Are Chevy 10 bolt rear ends good?

Are Chevy 10 bolt rear ends good?

Even though it has been used in every major GM rear-wheel-drive platform, the 10-bolt has a bad reputation for being a low-performance unit. Nothing could be further from the truth. The 10-bolt can handle just about anything you throw at it, as long as you use the right axle, either the 8.5- or 8.6-inch.

What is a GM 10 Bolt differential?

The GM 10-Bolt semi-floating rear axle has been in use for over 40 years. It’s been used in passenger cars, and light duty pickups and SUVs over the decades. The rear axle is a C-clip design unit, meaning the axleshafts are retained using a metal C-clip in the middle of the differential.

How can you tell a 10 bolt from a 12 bolt?

Just like a 10-bolt rearend, there should be stamped numbers on the axle tube – on the passenger’s side. The numbers should let you know what gear-ratio came from the factory, the date of production, where the unit was assembled, and whether the carrier is Positraction or not (see charts).

How do I know if my rear end is Positraction?

If you can turn the wheel on your side while the other wheel is held still, the rear differential is not a Positraction unit. If you cannot turn the wheel on your side while the other person is holding their wheel in place, then the axle is a Positraction.

How do I know if my 10-bolt is posi?

Locate two lugs, or ears, extending out from the bottom of the gear casing approximately in the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock position. This will firmly identify the unit as having come with Positraction from the factory.

How do I identify a Chevy 10 bolt rear end?

The easiest way to identify the 8.2-inch rearend at a glance is by the shape of the housing and the spacing between the lower bolts on the cover. The 8.2-inch 10-bolt has a smooth, round, lower-case area (no cast-in protrusions), with an 11-inch cover that has a diagonal protrusion at the top.

What size is the pinion nut on GM 10 Bolt?

8.5″
PYN10 – 10-Bolt 8.5″; Pinion Nut (30 Spline Pinion)

How do I identify a GM 10 bolt posi?

How big is the rear end of a Chevy 10 bolt?

Nothing could be further from the truth. The 10-bolt can handle just about anything you throw at it, as long as you use the right axle, either the 8.5- or 8.6-inch. That is the great caveat; there are four sizes of 10-bolt GM rear ends: 7.5/7.625-, 8.2-, 8.5-, and 8.6-inch.

When did the 10 bolt rearend come out?

The 8.5-inch 10-bolt rearend was used in cars and trucks over a wide range of years. It first appeared in 1970 production cars as a corporate replacement for the 8.2-inch 10-bolt rearend. It was used in different models by all GM divisions – with the exception of Cadillac.

How many horsepower does a 10 bolt Chevy have?

But there are several models in the 10-bolt line-up. The smaller 7.5- and 8.2-inch 10-bolt rear axles can’t transmit horsepower loads in excess of 400 hp. However, the 8.5- and 8.6-inch 10-bolts are extremely stout and effective rear differentials that can transmit up to 1,000 hp to the rear wheels.

When did GM start making 10 bolt bolts?

GM built countless thousands of both types of 10-bolts from 1970 to 1994. This means you can typically find one suitable for your muscle car dirt-cheap at your local junkyard.