Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Well, this is the original thread where it all got started, but I thought it would be appropriate to make sure that the info was there also. And since this thread has gotten so large, it might well be time to move the discussion there anyway.
EDIT: IMPORTANT UPDATE in the thread on the GP board - everyone please read!!!
EDIT: IMPORTANT UPDATE in the thread on the GP board - everyone please read!!!
Last edited by V8Rumble; Feb 17, 2007 at 10:42 AM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Great Lakes State
Car: 89 gta ws6, Dodge Turbo Diesel, H-D
Engine: 383 4-bolt #638 block
Transmission: 700r4, corvette servo, 2200 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt b-w, pbr discs
spdfrk, still have the rear cover? I would like to buy
Last edited by w1964bgta; Feb 17, 2007 at 07:05 PM. Reason: forgot to put members name in post
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Hey guys, I'm not trying to be a gravedigger (digging up old posts), but thought I'd share the latest with ya..
We've got four people who have placed orders so far - at least that's how many people that the vendor is aware of.
After having done the legwork to get this going, I'm pretty comfortable in saying that this is the best deal you're going to find on a 9-bolt cover, period. If you've been interested in one of these, or (especially!) if you've said that you're in for one but haven't ordered yet, you'll probably want to make the time to do so - he's already mentioned setting an "end date" for this GP (like in a week or so...).
Thanks guys!
EDIT: Thought you guys would appreciate knowing that we've hit our target of 10 people:
Thanks guys!
We've got four people who have placed orders so far - at least that's how many people that the vendor is aware of.
After having done the legwork to get this going, I'm pretty comfortable in saying that this is the best deal you're going to find on a 9-bolt cover, period. If you've been interested in one of these, or (especially!) if you've said that you're in for one but haven't ordered yet, you'll probably want to make the time to do so - he's already mentioned setting an "end date" for this GP (like in a week or so...).
Thanks guys!
EDIT: Thought you guys would appreciate knowing that we've hit our target of 10 people:
There are 10 paid orders as of 10PM EST on 2/23/07, I will be placing the order on Monday..
Last edited by V8Rumble; Feb 23, 2007 at 09:16 PM.
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Ocala, Florida
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: 700R-4
Axle/Gears: 9-Bolt Borg-Warner 2.77
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Hey, not sure if you are still doing this or not, I recently purchased one of these and will not need it now, as the car is going to stay bone stock, due to the T/A project. It is new in the box and I will sell it for $150 shipped to USA, or make me an offer.
I am definitely a believer in these and will be ordering one for my 00' T/A. I had one on my O2' SS and ran Nitto Drag Radials and I am convinced this made my rearend live!!
I am definitely a believer in these and will be ordering one for my 00' T/A. I had one on my O2' SS and ran Nitto Drag Radials and I am convinced this made my rearend live!!
Last edited by pinky93; Nov 24, 2007 at 07:31 AM.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, Connecticut
Car: 1988 IROC-Z camaro
Engine: 355 TPI
Transmission: tko 500
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.31 posi pbr brakes
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 7
From: New Boston, IL, USA
Car: '90 Formula 350
Engine: 383 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt S/S 700-R4 & ACT 9" Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
I want to order one next month during our Florida vacation, and take it with me in the plane home to the Netherlands!
I'm trying to figure out if I can take it with my as cabinlugage, or maybe checked in lugage.
Thanks very much, Peter.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 7
From: New Boston, IL, USA
Car: '90 Formula 350
Engine: 383 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt S/S 700-R4 & ACT 9" Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Sure if I make it out to the garage today I'll grab the measurements. I've been fighting with the carb tuning so more than likely I'll be out there.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Car: 1985 Berlinetta
Engine: 5.0 LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Peg Leg
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
According to Just Differentials eBay store:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-90...Q5fAccessories
the covers average 7 pounds.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-90...Q5fAccessories
the covers average 7 pounds.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 7
From: New Boston, IL, USA
Car: '90 Formula 350
Engine: 383 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt S/S 700-R4 & ACT 9" Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Yep I just weighed mine came in right around 6.5 lbs that's counting the stud kit too. Box is 10" x 9.75" x 3.5" that TA performance ships it in also.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Thank you both for this usefull information! 
I guess it would be no problem to take it with me as cabin luggage...!

I guess it would be no problem to take it with me as cabin luggage...!
Last edited by Fire"Dutch"Bird; May 27, 2010 at 01:00 PM.
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 2
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/ 4.10 gears
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
I'll ask Continental Airlines for the best way to take it with me, either as carry-on or checked luggage.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Car: 1985 Berlinetta
Engine: 5.0 LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Peg Leg
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
It applies a slight pressure against the bearing caps, giving them extra support and keeping them from moving around during heavy loads. This movement can damage the gears, destroying the rear end.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 308
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
no the studs provide a pulling force only in the housing whereas a bolt applies tension and twist. the studs are for the caps not the cover, the bots for the cap preload come with all covers, studs were an option
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Car: 1985 Berlinetta
Engine: 5.0 LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Peg Leg
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Thats right, thanks for clearing that up. I thought he was asking about the preload studs. They are studs with a jam/lock nut.
What do you mean by twist?
whereas a bolt applies tension and twist.
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
A stud loosely threads in all the way and as such when the nut is tightened it pulls against all the threads along the length of the stud, not just a few and completely straight. A bolt threads into the threads and as it goes tighter it starts to deform the threads and the material around it. As such it puts force on less threads. The stud is far superior.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Car: 1985 Berlinetta
Engine: 5.0 LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Peg Leg
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
I disagree. A properly sized bolt will engage just as many threads as a stud. When the nut is tightened, it pulls and deforms the hole threads just as much as a bolt. The advantage is not having the weaker area of the bolt head and more precise torque value (less friction from fewer threads having to "twist" in the hole. I get you now, Scooter). A stud IS better, but I wouldn't call it far superior.
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
No it won't you can not have the bolt so long that it pulls on all threads, a bolt will nver bottom out. You are also forgetting the critical fact that as the bolt draws tight you still have to turn it, it twists into the threads under load. The stud threads in finger tight, engages all threads and as such is stronger.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
OK, but at what torque do you have to set the bolts that come with the cover, and what torque is need for the stud kit...???
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Car: 1985 Berlinetta
Engine: 5.0 LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Peg Leg
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Best to ask the cover manufacturer for the pre-load bolt torque. The '86 manual gives cover bolt torque as 30 ft-lb (41 N-m) and the bearing caps as 60 lb-ft (81 N-m). But these are for a 7-5/8" Auburn limited-slip. I don't know if the 9 bolt is different. I would start a new thread asking for those specs.
No, I didn't forget; A "properly" sized bolt should come to within a few threads of bottoming. Unless your building an ultra-high performance what-ever, a bolt works just as well. I did agree with you that a stud is better...
You are also forgetting the critical fact that as the bolt draws tight you still have to turn it, it twists into the threads under load
(less friction from fewer threads having to "twist" in the hole. I get you now, Scooter)
The stud threads in finger tight, engages all threads and as such is stronger.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Well, I guess there's a manual that comes with the cover when you order it, but I was just curious...
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 7
From: New Boston, IL, USA
Car: '90 Formula 350
Engine: 383 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt S/S 700-R4 & ACT 9" Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
If anyone has the direction sheet I would like to see it. I have misplaced mine somewhere. As for comparing the bolt to stud one main point is peace of mind. You're upgrading from an OEM bolt to an ARP high tensile strength stud. For the additonal $16 or whatever they charge in my opinion it's well worth it.
The direction sheet covers installing the studs, caps, and preloading the cover. I remember a few years back when I read it you need to grind/sand down the outside of the cap to provide a flatter surface so the bearing preload feet make more contact.
The direction sheet covers installing the studs, caps, and preloading the cover. I remember a few years back when I read it you need to grind/sand down the outside of the cap to provide a flatter surface so the bearing preload feet make more contact.
Last edited by fireturd350; May 31, 2010 at 07:37 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Car: 1985 Berlinetta
Engine: 5.0 LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Peg Leg
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
You're upgrading from an OEM bolt to an ARP high tensile strength stud.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,859
Likes: 14
From: Cypress, California
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 369 TPI
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.70 Nine Bolt
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
I purchased the stud kit when I bought mine for the reasons mentioned above.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 308
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
I have the instructions but no scanner. Here is a quick overview
Due to manufacturing process for the 9 bolt rear bearing caps, they must be marked for position and then removed to grind, sand, or machine the ouside edge of the bearing cap. This will provide a flat surface for the load bolt to seat against.
If using the recommended bearing cap stud kit do the following:
A. Removed the original bolts holding the caps one side at a time
B. Install studs, and torque studs into the housing no more than 10ft/lbs
C. Re-install bearing caps and torque nuts to 50ft/lbs with oil
Back load bolts out to clear the bearing caps, but do not remove them, failingto back out the load bolts may damage the cover or bearing caps
Install the TA Performance girdle
Torque the mouting bolts to 25ft/lbs (max)
screw the load bolts in by hand until they make contact with the bearing caps. Torque the load bolts to 5-10ft/lbs MAXIMUM, excessive torque will result in distorted bearing caps. DO NO OVER TORQUE THE LOAD BOLTS!! Then snug or torque the jamb nuts to 20ft/lbs to lock the load bolt
Due to manufacturing process for the 9 bolt rear bearing caps, they must be marked for position and then removed to grind, sand, or machine the ouside edge of the bearing cap. This will provide a flat surface for the load bolt to seat against.
If using the recommended bearing cap stud kit do the following:
A. Removed the original bolts holding the caps one side at a time
B. Install studs, and torque studs into the housing no more than 10ft/lbs
C. Re-install bearing caps and torque nuts to 50ft/lbs with oil
Back load bolts out to clear the bearing caps, but do not remove them, failingto back out the load bolts may damage the cover or bearing caps
Install the TA Performance girdle
Torque the mouting bolts to 25ft/lbs (max)
screw the load bolts in by hand until they make contact with the bearing caps. Torque the load bolts to 5-10ft/lbs MAXIMUM, excessive torque will result in distorted bearing caps. DO NO OVER TORQUE THE LOAD BOLTS!! Then snug or torque the jamb nuts to 20ft/lbs to lock the load bolt
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Thanks!!!!
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Well, I got mine at last...
We're in Florida right now, I hope I don't get any problems taking the cover with me in the plane back home next saterday...
Btw, it's amazing to notice that ( almost) all the thirdgen's have dissapeared from the streets overhere.....a lot has changed during my 11 year absence in the USA...!!
We're in Florida right now, I hope I don't get any problems taking the cover with me in the plane back home next saterday...
Btw, it's amazing to notice that ( almost) all the thirdgen's have dissapeared from the streets overhere.....a lot has changed during my 11 year absence in the USA...!!
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
No problems with customs at all.
So all I have to do is get me some SAE Hex tools to install the girdle...
Btw, I ordered the girdle at National Performance Warehouse www.npwcatalog.com in Miami ( Hialeah), George, who helped me, did a great job in answering all my email questions and finally in ordering the parts, recommend them !!
So all I have to do is get me some SAE Hex tools to install the girdle...
Btw, I ordered the girdle at National Performance Warehouse www.npwcatalog.com in Miami ( Hialeah), George, who helped me, did a great job in answering all my email questions and finally in ordering the parts, recommend them !!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 4
From: Salt Lake
Car: 1989 IROC & ROLL-Z
Engine: L98 Vortec FIRST TPI
Transmission: T56, Mech Speedo
Axle/Gears: G92 J65 3.27
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
I didn't see any specific instructions on the net for the 1802 (9 bolt) girdle so I am uploading mine for anyone that needs them in the future.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Car: '89 IROC
Engine: 383, TPI, hot cam, Haltech, etc.
Transmission: BW World Class 5 spd
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 9
From: Northern, CA
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
The instructions don't mention Loctite on the jamb nuts.
Is there a reason it’s not used?
Is there a reason it’s not used?
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; Oct 26, 2013 at 10:15 PM.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 4
From: Salt Lake
Car: 1989 IROC & ROLL-Z
Engine: L98 Vortec FIRST TPI
Transmission: T56, Mech Speedo
Axle/Gears: G92 J65 3.27
Re: Attention all 9Bolt Owners! And board sponsors.
Best guess would be that its not "needed"
I have had my cover on for the better part of 20k miles and I haven't had any problems with them.
That said, the little added security is appealing. I'll probably dab a little on next time they're off.
I have had my cover on for the better part of 20k miles and I haven't had any problems with them.
That said, the little added security is appealing. I'll probably dab a little on next time they're off.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Linson
Auto Detailing and Appearance
12
Oct 1, 2015 09:50 PM













