Making the best of a 12 bolt

[zac]

The rearend on my ‘70 K10 burb is completely worn out. I have one out of a ‘72 also, but same deal. Mostly stock truck that gets mostly highway miles, so I don’t need anything special. I’ve looked at getting one with the same ratio out of a square body and moving the spring pads, but I may just be getting one that’s slightly less worn, although I like the idea of the bigger brakes. I may end up just taking the original to an axle shop and have them replace all the internals and then swap on the later, bigger brakes myself. But maybe there’s a place that sells a whole rebuilt unit? Again, this truck doesn’t do any Fall Guy stuff (80’s reference if you’re wondering) so a 12 bolt is fine. I was just thinking maybe someone else has been down this road already. Thanks.

[Shaky]

I think Moser makes entirely new car 12-bolt housings and everything. I haven't been brave enough to look at the price.

I would imagine they'll make one that will bolt into a C10. So it wouldn't be a truck 12-bolt but would probably be stronger after their upgrades.

Most good axle shops could likely take your housing and make everything else new. I did it myself, but setting the pinion depth can take special tools. It definitely takes a lot of patience the first time.

[palallin]

What do you mean by "worn out"?

[zac]

I looked at the Moser site and it does look like mostly car 12 bolt stuff. They are expensive but since the only usable parts on either of my axles is the housing and axle shafts, it’s going to be expensive either way. I’ve been hoping to stumble across something usable for a couple of years, but the howling back there says I’m out of time. Fortunately I have a very well-respected shop nearby.

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by palallin

What do you mean by "worn out"?

That is what I am thinking. Replacing bearings requires a few special pullers but otherwise not a difficult repair.

[zac]

Ok, case worn out. Egg shaped holes where cross shaft goes thru, gears worn and chipped, etc. Extremely high mileage. Worn out.

[demian5]

Originally Posted by zac

Ok, case worn out. Egg shaped holes where cross shaft goes thru, gears worn and chipped, etc. Extremely high mileage. Worn out.

Search craigslist and the facebook marketplace. I picked up a great used diff carrier, side gears and ring and pinion for about $125.

[indymachinist]

Sounds like its time for a new limited slip diff of your choice, gear set, and bearing install kit. Have it all put in your existing housing. No need to over think this.

[GASoline71]

The "case" is the housing. The "carrier" holds the spider gears or limited slip unit (which the cross shafte goes through). You just need a new carrier and a set of gears and bearing/install kit.

Gary

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

The "case" is the housing. The "carrier" holds the spider gears or limited slip unit (which the cross shafte goes through). You just need a new carrier and a set of gears and bearing/install kit.

Gary

Actually, the differential case is the part that the ring gear bolts to.

The carrier is the part that holds the differential case. The Eaton axle has a removable carrier. The 12 bolt is a salisbury design with an integrated carrier.

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by zac

I looked at the Moser site and it does look like mostly car 12 bolt stuff. They are expensive but since the only usable parts on either of my axles is the housing and axle shafts, it’s going to be expensive either way. I’ve been hoping to stumble across something usable for a couple of years, but the howling back there says I’m out of time. Fortunately I have a very well-respected shop nearby.

I have a Moser catalog...somewhere.
They will make what ever rear end you want for your Chevrolet pickup, however you want it.

A truck 12 bolt, a 9" F**d, a Dana 60, a GM 10 bolt 8.5. etc. AND make it a bolt in deal!!!

It ain't cheap.

FInd a differential specialist and have yours rebuilt, how you want it!!!