Having finally decided the noise from the rear end is the differential, is it normally bearing failure, or do the crownwheel and pinion actually wear?
I heard these axles were a bit weak, but wondered in what way.
Finding a new or secondhand axle or diff might prove tricky, but i'm sure i could source bearings and rebuild the axle if it really came down to it, which at the moment, is not looking so remote.
I checked it for oil, and it was slightly overfull, no doubt with oil\sawdust\ etc etc....

 

pop the diff cover, bro. it's the only way your gonna know. good luck.

 

I was afraid you would say that!!
Its looking that way isnt it.
Thanks again.

 

could be either, or both. my guess would be bearings but you'd need to look to know.

 

Theres some ominous looking silicone gasket around the cover, so i'm not the first to take a look.
Its got 10 bolts on the cover [if that helps to identify it] and my g\box is a 3 speed auto with overdrive.
How do i find the exact ratio i need? And apart from the original 83 trans am axle, are there any other axles\diffs that would slot straight in, its got drums fitted, and appears bog standard.
As you can imagine these are thin on the ground here, and even getting someone to recondition it if i cant, might be pretty hard.
Just spoke to a guy breaking a 78 car, but hes sure the axle isnt the same.

 

it's not. you'll need to find parts for a 7.5" or 7.625" 10-bolt rear axle. you have a 10-bolt, meaning parts will be more common than say, a 9-bolt, but you can't use that guys axles parts. is there no one on that island who can set up rear diffs? if it's just a parts problem, I'm sure some of us could help you out by grabbing a rear-diff rebuild kit and the out 2 axl bearings and seals, and send it to you in a box marked "from America, with love". you'd have to throw up the cash for the parts and for the the shipping, but beyond that, parts availability isn't the issue. it's labor, methinks. find someone who can set up a rear axle properly, (meaning, he can set pinion depth and backlash) and then you're set. or, find a used axle, even if it means you get it from over here and have it shipped over there. anything from a 82-02 camaro or firebird will work.