8.5 10 bolt internal interchange question

[weim55]

I have an 87 series 10 4 x 4 rear axle with an 8.5 10 bolt With a bad carrier and ring and pinion. I have another rear axle out of a 95 1500 4 x 4 8.5 10 Bolt, Will the ring and pinion and carrier direct swap into the 87? Wasn’t sure if 95 had an ABS exciter ring?

Steve weim55 Colorado
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[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Yes it will if you use everything from the swap vehicle or they share the same series carrier. The abs ring I think is on the brakes, and not in the 3rd member. Ford on there 8.8 I know use a sensor on the 3rd member.

My question is why not throw a good posi while going through all this work.

[weim55]

Both the 87 and the 95 have 3.73 gears. As a plus, yes, The 95 is a Factory posi traction. My concern is if the 95 uses an exciter ring Will it clear the older case or have some kind of interference problem, bearing differences,etc (?)

Steve weim55 Colorado

[THI]

'87 are 28-spline and '95 is 30-spline axle shafts. You would either need to upgrade to 30-spline axles or change the carrier internals to 28-spline.

[weim55]

Originally Posted by THI

'87 are 28-spline and '95 is 30-spline axle shafts. You would either need to upgrade to 30-spline axles or change the carrier internals to 28-spline.

OK, THAT’S a game changer! I’ll measure the axle shafts but my guess is the 95 will be wider and a no go. Thanks for the input, you just saved me a bunch of work today!

Steve weim55 Colorado

[87Flh]

I also have an 87 with the 8.5. I bought a posi unit out of a 90s era Impala SS and it fit just fine. Had to upgrade the axles to 30 spline, but the diff went right in. Hope this helps.

[weim55]

Originally Posted by 87Flh

I also have an 87 with the 8.5. I bought a posi unit out of a 90s era Impala SS and it fit just fine. Had to upgrade the axles to 30 spline, but the diff went right in. Hope this helps.

Production axles that you swapped in or did you have to have custom axles made?

Steve weim55 Colorado

[Axle]

If the spider gears are the same dimensions between the two, you'd just need to get a new set of spiders (for your 85) and put those in your new carrier and you can keep your 28 spline axle shafts.

[87Flh]

Originally Posted by weim55

Production axles that you swapped in or did you have to have custom axles made?

Steve weim55 Colorado

Moser street axles, IIRC they were around $260 a pair.

Called Moser, told them what I had, got what they said to get. No issues.