Looking to buy a new car but don’t know what models are compatible with your Chevy rear end? Look no further! We’ve compiled a chevy rear end compatibility chart on this page, so you can find the right car for you.
It’s a handy tool to have if you’re uncertain about what rear end will fit your car or if you need to replace your rear end and don’t know which one to choose.
We also provide installation instructions and a questions section to help solve any questions you might have. So don’t wait any longer – start shopping for your new car today!
Table of Contents
Are All GM 10 Bolts the Same?
All GM 10 bolts and 12 bolts appear to be the same as they are interchangeable, although they do need a little fine-tuning and some adjustments.
The pinion depth on a 10 bolt can be 5/8″ deeper than that of the 11 or 12 bolts since the bearings are slightly deeper in the pinion.
It will have zero backlashes if you shorten the pinions on 11 or 12 bolt gears and add shims, but the shifting will be sloppy. Use a 10-bolt set-up on an 11 or 12 at your own peril.
Are All Chevy 12-Bolt Rear Ends the Same?
Many people ask us the question: “Are all Chevy 12-bolt rear-ends the same?” This is a great question and one that will help you choose the right rear differential for your needs.
The short answer is, yes, they are! Every 12-bolt rear end housing (also known as an axle) is built to meet strict specifications.
Each housing must fit your body style exactly to perform as it was designed, and they must be re-engineered overtime to keep up with the ever-changing demands of both professionals and spirited drivers alike. Most aftermarket companies offer the same 2 series and 3 series housings; however, some offer a 4 series.
How Do I Know What Rear End GM I Have?
The GM RPO Codes, or General Motors is a great way to pick out your Chevrolet or GMC’s gear ratio of rear end. Placed on the sticker inside the driver’s glove box or door panel, RPO Codes can be used to answer questions like: What is the gear ratio of rear end of a Chevrolet Impala? What is the gear ratio of the rear end of a 2WD Chevy Silverado?
It is also possible to look up your Rear End Gear Ratio By VIN Number.
What Is the Difference Between A 10 Bolt And 12-Bolt Rear End?
A 10 bolt is not as strong as a 12 bolt and will not hold up to a lot of torque and abuse. A 10 bolt will work but is not designed for heavy hauling or off-road use. A 12 bolt is designed for hauling and off-road use and will handle more torque and abuse.
Gm Rear End Casting Numbers Decode
The GM rear-end casting date is commonly the date on which a Chevrolet or a GMC truck was manufactured up to the early 1980s.
It is usually found at the base of the housing, on a flat surface facing upwards. The date consists of a letter and three numbers, i.e., A141.
How do I identify my GM rear end?
All Chevy back ends may be recognized by referencing the gasket form to a chart identical with the one available on Drivetrain’s differential recognition site.
This is a very helpful guide to have; if you need it, you should contact Drivetrain America, and they will provide you with one.
Failure to use the proper input shaft in your rear end may lead to failure of your rear end, resulting in damage to other parts of the vehicle and injury or death to yourself or other bystanders.
How do I identify my Chevy rear axle?
You can do a few things to identify your Chevy rear axle. You should first look for the shape and number of bolts on the differential housing.
The differential housing is the part of your Chevy that connects the two drive shafts. The differential housing will have a shape that is specific to your Chevy, and it will have a number of bolts that correspond to the number of gears in your Chevy. You can also use a Chevy axle diagram to help you identify your axle.
How do I know what Chevy differential I have?
To identify your truck axle, we recommend that you find the differential or axle tag that most manufacturers place on the housing.
The tags on your Chevy rear differential can vary from having a metal tag to or paper tag. Each tag is found in different locations but most commonly inside your Chevy differential cover. Some of the labels are going to be located inside the actual differential housing or lock.
How do I find my GM gear ratio Chart?
GM vehicles have a gear ratio that is indicated by a number or letters on the original frame-mounted tag. This tag is located in the front driver’s side wheel well on the forward part of the axle housing. Check our the Chevy rear end gear ratio chart above to help you identify the correct gear to use.
This number may be on the top, bottom, or either side of the axle shaft. The following tags will show a 4L80E transmission as an example.
Chevy 10 Bolt Rear End Widths
GM 10-bolt rear ends have four basic ratio choices: 2.73, 3.08, 3.42, and 3.73. The ring-and-pinion gears can be interchanged interchange as long as the carrier is set up for that gear size.
Rear ends with 3.08 gears came in 7.5/7.625-, 8.2-, and 8.6-inch units; 3.42s only came in 8.2 and 8.6-inch units, 3.73s only in 8.5 8.6-inch units; 4 Series (4L60) 4 Speed Automatic Hydra-Matic RPO Code(s) MN8.
Gm 10 Bolt Gear Ratios
You might be asking yourself what gear ratio is best for your GM 10 bolt. The gear ratio for a GM 10 bolt is 10,41. This gear ratio will allow the engine to turn 10,41 times per minute.
This gear ratio is ideal for off-road use because it provides plenty of torque and allows the vehicle to travel at high speeds.
88 98 Chevy Truck Rear End Swap
The rear end swap, built to be tough and added strength, is a 1988-1998 Chevrolet and GMC full size S-10/blazer truck & Sierra/Yukon 5.7liter ls1/ls6 v8 rear end swap kit.
The new LSX U joints that come with the kit allow for the tight turning of the axle shafts and have been greased, protected against rust, and will never need repacking. The axles are 4130 chrome-moly steel and are highly reinforced for added strength.
2008 Silverado Rear End Interchange
If your 2008 Silverado rear end interchange is failing, it may be time for a replacement. Rear-end interchanges are notorious for failing, and when this happens, the entire rear end can come apart.
If this happens, the suspension and tires can be at risk. When you’re considering a replacement, it’s important to make sure that you get the best possible option.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, there is a lot of information on this blog! We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on a Chevy rear end compatibility chart.
Additionally, we’ve included a chart that will help you identify which GM rear end is compatible with your car. If you’re still not sure which one to choose, our online help section can help you out.