Time To Replace Rear End

[BigRed89]

Sorry for the long post in advance, but i need some advice please,

I have had this truck for 20 years, used to be my daily years ago. I just got transmission fixed and running after 4 years of sitting and blew out my 10 bolt rear end with impala posi unit, (Not a G80) I dont have much motor. a 355 SBC 440 rwhp with a 100 shot. Its mostly for burnouts and mustangs and trips to the beer store.

I have a 14 bolt 6 lug sf rear end from a 93 3/4 ton 2wd truck with G80 and 3:73 gears, I plan on changing the G80 out, am i correct in thinking this? I spoke with Dutchman axles and they can make me 5 lug axles, would this then be similar to the factory SS rear ends with 5 lug? It looks like it from the research i have done but would like some verification.

I can buy a factory 5 lug SS 14 bolt G80/3;73 rear local for $500, I dont think i would be saving anything here would I? My main concern is this thing is huge, axles are even huge. I know this would probably never break, Im just concerned that it is overkill for my application.

Axles are $370 Posi Are About $550 and disc brakes with emergency brake kits is $535. This gets me close to $1500 by the time I get it all together with parts fluids and labor. Im only thinking the disc brakes will save weight over the heavy drum brake set up.

I had a Nova that ran 7.33 in the 1/8 mile that had a good 12 bolt with posi and axles and never broke anything. It is Also cheaper to do rear disc brakes or use factory drum brakes on the 10/12 bolt.

14 Bolt, new posi, axles, use factory 3:73 gears? Replace the G80?
12 Bolt with new posi,new aftermarket axles and gear. I realize I would need to weld new leaf spring perches to use this rear end
10 Bolt with new posi,new aftermarket axles and gear
I know I can switch to 6 Lug easy but I want to stay 5 Lug
(I just Got New 5 lug Wheels)
I want to Stay GM - NO Ford Parts on my Chevy

So if your gonna spend $1000-$1500 what would you do?
Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[54 jimmy]

personally I would buy the ss14 bolt and freshen it up keep the drums for now an upgrade to disc in the future. at least the ss is a direct replacement. just my 2 cents. I have a 1997 with a 14 bolt and have had no issues with it. had a couple of 10 bolts and replaced them a few times and I don't abuse my trucks either. note mine are all 4x4's but the ss rear should handle the abuse your motor will give it just fine.

[b454rat]

What broke on the 10 bolt? I was always told they were fairly strong. I think another 10 bolt would be the cheapest and best bet. Its not as heavy as the 14sf, which I think are junk anyway, 10 bolts are everywhere. Even a 4wd unit will work, swap axles/brakes and done. But if gonna spend that much money on an axle, look into Curry or whoever the others ones were. I looked into a Dana 60 for my G-body, and bolt in was $2500. Not a whole lot more than what your talking....

[sntrym95]

If you're doing burnouts, I'd definitely replace the G80. The G80 is great for towing and getting started on slick roads, but its design does not lend itself to lasting a long time if you romp on it. It also disengages around 20 mph so your burnouts will be limited. Look into a helical design like an Eaton TruTrac or AAM TracRite for daily use and burnouts, or a straight POSI if you don't mind wheel chirping around corners.

I have an AAM TracRite in my Yukon and I love it. I also have a G80 in my truck and love it for what I need it for there too.

[BigRed89]

54 jimmy

I was thinking the 6 lug 2WD 14 bolt the same as the SS 14 bolt except it was 5 lug ? It looks like it would be direct replacement from the measurement , thats the only reason I was going to buy axles to stay 5 lug

Its the additional 150 or so pounds of weight Im concerned about, especially with the drum brakes

I could save the money on axles if I converted my front to 6 lug, just havent seen the 6 lug type wheels i was looking for?

I will say I do pretty much abuse it when I do drive it

Thanks

[BigRed89]

B454Rat

Looks like the diff broke then took out the gear with it
Do you think a 10 bolt with new 30 spline axles, a new eaton posi and ring gear would be strong enough? Pretty sure I will never break the 14 bolt but it will cost some money to do
Im not opposed to spending the money, I just to hate to spend money on something overkill plus the added weight to the truck then again Im probably overthinking the whole situation

[BigRed89]

Originally Posted by sntrym95

If you're doing burnouts, I'd definitely replace the G80. The G80 is great for towing and getting started on slick roads, but its design does not lend itself to lasting a long time if you romp on it. It also disengages around 20 mph so your burnouts will be limited. Look into a helical design like an Eaton TruTrac or AAM TracRite for daily use and burnouts, or a straight POSI if you don't mind wheel chirping around corners.

I have an AAM TracRite in my Yukon and I love it. I also have a G80 in my truck and love it for what I need it for there too.

Yes I was planning on buying a new diff with which ever one i decided to use
been trying to figure out which type would work best for my application
I just want posi"s everytime
Thanks

[BigRed89]

Sorry For The Multiple Post


Thanks for ALL Of your replies

[b454rat]

Definitely want a posi over the grenade lock but think you figured that out lol. What about a 9"? Easy to find, cheap to build, easy to drill for your bolt pattern, or if replacing axles can get them in any pattern. And they are lite.

[Tom]

Run the SS axle, its ready to go for $500. When the G80 finally breaks, replace it with a detroit locker.

[54 jimmy]

I agree with tom.