When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello all, been doing some homework on LT1s and I see that they came with heavy duty yoke clamps and a base model did not. But I am confused maybe??? Here is a photo of my half shafts, are these not heavy duty yoke clamps?
.
If so, first can someone post a photo of what the base model retainers look like? And second what are these doing on my base model, upgrade by the PO?? Thanks Ike
Last edited by general ike; 06-24-2018 at 05:59 PM.
If someone hasn't updated the yokes (they wear) or changed the diff (is the date code / ratio correct), it's always possible that they ran out of straps on the day that diff was assembled and it got the HD yokes instead, but more likely that they were changed
M
Base motor, ac, and automatics got the "HD" axles as well. That is not a stock diff cover so someone has been into that diff before, so could have replaced the axles. I wouldn't get too hung up on these axles, the -bolt type work well for street usage and most likely you will break other parts before you break a std axle u-bolt.
Mooser thanks for the clarification and great pic. The differential is original but the cover and the spring are replacements, so the rear has had some work preformed and thus most likely replacement yoke retainers. Now I understand the difference in the two, I was confused since I thought mine were a base style.
That's a very nice rear you have if you don't mind me saying so. Is that paint? If not what did you coat the diff and shafts to keep them from rusting? I used flat lacquer clear coat and they seemed to rust somewhat underneath the coating, but don't seem to be advancing.
Gary we are typing at the same time, yep there has been some work on the car before me. My confusion was what was a base and what was heavy duty retainer when looking at a LT 1 I was considering. Thanks for the response!!! Ike
Last edited by general ike; 06-24-2018 at 07:37 PM.
[QUOTE=general ike;1597472766
.... That's a very nice rear you have if you don't mind me saying so. Is that paint? If not what did you coat the diff and shafts to keep them from rusting? I used flat lacquer clear coat and they seemed to rust somewhat underneath the coating, but don't seem to be advancing.
Thanks again Ike.[/QUOTE]
That's POR15 followed by a couple of coats of engine enamel. That diff was the previous one (3:08 stock gears) but I built another (with the help of Tom and Gary) the winter before last with the same treatment but it did get the HD yokes, (Toms bearing cap, solid sleeve, tuned posi etc etc etc)
Gary I just reread your post, so to clarify a base motor with a automatic (my Vette) would have the heavy duty yoke retainers direct from the factory??? Just wondering what is and is not factory correct Thanks Ike
Last edited by general ike; 06-24-2018 at 10:00 PM.
My base auto 69 had the non hd straps, then i get a donor chassis, a 4 speed car it to has the base straps,
My luck its a non posi rear too
Again there has been too much attention made to the so called HD axles. If you are going to run 400+ hp and beat the car up then it is something to consider, for a street driven car, still pushed hard the std u-bolt axles are fine. You will find the weak link elsewhere most likely.
Posi was still an option in 1969, while most vettes had posi there are the base 350, 3 spd manual, open diff's still out there. While rare not really desirable- although the 63-4 open diffs were stronger then the DANA posi's used in them. You can convert yours to posi if you want to, they bolt right in but you will have to set up the gears again since the pattern will most likely change with a different case.
Gary my question was to better understand what is what and to try to figure what on my car came from the factory and what was changed out over the years. I don't think I will be doing much drag racing, nor burn outs, the tires are too expensive.
I did not know that the posi rear was an option early on, I thought it was standard by then.
Gary my question was to better understand what is what and to try to figure what on my car came from the factory and what was changed out over the years. I don't think I will be doing much drag racing, nor burn outs, the tires are too expensive.
I did not know that the posi rear was an option early on, I thought it was standard by then.
Thanks again Ike
Understood Ike, I was making a general statement for those that think they need the "HD" for a street driven car, they can certainly but not needed. Then caps would have to be sourced and fit, the GM originals are the best and cost between $50- $150 depending on the source.
Posi became a standard feature in 1970 along with dropping the 3 spd manual in favor of an M20 or M40 (TH400)
yes, my original 72 base 350, auto, a/c coupe with a 200hp rating had "HD" axles.
...my lowly 5 option '74 L-48 automatic car, without A/C even has them for what ever reasons. Bought it in May '89 with 26,700mi. When it was Bowtie Judged for the chassis portion in 2000 @ the Corvette Museum NCRS Convention that year, the judges were a little puzzled.
06-24-2018, 05:58 PM
Heavy duty yoke vs base clamps????
