BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

So i picked up a girdle for really cheap. My question is how much do they really help keeping the rear together

disc0monkey

iTrader: (10)

i feels its better. makes sure you have cap bolt failure

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

They work okay if you install it properly. Lots of guys overtighten the preload bolts and that can actually speed UP failure by eggshelling the bearing races.

I ran one for awhile, but in the end it still broke.

BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

What should I tighten those bolts down too? I guess it gives me a reason to change the fluid and paint the rear

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

5 ft. lbs. and no more. I'd actually use an in/# torque wrench to get a more accurate torque value (60in/lbs).

litch2004

iTrader: (1)

They look nice and can help some, but as stated can also cause more problems by themselves if not properly installed. Did you pick up the ARP main bearing studs as well?

BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

wow i would have overtightened as well

i did not but i still have time too

litch2004

iTrader: (1)

Not sure how much the main bearings studs actually help but theoretically they should.

litch2004

iTrader: (1)

Make sure once you put your preload on they DO NOT tighten anymore while tightening down the back off nuts.

BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

Are the main bearing bolts a common failure point?

disc0monkey

iTrader: (10)

common compared to a average automobile, yes. for our cars its less common than breaking gears.

gears you can't help. the cover is a good idea in theory, should help make everything but axles live longer. has a drain plug and holds more oil. $150 bucks which may save you $1000 makes sense to me.

good luck, because your still gonna need it.

what ever the reason i lost a bunch of noise when i put mine on. (also stepped it up to thicker diff fluid and the cover holds a lot more oil)

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

I'm sure it helps some. Doesn't protect the WHOLE rear end tho. Defnately looks cool, and the fill/drain plugs are very nice.

BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

I got it for $20 and some help installing valve springs. I never really hear to much about them so i figured id learn a lil more about em. Im not to worried about the rear cuz once it goes im stepping up to an 8.8. What fluid should i put back in?

draggin97s10

iTrader: (2)

while your in there welding the axle tubes up and getting rid of the crush sleeve can help a little

BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

You can get rid of the crush sleeve?

draggin97s10

iTrader: (2)

yes they make a solid washer or you can have one made.

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

I believe the reccomended weight is 80-90, and honestly, any brand will probably work fine. These rear ends will fail from something else before they overheat or are underlubricated due to the fluid choice. I plan on running Royal Purple since it already has the additive in it, while many other brands do not and you need to buy it/add it seperately.

fex77k

iTrader: (2)

When I upgraded to a 12bolt they only recommended a quality non synthetic, so that's all I've ever ran in the 10 and 12bolts I've had. I always put that GM additive in the 10bolt but that was it. I was going to get a AAM cover or a TA cover, but instead just replaced the whole thing.