock up when there is slip. Fuckers marketed it to me as limited slip even though it is not.

[ExtraSlow]

That's the one. Never had one of these. Can you feel it lock and unlock when you spin?

[dirtsniffer]

I've heard that some people can hear it. I've never heard mine. From what I understand you need to have a sustained 100 wheel rpm difference to activate the locking mechanism. So if you start to spin one wheel dont let up until it locks.

[r3ccOs]

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I've heard that some people can hear it. I've never heard mine. From what I understand you need to have a sustained 100 wheel rpm difference to activate the locking mechanism. So if you start to spin one wheel dont let up until it locks.

I know many people who claim to have had problems with the G80, yet they are in so many trucks that never had reported issues... Everyone I know who detonated them were big into mudding or had alot of power and also know that some people found them unpredictable when say gunning it around corners


That said I still would prefer mechanical traction like this G80 or LSD to my F150's open diff with T/C and electric locker

Also I just want to throw this out here... I wonder how much of the "poor" fuel economy of a Gas motor'd HD is mostly attributed to the E ply shoes they wear?? Granted they do weight 600+ more than a 1/2 equivalent, but when I was running my AT/W 275/70/18 Eplys vs back to the 275/65/18 Cplys the fuel economy is staggering... I dropped from a 15.2 l/100 avg down to 12.3 l/100

[stillworking]

I was looking at a Express AWD with a G80 last year and found these videos helpful.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xdND6o9Vsqo
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rGlacQlBGcQ
The F150 I have now has a locking rear diff which is engaged by pulling out the 4WD selector. Would prefer it to be automatic.

[ExtraSlow]

The tire rotation didn't do much to reduce the howl. It's worst around 80km/h, above that the wind noise drowns it out.

Did a trip to red deer and back. Hand calculated 15.6l/100km, which is close to the same as the dash display says (15.4). Since the tires are stock, makes sense.
Didn't buy it for mileage, but always fun to see what it can do.

[r3ccOs]

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The tire rotation didn't do much to reduce the howl. It's worst around 80km/h, above that the wind noise drowns it out.

Did a trip to red deer and back. Hand calculated 15.6l/100km, which is close to the same as the dash display says (15.4). Since the tires are stock, makes sense.
Didn't buy it for mileage, but always fun to see what it can do.

yikes... rear end or transfer case?

[ExtraSlow]

Oh no it's the tires.

[spikerS]

Look into the BFG KA/02 tires. I put them on my F-150 and i gotta say they are quieter than stock, look better, and provide way more traction off road and in mud and snow as they are winter rated tires.

I know they are a little pricey, but IMO, worth it.

[SkiBum5.0]

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Look into the BFG KA/02 tires. I put them on my F-150 and i gotta say they are quieter than stock, look better, and provide way more traction off road and in mud and snow as they are winter rated tires.

I know they are a little pricey, but IMO, worth it.

Agreed - I’m at 30,000 miles (not KM’s) and they are starting to make some noise but still way quieter than new Duratracs. Great tire, just wish they had it in more sizes wider than 285/65

[ExtraSlow]

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The tire rotation didn't do much to reduce the howl. It's worst around 80km/h, above that the wind noise drowns it out.

Did a trip to red deer and back. Hand calculated 15.6l/100km, which is close to the same as the dash display says (15.4). Since the tires are stock, makes sense.
Didn't buy it for mileage, but always fun to see what it can do.

Trolled kijiji for a long time, but found some decent used tires. Goodyear wrangler ATAdventure w/ kevlar. In the required 17" size and load range E. DOT date code shows them as 5 years newer than previous tires. Had the boys at urbanexpressions mount them today, and no howl. Calling that a win. Something like 1/3 the price of a brand new set of brand name tires, or half the price of no-name tires. Plenty of tread to get me through a few years.

[ExtraSlow]

Installed a tonneau today. Full details in shakalaka's truck mods thread.

https://forums.beyond.ca/threads/407...71#post4735171

[ExtraSlow]

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Nice buy. And rust in the usual GM places (bottom of the gate, rear quarters above the wheels, leading edge of the roof)?

update, rear wheel arches now rusting. Frown, but not surprise.

[killramos]

Shakalakas truck mod thread. lol

Also disappoint, I was hoping to see you buy a Tremor or something. Double meat subs!