Rear End questions.....[HELP]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 15
From: Southeast La
Rear End questions.....[HELP]
I posted this on C3 board and didn't get much back. Anyone else:
Not being the most knowledgable person re: vette rear gears...I know that the vette rear was Dana manufactured (correct?) at least the ring and pinion. What makes the vette r&p different than say the GM standard 10 bolt? and why aren't they interchangeable. Are the posi carriers different also?
The reasoning behind the questioning is this...I have a HD 4.11 rear I want to gear down to maybe something in the 3.42, 3.55 range, and am trying to determine where I can get my r&p from...vette rear only, or any GM 10 bolt. Also, why did GM earmark HD rears from the others...are the spiders stronger? center sections stronger??
Thanks as always....
Not being the most knowledgable person re: vette rear gears...I know that the vette rear was Dana manufactured (correct?) at least the ring and pinion. What makes the vette r&p different than say the GM standard 10 bolt? and why aren't they interchangeable. Are the posi carriers different also?
The reasoning behind the questioning is this...I have a HD 4.11 rear I want to gear down to maybe something in the 3.42, 3.55 range, and am trying to determine where I can get my r&p from...vette rear only, or any GM 10 bolt. Also, why did GM earmark HD rears from the others...are the spiders stronger? center sections stronger??
Thanks as always....
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Rear End questions.....[HELP] (topless68)
Jason,
I believe the difference in a HD rear end is the side yokes (actually the caps instead of straps) and possibly the 4 springs inside the posi. The physical dimensions of the R&P is different as is the posi it self. Others might disagree but i race with used gears all the time and have yet to have a problem, start with good stuff and have a pro assemble it. In a 3-series your choices are 3.36 3.55 or 3.73. To make the swap you need a R&P and a 3-series posi. ...redvetracr
PS: The distributor was very nice inside. .thanks for the deal!
I believe the difference in a HD rear end is the side yokes (actually the caps instead of straps) and possibly the 4 springs inside the posi. The physical dimensions of the R&P is different as is the posi it self. Others might disagree but i race with used gears all the time and have yet to have a problem, start with good stuff and have a pro assemble it. In a 3-series your choices are 3.36 3.55 or 3.73. To make the swap you need a R&P and a 3-series posi. ...redvetracr
PS: The distributor was very nice inside. .thanks for the deal!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Rear End questions.....[HELP] (topless68)
To the best of my knowledge, the Corvette rear is unique and the gears are not interchangable with other Chevy's. The newer...84 up Corvettes are Dana units. I believe the "old" ones are made by Warner Gear Division of GM. As far as the "big block/small block" issue, I believe the only difference is in the stub axles. The big blocks use a cap with screws on the end. The small block uses "U" bolts with nuts. Internally, they're the same. As far as posi units, the 63 used an Eaton unit. 64 and up used ???? (senior moment :) ) Hope this helps. Try EBAY for some good used gears. That's where I got the 3.36's for my 69. Chuck
