Going to go check out a 9-bolt rear end from a 87 GTA. It's the 3.27 ratio. It's all unbolted and just sitting under the car on jacks. There is no engine or transmission but the owner says everything was fine with it. I'm not keen on rear ends at all, any key points to look for possibly? Got him to take $150 for the complete setup with the disc brakes, etc.

 

Grab the yoke, make sure it doesn't have allot of in and out play. Then if you can tip it nose down and pop the cover off, make sure it isn't full of sludge, ring and spider teeth are intact, no strange or excessive wear on the gears, should be a nice even pattern across the center of the teeth. If you can't open it, then beware IMO, but for $150 make sure everything spins freely with no strange sounds, check play at the wheel ends.

 

Oh my goodness, search TGO and the Internet for pics and information. Beware!!! I got totally screwed on the one I got. There is a lot of information on these differentials. Mostly bad...

 

It may be good to have for spare parts for your 9 bolt. Make sure you get the prop valve for that rear.

 

Picked it up yesterday for $100 and had it in a few hours later. Best $100 I've spent lately. Pulled the cover before purchasing and checked all play, gear wear, no metal shavings etc. And the posi still works flawlessly. No complaints.

 

Great to hear that! You were very fortunate to find a good one! It's hard to find a honest seller!

 

I like my 9-bolt.

To me the most important thing is ensuring the posi cones arent worn out. It's easy to check using the windows in the posi unit. If they're in good shape and the rest of the rear is okay it should be good for a while. They're a better design than the 10-bolt, the problem is when they wear out it's difficult to get parts. They are available in most cases but the costs start to escalate quickly. If you need to replace posi cones, bearings, gears, etc.... just go for a 10-bolt and be done with it.