I have a open differencial that I want to swap out for a posi track can I just put a eaton performance gears on the same differencial? and if I can can you guys tell me what size and what gears to get the car is a 1982 camaro 10 bolt rear end I just want the car to drive around and street race every once in a while.

 

Somethings to be aware of...
Early F bodies had 26 spline axles...
Some 88 and up (or so) had 28 spline axles, a tad stronger.

You need to have matched axle splines / carrier...

Also, depending on what ratio gear, ex. 2.77 vs 3.42, the carrier is different..
From memory, but verify, 2.77 on up to 3.08 are 2 series and 3.23 and up are 3 series...

So that also needs to match, if your original rear end had a 2.77 gear (series 2) you cannot use a series 3 (3.42 carrier or ring)...

They do make "thick" gears to use from one to another, check application...

What engine are you using? What trans / how many gears?
That will dictate what gear ratio to go with.... Example, I have a 5.0 5 speed TPI that came with 3.42 gears... other stock ratio's for TPI were 3.23 and 2.77... I would not go higher than 3.42 with TPI due to torque, unless you were just wanting to light up the tires very easily / drifting / showing off... (uh, personal preference)

 

As luvofjah alluded to,if you're swapping the carrier to posi, get one that matches what gears you want to run. However, both size carriers will fit in the rear, doesn't matter what gears or carrier it has now. If you've got a 5 speed, 3.42 gears pair well with it. 3.73 gears can be used, that's what I've got, but you'll go through first gear REALLY fast. I have to shift from first to second as soon as I start moving. If you find yourself spinning in first all the time, and especially when starting on hills when the road is wet, just start in second gear.

 

Your '82 will have 26 spline axles. If you are going to swap the ring & pinion gears then you need to get the correct series of differential for the gear ratio that you will be using. If you are not going to swap the gears then you need to get the correct series for the gears that you have now.


You didn't say if you will be doing this yourself or if you will take it to someone who knows how to do it. You must know how to set the pinion depth, bearing preload and backlash and you must know how to read the contact pattern so that you will know what adjustments need to be made to the pinion depth. There are also a few special tools that you will need.