Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

I have the opportunity to Purchase fourth gen 10 bolt internals for DIRT cheap. He's going to give me the rear end and just wants the housing back. it's out of a 95 camaro with 3.23 Posi. Can I take all the guts out of this rear end and put them in my 1991 Camaro RS Rear end? (I can handle brakes. but differentials? they're a new experience for me.)

Re: Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

Yes. The '91 will have 28 spline axles, the same as the '95. The '95 will have the Auburn differential, which isn't that good when new, and I wouldn't install a used one if it was free. It might work out fine for you, but I don't like them at all.

Just so you know, changing rear end parts isn't the same as changing a cam or intake manifold. You must know how to set the pinion depth, bearing preload and backlash so that you get the correct contact pattern. You must know how to read the contact pattern so that you will know what adjustments need to be made to the pinion depth and backlash. I strongly recommend doing a pattern check before removing any parts and take pictures of the drive and coast pattern so that you will know what they are suppose to look like when you put it back together. Also check the backlash before removing anything other than the axles. These are very important when working with used gears.

Re: Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

When you pull out the carrier there will be shims at each end. They are likely different so don't mix them up as they will likely (hopefully?) work in the 'new' housing.

Re: Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

Probably not, but it's worth a try. Most likely you will need a shim kit to set it up correctly.

Re: Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

So on top of the internals, I need a shim kit? What else will I need? any special tools?

Re: Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

Yes, there are some tools that you will need. Go to the sticky on the 10 bolt rear end and look at the thread on building a 10 bolt. There are a lot of pictures and a ot f good information in that thread.

Re: Fourth gen 10 bolt guts into third gen?
 

You can do it without 'special' tools especially if it's likely a one time effort and you don't want to buy stuff you won't use again. One think found really useful was a stand. I made one from a movers dolly and a few pieces of 2x4 for bracing. Plus a tray to catch all the junk that falls off and a way to lock the yoke to stop it from turning. A length of gas pipe or similar would work. But as said read the stickies over until you understand what's going on. Along with the shim kit you'll need yellow marking compound to check the contact patterns. It goes a long way so don't put on too much. You can find videos showing contact patterns and how to interpret them so you know what to adjust. Look for crush sleeve eliminator too.