Okay, I used the search feature, and I didn't find anything that really showed what I was lookin for.

I have heard a lot recently (since I'm new to the camaro world) about the 10 bolt being weak. I have read some articles about beefing it up, but in turn saw where even beef'd up it is somewhat weak. So, my question is, is there a "junkyard" upgrade that's a direct bolt in? If so, what's the best unit to get?

I'm pushing a '91 Z28 that's currently in stock form, but upgrades are coming.

TIA

 

The only junkyard diff that will bolt into a third gen is from another third gen. A fourth gen diff will also bolt in however it's still the same weak 7-5/8" ring gear except the diff is 2" wider on each side. Your 91 will already have the larger 28 spline axles and 7-5/8" ring gear.

Run what you have until you break it then consider how strong you need to go. Because of the torque arm suspension, installing a junkyard diff of any type will take a bunch of fabrication work. That and any stronger junkyard diff you find will probably be too wide.

Your other options are an aftermarket 12 bolt or 9". A complete, ready to install, just add oil, aftermarket diff will cost you around $2500.

I use a Ford 9" housing from a 1970 F100. I also used ladder bars to remove the torque arm suspension but this isn't a street option. My center section has a spool with 4.56 gears and I use 31 spline aftermarket axles. I used the Ford drum brakes for an easier installation since my rims have the Chev and Ford bolt pattern.

 

That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

Beefing up the stock rear it is.

 

how wide is that ford truck axle ? overall width

thanks

 

Plus or minus about an inch. I measured it years ago but don't remember the numbers. Bad thing is that the pinion is offset to the passenger side about 2". The u-joint angles are not that bad but a pinion directly in the center would be better. Good thing is that with the offset pinion, both my axles are the same length. Normally a car 9" has a shorter axle on the driver side. I can swap my axles around every year to help reduce the twisting.

There are other 9" diffs from cars that are really close to the same width but they're also in Ford cars that you'll have a hard time finding in the junkyard. Late 60's Mustangs, cougars, etc.

Start here
http://www.ridgenet.net/~biesiade/Fordrears.html
http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/F...imensions.html

 

I'm also running one of the F100 rear ends in my monte, if my memory serves me correctly it's around 62" wide. I'm running the stock rear iroc rims and it works pretty good in my g-body.

 

I really wonder just how weak the 7.5" rear end really is. I know someone that is running a Pontiac 455 in a '83 Trans Am doing 12 second 1/4 mile passes with the stock rear end. It hasn't blown up yet after 5 years.

In stock form Pontiacs 455's made 380-500 ft lbs torque and his isn't exactly stock ....