i have a 1989 camaro RS 305 with a leaking rear axle seal. i attempted to replace the seal today. the bolt that holds the gear set pin in place inside the diff is broken off the end of the bolt. we didnt force it or anything, it just snapped. now we have the pin end of the bolt stuck inside the diff. we had the reinstall the broken bolt so i can drive the car. long story short, i cannot repair my leaking axle sear because it is near impossible to get it out without beating the crap out of it (and risk breaking something i need to drive the car). im really considering another rear axle, maybe something a little more built for performance. there is a listing in the local craigslist for a 3rd gen camaro rear end with 2.73, posi, and rear disc brakes. i dont think any such rear end was ever produced for these cars. im guessing it maybe the 2.77's? since i looked it up and 2.77's were offered with rear disc brakes with a 350. there is also a local JY offering 3.24's(i believe) for 150 bucks. however, i dont really want another open diff too much wheel spin, sucks in the rain, and wears one tire out faster than the other. anybody have any thoughts on what i should do fix my car.

 

This week I'm tearing out my open 2.73 10-bolt stock rearend and going back with a rearend out of a 2000 trans am. It came out of a 6speed, so it's a 3.42 with the zexel torsen carrier (no clutches to burn) and disc brakes in the rear. If you had the time (direct swap, excluding the e-brake cables)*(and must have 16" rims) I would consider going back with a ls1 rearend outta a 6speed. Will have to be creative with the ebrake cable that mounts in the tunnel of the driveshaft, but everything else mates right up. . . the only thing is, the tires will stick out approx. 0.5" from the fenderwell. Just get spacers for the front tires and it'll look like it grew there, or convert to 4th gen wheels.

I decided not to **** around with rebuilding the OEM, or going back with a 3rd gen rear. . . the choice was obvious to me, i can tolerate 0.5" of hang out on the rear (NOT GIVING UP THE 16" OEM 3rd gen rims, EVER!!!! theyre too awesome) it's worth it for the posi, 3.42, rear discs... I'll let ya know how it goes and get some pics... one member already has pics up of the 4th gen rear in his car... search around, like they say, the SEARCH will give it up to anyone wanting to know whatever. except for ***** enlargement adverts!! like i tried

 

The center pin retaining bolt is common to break. Take out the bolt then use a dental pick to unscrew what's left in the carrier. There's usually only about 1/2 thread holding it in and there's no torque on it. Others have used a small punch to push the pin in farther so the center pin can come out.