10-bolt rear end swap

[1986swb]

Has anyone successfully changed out a 10-bolt rear end from an early-1990s suburban to a mid-80s full-sized chevy/gmc?

Is there a repository for rear end specs and dimensions available on 1980s and 1990s trucks and suvs?

I need to know if the 10-bolt rear end from a 1990 suburban will be a direct fit/replacement in my 1986 GMC C1500 truck.

Specs I found on 10-bolt rears:
1986 (8.5", 1.28 axle diameter, 28 spline)
1990 (8.5", 1.28 axle diameter, 30 spline)

Let me know your thoughts.

[Altec]

Should bolt right in. Any suburban between '89-91. The only possible issue is spring pad location. Which shouldn't be. Not until '92.

[silvereagle07]

They are a direct fit. I swapped one into my 84 from my 91 burb donor truck. The only difference I had was changing the yoke on the driveshaft to fit because I had a 12 bolt in previously.

[1986swb]

Thanks Altec and Silvereagle for your insights.

Now does $250 sound like a good deal? It is a posi unit and comes complete with uncut e-brake cable. I think it is but seeing is believing, right?

[1986swb]

Couple of additional questions:

1. Will my 15"x8" steel ralley wheels fit on the 5-lug bolt pattern on the 1990 10-bolt rear end?

2. If the ralleys will fit, can I use the same lug nuts or do I need differnt lug nuts?

[gchemist]

The sub axel is identical to our trucks. Yes your ralley will fit on it. Yes you can use the same lugs. Now be sure it's not a 6 bolt axel!!

[thesickc10]

Originally Posted by gchemist

The sub axel is identical to our trucks. Yes your ralley will fit on it. Yes you can use the same lugs. Now be sure it's not a 6 bolt axel!!

i dont mean to jack your thread but i have a line on a posi 6 lug 10 bolt out of a 80's truck and was wondering if i can pull the 6 lug axles out and put the 5 lug axles in

[1986swb]

Just picked up the limited slip differential. All is in tact with stock 3.08 gears similar to my truck. Pics to follow.
Posted via Mobile Device

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by 1986swb

Just picked up the limited slip differential. All is in tact with stock 3.08 gears similar to my truck. Pics to follow.
Posted via Mobile Device

As promised, here are some pics. I'm hoping this "new" limited slip 10-bolt differential will improve my traction off the line and during wet weather conditions. And yes it is a 5-bolt lug pattern.

I also recently picked up a mid-70s, C10, 8-foot trailer for a spring time project. I plan to install my current 1986 GMC SWB rear end into the trailer to replace the existing 14-bolt, 8-lug behemoth. The trailer will then be fitted with 15"x8" ralley wheels. Once the limited slip is cleaned up, it will be installed in my 1986 GMC.

[83burban]

As long as the splines are the same they will swap fine. If not then you might want to have them re-drilled or get new shafts made

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by 83burban

As long as the splines are the same they will swap fine. If not then you might want to have them re-drilled or get new shafts made

Not sure why I need to worry about the splines as the entire rear end is being swapped out. The "new" rear end should bolt in directly where the original is, shock mountings, leaf springs, etc. should be a direct fit.

Am I missing something that I need to be concerned about?

[silvereagle07]

Originally Posted by thesickc10

i dont mean to jack your thread but i have a line on a posi 6 lug 10 bolt out of a 80's truck and was wondering if i can pull the 6 lug axles out and put the 5 lug axles in

I think he was referring to this ^^^^. Glad to see you got the rear axle 1986swb. That's a cool looking trailer too.

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by silvereagle07

I think he was referring to this ^^^^. Glad to see you got the rear axle 1986swb. That's a cool looking trailer too.

My bad. I'll read the threads a little more before replying.