91 Z28 rear end question
 

It appears that my 91 Z28 has the 10 bolt rear end, 3.42 gears. Can anyone tell me the width of the rear end? And what are people replacing them with, Ford 9" rears, 12 bolts, older 10 bolts? Has anyone transplanted a Ford 8.8 rearend?

Thanks, Ed.

A lot of people go with the 12 bolts and Ford 9". You can buy them to fit directly into the car. Check out Spohn.net (one of the site sponsors) I know they have a few rears for sale.

Thanks for the feedback.

Usually a 9" or a 12-bolt, because they're the only other rears that can be bought "3rd gen specific". Our rear suspension system is great with the proper pieces, but it requires special mounts on the diff. I have heard of people using the 8.8, but it requires some trick work to "bolt in".
- How much power are you planning? The later 10-bolts(28 spline axle) can handle quiet a bit with a few simple parts. - Not that a 9" or 12 bolt isn't going to be better, but dollars vs sense you ought to be sure it's worth it.

Thanks Shagwell. My intent is no more that 450 hp, closer to 400 for a streetable car with an occasional trip to the brackets.

Good sticky drag slicks are the the stock 10 bolt's worst enemy. This is what kills them most commonly according to everyone. If you use a solid pinion spacer instead of a crush sleeve, and a good cast aluminum girdle like the one from T/A performance, your stock rear should be able to handle quite a bit.

Thanks Pat. With the items added that you describe, will the rear end hold up to a drag radial? Thx, Ed.