Limited Slip Carrier Question

[Kilian]

This is a follow up to my earlier post about putting a limited slip differential in the front axle of my 3/4 ton truck. I've got a GM 10-bolt front axle with the needed 4.10 ratio to match my rear axle. What years of OEM limited slip carriers from an 8.5 rear axle will fit that gear set?

The parts catalog for 1979-1984 (truck is an 83) mentions that you can't convert an 8.5 inch rear axle to positraction because the posi carrier is actually 8-7/8. A little confused on what will and won't fit. Thanks.

 

[68post]

8.5's would all be the same (except either 28 or 30 spline axles), 8-7/8" is the diameter of a 12 bolt ring gear. There are 8.6" carriers but they are out of later models, (approx late '90's and up),they only fit if you change other parts such as bearings and axles (?). More info is out there to make better sense, I just don't recall all of it - but please do your own research to be clear.

 

[Ricko1966]

https://www.randysworldwide.com/differential-identification-gm/

GM went to corporate 8.5 10 bolts early 1970s. Buick, olds, pontiac,chevrolet there are 3. Different spline counts but not a ton of other variation 1973-1988 it's a pretty safe bet if it's 10 bolt it's 8.5. The link I put up will tell you way more than I can. Damnit I gotta take some of that back.. Most g bodies didn't get 8.5s and f body's after 81 won't be 8.5s

Calling all viewers I'm on the look out for a 71-72 A body 8.5 housing or complete rearend

 

[Kilian]

Would there be GM 8.5 limited slip carriers from passenger cars that have the correct 28 spline count for use in a 1987 and earlier 10-bolt front axle?

 

[Ricko1966]

Driving and working from memory, so double check me, but as I remember 8.5 is 8.5 just have to use correct spider gears

 

[Kilian]

Replying to this with a follow up question.

Found a 10 bolt posi, 3.73 gearing from an 84 Chevy van that's available. Provided it's a pre 88 axle, this should be an 8.5 ring gear and fit in any other 10 bolt axle, front or rear, correct?

 

[BKING33]

Yes the carrier from an 84 g van would work for you.