I have a 1983 Chevy Camaro Z28 with the non-posi 3.73 gears from the factory and I wanted a spool for it. I guess the rear is a 8.5.. anyways, I was wondering if anyone has put a spool in this rear end, what kind is best, and if it broke anything quick (like the axle). The motor is a 305 stock, so I don't imagine break-neck stresses, but any info from someone who's done it would be great!

 

i'd guess your rear is a 7.5/7.62 ten bolt and that there is no spool made to put in it. not a real problem since it wouldn't be the smartest thing to do on anything but a all out race car

 

Don't use a spool. Too many broken axles. Not from horsepower, either, but from turning corners. Believe me, bad idea.

A good idea for an open rear end is an easy kit from either Lock-right or Powertrax. A couple of hours to install, even if you've never done it before. No clutches to wear out, either. Its alot like putting a detroit locker where you used to have nothing. I promise its worth the money!!

 

i've got an 88 camaro and just last week i put an auburn limited slip diff. and a 4.11 gear set in. and i'm glad i did it too. costed a good penny tho. boy this thing will pick up and go and it does great through corners. definitly recommend this diff for street use. but the gear set i sacrificed my top end. but i also dont have a high rpm cam or intake so thats something i can fix with more mods i'm sure.

 

You have a 7.5" diff under the 1983 unless someone has upgraded it to a 7-5/8". Bothe size gears will use the same carrier. Your 83 will have 26 spline.

Now the bad news. There is no spool available for a 7.7/7.625" diff. It's just not strong enough for any manufacturer to make a spool for it. The is a mini spool available but it's not much better than a good posi. The mini spool is designed for dirt track racing where there's less of a chance of getting traction and breaking something.

I use a spool in my 9" diff but it's race track only. I currently have a Strange lightweight spool but have a new aluminum spool to install once I pick up an aluminum center section for the 9"

Having a spool in a street car is bad. Both axles will always turn the same speed. When you go around a corner, even a gradual turn on the highway, the outside tire wants to turn faster. This means the outside tire will lose traction briefly as it tries to skip ahead to keep up. My slicks have some flex and give when I make turns at the track so I don't notice it unless I need to push the car around a corner. Then you really notice the spool.