Any reason why I cant use this rear end?

[gottwake]

This is out of a 1996 Camaro Z28 with 20K miles. Is is only 1/4 inch shorter than my stock one and comes with posi. Im not sure of the gearing. I am mostly concerned if the rear end is strong enough or if there is any other reason not to use it.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by gottwake

This is out of a 1996 Camaro Z28 with 20K miles. Is is only 1/4 inch shorter than my stock one and comes with posi. Im not sure of the gearing. I am mostly concerned if the rear end is strong enough or if there is any other reason not to use it.

If it came out of a Z28 I am sure it will hold up just fine. I am putting one in a truck at the shop... just a lot of brackets to remove.

[bagged69c10]

What bolt pattern is it?

[gottwake]

Thanks Porter.
The bolt pattern is 5 on 4.75 but it's okay because I was staggering the wheels anyway.

[SanitysBane]

Personally I wouldn't bother with it if you are making any kind of horsepower numbers at all, F-body guys are breaking those things left and right with slicks and basic bolts on.

[gottwake]

interesting, thanks. Im not a hot-rodder. Im more of an, "All show and no go" kinda guy.

[smashingchuck]

I would go ahead and use it... it's got disc brakes!

[gottwake]

Anyone know what type of gears are in this thing? Also, whats up with the electronic stuff connected to it? Disk brakes

[N2TRUX]

Could be a 3.08 or 3.42. The electronic stuff is for ABS.

[SanitysBane]

Standard gear for the LS f-bodies (98-02) was 2.73, there was a 'performance package' that changed it to 3.42 but from what I've gathered they are rare and hard to find, Im not sure but I think (could be wrong) that all f-bodies came with posi as well. Ken is correct on the abs stuff.

[Sweet 85 C10]

Dam I dont see why you cant use it sounds different to I mean just have to remove more stuff, especially if your not running the ABS.

[scotts62]

Id run it, do a gear change (if you want) mount it in and go cruising!

I agree with Smashingchuck, It has disc brakes!

[Shane]

If all you are looking for is disc brakes on the rear then it would be cheaper to add disc brakes to a rear end originally built for "our trucks" compared to what changing the gears and fabbing up mounts on that one.

[Ackattack]

Unless it's free, I wouldn't waste my time with it if your engine has over 300HP.

They were fine for stock LT1 auto cars, but throw a manual in there (especially an LS1 manual) and it's very common to break them even on only street tires.

There were 3 gears available from the factory.
2.73 (base auto)
3.23 (performance package auto)
3.42 (all six speed manuals)

[ulakovic22]

I agree, it's a 7.5" 10 bolt and they are very weak. The options above are correct too so if you know the car it came out of that will help. Otherwise when you crack it open to change fluid and inspect just count the teeth and divide. Don't forget about checking the rear end width too to make sure it will work.

[gottwake]

Man....thats alot of info. Im going to run it but, whats up with the counting of the teeth and dividing thing? What will that tell me? Oh yea, where are the teeth specifically?

[leftcoast66]

Originally Posted by gottwake

Man....thats alot of info. Im going to run it but, whats up with the counting of the teeth and dividing thing? What will that tell me? Oh yea, where are the teeth specifically?

The teeth he's referring to are on the ring and pinion. Count both the ring and the pinion and divide the ring number by the pinion number and that will give you your gear ratio in the rear axle.

[69face]

it will hold up just fine, but ive had 4 fourth gen camaro and every single one had to have the rear end overhauled. no bs! im not hard on cars at all

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by 69face

it will hold up just fine, but ive had 4 fourth gen camaro and every single one had to have the rear end overhauled. no bs! im not hard on cars at all

Huh? It will hold up fine, but you've had 4 fail? I'm confused

[scotts62]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Huh? It will hold up fine, but you've had 4 fail? I'm confused

Yea im kinda with you there too....

[TimE]

I'd say go for it if that's what you want to do. I put a 6 speed 3.42 rear in my '01 auto Z28. The rear had 60k on it when I got it(approx 25k of it HARD driving) and I have put another 25k on it with no problems.

[gottwake]

im gonna start removing the brackets tomorrow, thanks yall...

[69face]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Huh? It will hold up fine, but you've had 4 fail? I'm confused

my bad! i use my cars to commute so they were high mileage by the time they had to be overhauled.

[basketcase]

You didn't say what transmission you are using but the 2.73 should be just fine with an auto; even better with a 700R4 or 2004R since the first gear ratio is deeper. The main problem I see is the mixed bolt pattern. I'd have the axles and rotors re-drilled to a 5" circle so I only had to carry 1 spare tire.

Tom

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by basketcase

You didn't say what transmission you are using but the 2.73 should be just fine with an auto; even better with a 700R4 or 2004R since the first gear ratio is deeper.

Actually, 2.73 is not enough gear for an overdrive transmission. (I know, the factory did it, that does not make it right though) It sounds logical, with the lower first gear, but it is not enough RPM when you hit OD on the highway. The transmission will shift in/out trying to find a comfortable place, the engine will be running too close to idle, any hill will cause a downshift. It is bad enough in a car, worse in a heavy truck. This is not only hard on the transmission itself, it does not improve fuel mileage either.

Depending upon your ratio of highway to city driving and the actual highway speed, the optimal gear seems to be either 3.42 or 3.73.