Easy lifehacks

How do I identify a 10 bolt rear end?

How do I identify a 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.

How did the GM 12 bolt rearend get its name?

Although not technically how it got its descriptive name, the easiest way to identify a 12-bolt rearend is obviously by the 12 bolts holding the rear cover in place. In actuality, the term 12-bolt is due to the 12 bolts holding the ring gear to the differential.

Is the rear end of a 12 bolt truck interchangeable?

Early truck 12-bolts had axles with 12 large axle splines. The differential carriers are also narrower than those in passenger-car units. They are not interchangeable. That doesn’t mean the truck rearend is not capable of receiving performance upgrades. To the contrary, aftermarket 30-spline differentials and axles are available.

Where are Moser 12 bolt rear ends made?

Complete 12 Bolt Built to Order Rear End Packages. All Moser 12 Bolt Housings are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. using Moser Engineering owned Casting Boxes.

How can you tell if a truck is a 12 bolt?

At a quick glance, you can also tell when you’re looking at a truck 12-bolt, because the rearend cover has an irregular shape. Early truck 12-bolts had axles with 12 large axle splines. The differential carriers are also narrower than those in passenger-car units. They are not interchangeable.

Although not technically how it got its descriptive name, the easiest way to identify a 12-bolt rearend is obviously by the 12 bolts holding the rear cover in place. In actuality, the term 12-bolt is due to the 12 bolts holding the ring gear to the differential.

What’s the difference between GM 12 bolt and 12T axles?

Because both axles are commonly referred to as GM 12 Bolt axles, it is important to know which version you have before ordering your parts. The easiest way to tell them apart is that the passenger car version has a perfectly round differential cover while the truck version has an irregular shape.

How big is a 12 bolt rearend on a truck?

For instance, the truck 12-bolt uses a smaller inner pinion-bearing (1.438 inches versus 1.675 inches). We recently saw this 12-bolt at a swap meet. While it is a 12-bolt, it is from a truck. The owner stated that it was not a Posi-filled rearend, and came with gears he believed to be around 3.08 or 3.23. Would you pay $400?

What kind of parts are at 12 bolt?

Plenty of Chevy inline 4 and 6 performance parts in stock and ready to go. Our services also include 12 bolt rear-end restoration and rebuilding. We have a wide selection of rears in stock and ready to build! Check out this instructional video on how to add a bolt in lump kit to your head.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle
Common questions

How do I identify a 10-bolt rear end?

How do I identify a 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.

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

When it comes to getting power to the pavement, GM’s 10-bolt, 8.5-inch rear end with Positraction is a hero. Like Superman in street clothes, however, it can be hard to identify this beefy unit among its weaker cousins, the 10-bolt, 8.2-inch with open differential.

How to identify a 10 bolt, 8.5 inch posi rear end?

Most of the 10-inch units you’re looking for will have this. Place your 1.25-inch socket over the pinion nut. If it fits, it’s the 10-bolt, 8.5-inch unit. Inspect the entire gear case and center section thoroughly to make sure there are no cracks or other damage that might compromise the unit’s integrity.

How big is the pinion on a Chevy 10 bolt?

The pinion diameter is 1.438 inches, and has 25 splines. Like all Chevy 10-bolts, the axles are retained by C-clips on the inner end of the axle shaft inside the carrier. If you find a rearend that uses a large spring perch like this, it is from either an X or F-Body.

When did GM start making 10 bolt cars?

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. Learn how to separate this strong man from the wimps.

Is the GM 10 bolt stronger than the Pontiac 10 bolt?

Donald, the pics above are missing your type of rear end. The Pontiac 10 bolt cover has scallop shapes at the 3 and 9 oclock position. The Pontiac 10 bolt was a 8.2 rear but was considered stronger / better that the BOP 10 bolt and the GM 10 bolt in 8.5. Will it handle the power a 12 bolt can handle? NO.

When it comes to getting power to the pavement, GM’s 10-bolt, 8.5-inch rear end with Positraction is a hero. Like Superman in street clothes, however, it can be hard to identify this beefy unit among its weaker cousins, the 10-bolt, 8.2-inch with open differential.

Where are the half moons on a Pontiac 10 bolt?

That looks to be a Pontiac 10 bolt rear in 2:73 posi. The “half moon” shape at the 3 and 9 o’clock position on the case is the key. It is part of the BOP line of 10 bolt rears but is considered the best of that line of rear ends. Does the cover have half moon shapes at 3 and 9 o’clock? – dave Yes it does have the half moons on the rear cover.

What do the 10 bolts on a GM Salisbury mean?

As with all GM Salisbury rear axle assemblies, the number of bolts, in this case 10, refers to both the ring gear bolt count and the number of bolts retaining the rear cover. While many believe that the later corporate 10-bolt is as weak as the earlier 8.2, this is not the case.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle