Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

Opinions on 10 bolt options

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 04:20 PM
  #1  
akmusclecar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, Ak
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Opinions on 10 bolt options

Ok guys here is the deal. My 88 Firebird DID have Posi until a few weeks ago. The driver side tire makes a clicking sound while the passenger tire spins. I called a shop to see what it would cost to rebuild the diff ( worst case scenerio ). $1750-1800. This seems a little steep to me. So My other option is buying a diff from car-part.com and having it trucked up here to Alaska. ( shipping is going to kill me). So my question is what should i look for when it comes to the donor diff? I found a 9 bolt in Cleveland OH for $300 shipping not included. I am at a loss as to what to do It doesn't help that i was recently laid off from work. Well any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. -Russ
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 04:27 PM
  #2  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

There may be info in the following link which will help you come to a decision--at least where the 10-bolt is concerned:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...-10-bolts.html

JamesC
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 05:03 PM
  #3  
big gear head's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 0
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

Do you have a 10 bolt or a 9 bolt? It makes a difference because of the parts that are available for each one. What gear ratio do you have? Disc brakes?
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 05:10 PM
  #4  
akmusclecar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, Ak
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

I have a 10 bolt posi drum unit with the 3.08 gears. I am trying to figure out what rear would be the best option. I know the 9 bolt is hard to find parts to rebuild it. I can't remember what style posi i should be careful about (cone style), what years used the cone style posi?
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 05:18 PM
  #5  
big gear head's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 0
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

The 3rd gen Camaro and Firebird 10 bolt didn't get a good posi. They all had the Auburn or Governor Lock. The Eaton is the one that you want. It is rebuildable and can be tuned to meet your needs. It will also last a lot longer than the others.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 05:24 PM
  #6  
akmusclecar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, Ak
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

Thanks for the info reply. If i go with a 4th gen rear, does it matter if it is a traction controlled one or not? And would it matter if it was a ABS rear? I know i wouldn't be able to utilize either system, but it would be easier than trying to find a posi, non TC, w/3.42's.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 05:26 PM
  #7  
Sonix's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

A NEW, good posi is $500. An install kit is about $100.
A shop can install that for 4hrs labor max ($100hr say), if you re-re the rear for them.
Or you can buy the tools and do it yourself, and pay around $700 total for the deal. That's a good posi. Used on ebay, power trax, etc are less....
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2009 | 06:12 PM
  #8  
big gear head's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 0
Re: Opinions on 10 bolt options

You can use the 4th gen rear end. A new Eaton would be around $420.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedLeader289
History / Originality
18
Jan 22, 2016 03:05 PM
lt1z350
Brakes
7
Sep 12, 2015 09:28 PM
camaro71633
Tech / General Engine
39
Sep 1, 2015 10:24 AM
Thornburg
Transmissions and Drivetrain
10
Aug 25, 2015 01:46 AM
Amillionoh7
Body
2
Aug 7, 2015 01:24 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:23 PM.