Shucks First Build

[Nick_R_23]

+1, pinion bearing or retaining nut failure there. That’s an excellent opportunity to ditch that stock carrier and upgrade to a Tru-Trac with a fresh set of gears.

[Shucks]

Originally Posted by Nick_R_23

+1, pinion bearing or retaining nut failure there. That’s an excellent opportunity to ditch that stock carrier and upgrade to a Tru-Trac with a fresh set of gears.

That’s probably what it is. Thanks for the replies guys.

Can you educate me what a tru track is and why that would be in my benefit? Honestly I know nothing about rear ends besides the fact that mine doesn’t have Posi!
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[aggie91]

Originally Posted by Shucks

That’s probably what it is. Thanks for the replies guys.

Can you educate me what a tru track is and why that would be in my benefit? Honestly I know nothing about rear ends besides the fact that mine doesn’t have Posi!
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Tru Track is just another more modern version of the posi (Limited Slip) style carrier. Do some google research on it. There are a few options out there. A full rebuild with bearings, new carrier (Limited Slip type) and new gears could run over $600 in parts easy and if you have a shop do the work, I have been quoted at $1000 for gears, carrier, new bearings and seals (including axle bearings). Its not hard work, but without the right tools it can be a costly learning experience if you get the set up wrong...

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Tru Track is just another more modern version of the posi (Limited Slip) style carrier. Do some google research on it. There are a few options out there. A full rebuild with bearings, new carrier (Limited Slip type) and new gears could run over $600 in parts easy and if you have a shop do the work, I have been quoted at $1000 for gears, carrier, new bearings and seals (including axle bearings). Its not hard work, but without the right tools it can be a costly learning experience if you get the set up wrong...

Karl is spot on. Everyone says build it, they are cheap. Survey says BS. Unless you really want to learn to do it yourself, setting up a GM ring and pinion is no picnic. It requires specific tools that are not commonly available, and it can be a lesson in frustration.

I have found the most economical option is to find a replacement axle. They can be bought very reasonable and are not hard to find. Locating one with 3.73 gears is a bit harder than the more common 3.08 or 3.42 but they are out there.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Karl is spot on. Everyone says build it, they are cheap. Survey says BS. Unless you really want to learn to do it yourself, setting up a GM ring and pinion is no picnic. It requires specific tools that are not commonly available, and it can be a lesson in frustration.

I have found the most economical option is to find a replacement axle. They can be bought very reasonable and are not hard to find. Locating one with 3.73 gears is a bit harder than the more common 3.08 or 3.42 but they are out there.

Adding to what Ken stated, the GM 10 Bolt rear end in these trucks is actually a good replacement. The pinion on the 10 bolt has a larger diameter then the 12 bolt pinion, therefore the 10 bolt is a bit stronger and can be found at a reasonable price. Finding one with a 3.42 or 3.08 would yield you a little better MPG if you are worried about that.