Diff imploaded

[da_raabi]

Here are some pics on how to identify a GM differential without measuring the ring gear:

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images

If you decide to keep the 10 bolt (I'm assuming it would be the more common 8.5) then you have lots and lots of options for a diff.

You could go locker, but I have heard of many problems with them
You could go open
You could go posi.

If you go posi there are lots of brand new options, ranging from $500 up. I recommend finding a used Eaton friction-type posi. The auburns, many of which were found in 2nd gen f-bodies tend to be grenades and do not hold torque well, they are also not rebuildable. The eaton posi is much tougher, and is completely rebuildable, although the parts can be hard to find.

Additionally, if you have a 10 bolt it can be built to handle over 500 ft-lbs of torque by welding the axles tubes to the center section (use nickel rod, you are welding steel to cast iron), installing 30-spline axles and carrier, installing c-clip eliminators, and using a housing girdle. In my Camaro I welded the tubes and have a girdle, and eventually I plan to go to 30-spline axles, eliminators are supposedly a bad idea on the street so I will not be using them. Here are some pics of my setup:

Eaton Posi I got on eBay for around $200:

You must be registered for see images attach

Built rearend:

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

I hope that helps!

 

[HotRodPC]

It pisses me off I scrapped that 30 spline 10 bolt with 3.42 gears that was in that Suburban. Didn't have much of a choice.

 

[da_raabi]

It pisses me off I scrapped that 30 spline 10 bolt with 3.42 gears that was in that Suburban. Didn't have much of a choice.

Damn, 30 spline AND a 3 series carrier? That thing would have been a tough and probably decent $$ rear!

 

[HotRodPC]

Damn, 30 spline AND a 3 series carrier? That thing would have been a tough and probably decent $$ rear!

Yep, city was on my ass. 5 lug axles, 3.42 gears Open carrier out of a 91 Burb. SCRRRRRAAPPED it.

 

[Linville33]

Not to thread jack here but what is the point of a girdle? I have never built a rear end or tore into one yet

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk

 

[HotRodPC]

If it's the girdle being referred to here, it appears the rear end cover has 2 bolts that can be torqed down to whatever required spec by the manufacturer of the girdle and those bolts will push on the center of the bearing caps giving the caps more strength. Kinda like a 4 bolt main on a crankshaft. This would make those bearing caps, 3 bolt caps instead of 2. Then to strengthen a housing, you can have it Trussed which is common with rock crawlers.

 

[Linville33]

Ahh I see thanks hotrod

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk