I've got a 10 bolt rear-end in an '88 Firebird I picked up that the entire differential assembly was taken apart and put into a box. I've managed to put it back together, but I think the axles are too short. They measure 25.5" from end to end and don't fit into the differential assembly at all. The spline count is 26, so at least something is right, but they're definitely not long enough. Does anyone have the length measurement on what it's supposed to be? I think the guy may have just given me the wrong ones.

Also, is the C-clip really the only thing holding the axles in, or is there something else I'm missing?

 

Push the axle in enough for the c-clip to slide into the groove then pull the axle back out. Do the same to the other side. The center pin is then installed and the retaining bolt holds it in. The center pin keeps the axles from moving inward and allowing the c-clip to fall out. The c-clip is the only thing that holds the axles in.

Third gen 10 bolt axles are the same length from side to side. They are 30-3/8" long. The shortest 26 spline S10 axle is 26-3/4". There are no factory shorter axles.

 

the clips are the only thing that keeps shafts in the axle yes, this is how GM and most dana axles are and so forth

whats making them not be long enough?

please elaborate or take pics ?

the axles are pretty basic and straightforwardto reinstall

you slide the shaft in, all the way that it will go, and put in the c clip in the groove and then oull the shaft out stil it stops and then do the same for the other shaft, and then slide the pinion lock shaft in through the ring gear carrier and then put the pin screw in that keeps the lock shaft in place

then put the drums on or rotors, whichever you have



i cant think of any other vehicles with 7.5"/7.625" axle that could be narrower than s-series or f bodies, other than possibly vega, monza ??
if they even got this axle model that is


i agree with stephen with the info gathered and known here anyways


on a side note i have a Q of my own

are the first and second gen s-series(2wd anyways) axles narrower than the F body ones of this generation ?

good luck

 

A 7.5" 10 bolt is the same distance inside the center. A shorter axle means a narrower diff. You still can't simply install it into a third gen because the S-trucks use leaf spring and the third gens use a torque arm.

78-87 A and G body cars use 28-1/2" long axles.
The early 26 spline axles in 4x4 S-trucks are 29-1/8"
85-89 Astro vans have 34-15/16" on the left and 30-7/16" on the right.

That's about it for 26 spline 7.5" 10 bolt axles.

 

The final verdict was when the guy i got them off of showed up and said he had given us the wrong axles and the right ones were long gone. The ones we had were from a Chevy Blazer(as well as the carrier he gave us). Oh well; we'll just get a fourthgen rear to replace it entirely. Thanks guys.