10 Bolt Diff

alpinecrick · May 24, 2021

stutaeng said:
Yikes! What were you doing when it gave out? Burnouts?

If you could find another axle from the wrecking yard, that's probably the cheapest option. Not sure in Wisconsin, but around here these axles are around $100-$200 from parted out trucks. That's assuming you get the same ratio though.

Shop is probably going to be $400-$600 plus parts, depending on what blew. So it would from $800+.

At this point, it's already blown, so at least remove the cover to see the carnage. I think it's the spider gears and/or ring gears that blow on these?

From the looks of the fluid, it may not have been changed since the truck left the factory.

Plus, it's obviously been seeping lube--differentials don't like to be run low on lube.

This is how we (I) learn(ed) the value of maintenance........

Schurkey · May 27, 2021

The "10 bolt" "8.5 inch ring gear axle" under the 1500s was invented in the early '70s for use under compact and intermediate cars. It was never used under full-size cars and trucks until decades later.

In short, it's weak. The 10-bolt Gov-Bomb differential inside it is even worse.

Things are easier with a K1500--upgrade to a 6-lug 9.5 axle from a "light duty" K2500.

The C1500s are more expensive, you need a 6-lug 9.5 from a C2500, plus front hubs and four wheels to match the 6-lug bolt circle.

In both cases, you'll need new U-bolts; and the mounting plates from the 9.5 axle. BONUS: you eliminate the hateful "10 inch" leading/trailing shoe rear brakes in favor of stronger, better, larger Duo-Servo rear brakes.

The 9.5 axle is MUCH stronger than the weakazz 8.5; and the 9.5 Gov-Loc isn't known for exploding although anything is possible.

PlayingWithTBI · May 27, 2021

Schurkey said:
The C1500s are more expensive, you need a 6-lug 9.5 from a C2500, plus front hubs and four wheels to match the 6-lug bolt circle.

Or an even more rare 5 lug 14 bolt from a 454SS :anitoof:

Schurkey · May 28, 2021

PlayingWithTBI said:
Or an even more rare 5 lug 14 bolt from a 454SS

If the axle width is the same, all you'd need is a pair of axle shafts from that vehicle.

Good luck with that. I hear the axles, and the individual axle shafts are made from unobtanium.

Which doesn't mean you couldn't get aftermarket replacements; or maybe even re-drill original axle shafts.

I'm not fond of adapter plates.

Jjbiskup · Feb 12, 2024

PlayingWithTBI said:
AKA Gov-Bomb. Don't get another G80 rear end.

Are the axle shaft lengths the same in that rear end as opposed to a regular 10 bolt?

PlayingWithTBI · Feb 12, 2024

Jjbiskup said:
Are the axle shaft lengths the same in that rear end as opposed to a regular 10 bolt?

They should be, FWIU the G80 simply replaces the spiders. Kinda like a "Lunch Box" locker, you don't even need to disturb the ring and pinion side of the carrier.

Jjbiskup · Feb 13, 2024

PlayingWithTBI said:
They should be, FWIU the G80 simply replaces the spiders. Kinda like a "Lunch Box" locker, you don't even need to disturb the ring and pinion side of the carrier.

I actually just swapped it yesterday. I did not know all you had to do was push the axle in to take the c clip out, coulda saved me an hour of work but both axle shafts are the same on a k1500p/u and a gmc k1500 suburban with govlock

10 Bolt Diff

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