[ramair2]

b-man

superb reply thank you. i knew that the 4pinion 10-bolts were beefy. i didnt know how seemingly cheap the non bop 10 bolts were made (hence the -need- for a 12 bolt for higher performance applications).

follow on q....

in your opinion, what is a better/stronger/higher performance capable rear, the 4pinion 10 bolts (used on RA cars) or the chevy 12 bolt used on some first gen camaros?

[Kurt S]

Another option is the 70's 8.5 corporate 10 bolt. It's a pretty strong axle and easy to find.

[-DA]

well, i can have it for $1000. sounds good to me!

Kurt - i've designed a triangulated 4-link to replace my leaf springs; it's more of a satchell-link than anything... really i'm just tired of leaf springs though. and i'm definitely gonna go back through the design to make it bolt to the spring perch rather than weld to the axle tube; i'd hate to destroy something that could fit another build if i don't plan on keeping it forever.

on another note... what's the max splined axle a 12-bolt can fit? or is the weak link in the gearing? i.e. what's the 12-bolt's crux, sort of speak? if i build my dream poncho motor, pushing anywhere from 650-800 ponies, is it even practical to corral this power using a 12 bolt (without crazy housing mods)? please excuse my ignorance; all of my homework to this point has consisted of d60's and 9 inchers which i could care less about bracing and modifying. i'll do the reading if someone can just point me towards the right literature...

thanks everyone!

-Dave

[b-man]

Originally Posted by ramair2

b-man

superb reply thank you. i knew that the 4pinion 10-bolts were beefy. i didnt know how seemingly cheap the non bop 10 bolts were made (hence the -need- for a 12 bolt for higher performance applications).

follow on q....

in your opinion, what is a better/stronger/higher performance capable rear, the 4pinion 10 bolts (used on RA cars) or the chevy 12 bolt used on some first gen camaros?

The 12-bolt would be my choice between the two no doubt. The only thing I really don't like is the C-clip axles, but you can have one built using Ford housing ends to get away from using C-clip axles without having to resort to leaky aftermarket C-clip eliminator kits.

A great lower cost alternative would be the corporate 8.5" 10-bolt rear that's nearly as strong as the 8.875" 12-bolt, it even uses the same pinion bearing.

The 4-pinion 8.2" rear ends are really best left for restorations, even though they'll take some punishment.

[Kurt S]

If you're talking 650+ hp, I'd go with your D60 or 9".
If that's a ways off, then the 12 bolt will work in the meantime. Esp with an auto. Manuals are much harder on axles.

[RAJ7395]

Anyone tried running a GM 14 bolt rear end in a first Gen? The 454SS guys are running over 1000hp with the stock 14 bolt rearend and it's holding up just fine.

The BOP 4 pinion rear axles are also forged.

[Kurt S]

The 14-bolt truck axle (used mainly on 1-tons, IIRC) is tough. Never heard of anyone running it in a car though.

[-DA]

shoot dang... why not go crazy?! i wanna see a full-floating, 8-lug 14-bolt sitting under a first gen! who cares about unsprung weight and rotating mass anyway?

-Dave

[RAJ7395]

I'm not talking about a 8 lug 1 ton dually rear axle.

I am refering to the 14 bolt that came in the 1990-93 454SS Pickups. It's a 5 lug, not much bigger/heavier than a 12 bolt, and comes with the 1350 front u-joints, beefy axles, etc. The 454SS guys are running boosted big blocks that put out over 1000hp and this stock differential is holding up just fine.

[zman1969]

Originally Posted by RAJ7395

I'm not talking about a 8 lug 1 ton dually rear axle.

I am refering to the 14 bolt that came in the 1990-93 454SS Pickups. It's a 5 lug, not much bigger/heavier than a 12 bolt, and comes with the 1350 front u-joints, beefy axles, etc. The 454SS guys are running boosted big blocks that put out over 1000hp and this stock differential is holding up just fine.

IIRC there are 9.5" and 10.50" versions not much selection for strong differentials

[428RA4]

Actually the newest C-clip eliminate kits don't leak anymore. I can contest to it but I still put silicone on the back plate. No leaks guys~!

[limejudge69]

PY member 'monzaz' has one for sale in the 'Performance Parts For Sale or Trade' section right now. It's a 14 bolt with 3.73 gears, ready to go.