cknoma2005

iTrader: (3)

Oh I see. I figured they were already welded. I didn't think they would just be pressed on. Seems pretty cheap of GM to design them that way.

Macs98Z

iTrader: (16)

I believe they are also spot welded from GM, not just pressed on. It is an ok design until, under traction, they twist. Fully welding them all the way around the tube helps this a bit.

cknoma2005

iTrader: (3)

I plan on doing the ultimate 10bolt build up with 3.90s.
I figure welding the tubes will add more strengthen and longevity to these weak rear ends.

cknoma2005

iTrader: (3)

Im about to order parts for this project and before I do I wanted to know If a solid pinion spacer is worth installing. Im not even really sure how it benefits the rear end. Can someone enlighten me?

Macs98Z

iTrader: (16)

Solid pinion spacer is a good idea if you don't mind the extra work in setting it up. Typically, these style rears use a crush collar that literally crushes down to help set clearances with the pinion depth in the housing. The downside is that, under high horsepower applications, the crush collar can be further crushed, changing the pinion depth and contact patch of the gears, ultimately weakening the strength of the rear. The solid pinion spacer eliminates this problem, but requires more work getting the other shims to compensate for the now fixed depth due to not having a crush collar.

I wouldn't know if it is worth it or not. I'm not sure at what horsepower level the crush collar becomes a liability with the 8.8. I do know the crush collar takes a butt load of torque to actually crush--it's not like you can just crush it with a ratchet. Maybe someone else can chime in here.

Marc 85Z28

iTrader: (8)

Exactly. Housing flex caused from wheelhop or driveline shock can compress the crush sleeve causing inadequate pinion bearing preload which can allow the pinion to move around in the housing affecting gear mesh. An early indicator of this is the common pinion seal leak.

They can be a PITA to install, even for someone with lots of experience.

Macs98Z

iTrader: (16)

Marc,
Any general ballpark horsepower figures/types of usage about when to consider putting in a solid pinion spacer, both for an 8.8 and the 10 bolt?

01 ss vert

iTrader: (1)

This is one of the best threads in a long time on read end set-ups.

Question - does anyone have a link to a video or perhaps a pullaway diagram of these rearends? I would love to watch a short video of one being torn down - or more specifically, the alignment set-up of the internals.

cknoma2005

iTrader: (3)

This is what I ordered. http://ratechmfg.com/smart%20sleeve.htm
From what I understand its a combination of a solid pinion spacer and crush sleeve. The manufacturer says its easier to install and has a superior cycle duty compared to the traditional solid pinion spacer.

KTK Z28

iTrader: (6)

Where is everyone ordering their LPW girdles from? I looked through some site sponsors and wasn't able to find anyone that stocks their products. If somebody could PM me something if their source is not a site sponsor i'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Marc 85Z28

iTrader: (8)

The company's name is LPW Racing - Google it. None of the sponsors carry their products, so buy from them direct.

KTK Z28

iTrader: (6)

Thanks Marc. Wanted to find a site sponsor but was having difficulty.

Dan

iTrader: (1)

Did you get the Ultimate pro series cover or just the regular Ultimate cover?

cknoma2005

iTrader: (3)

The Ultimate cover is the one I ordered and the pro series is the same just powerd coated black. According to the sales rep that I spoke with this is the only difference.

cknoma2005

iTrader: (3)

Here is my finished project. I can't wait until I can install it.
Check out the pics.

Here are the parts:

http://www.lpwracing.com/Diff_Cover_...omparison.html
http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...3-90-gear-set/
http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...oducts_id=4715
http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...tallation-kit/
http://www.ratechmfg.com/smart%20sleeve.htm

therabidweasel

iTrader: (5)

Right on man, get it in and go beat the **** out of it. Looks cool too.

dlandsvZ28

How much did it cost approximately? I'm having a hard time finding a shop that knows how to do it or even knows anything about rear ends.

LPW said it should take less than two hours to weld the tabs and measure the bar length and then weld the rod ends to each bar.

Looks to me like eight welds.

85CamaroZ28

iTrader: (7)

I wonder if you could drill and tap a TA girdle and fab up your own kit. Doesn't look that hard to do.

NufNuffZ28

iTrader: (13)

Just an update. I own the Iroc on the first page and although there have been NO drag launches on the car since I've owned it the rear is still doing great with 650rwhp on it .....

dlandsvZ28

I have a TA girdle on my 10 bolt and a Moser girdle on my Moser 12 bolt.

IMO there isn't enough material forged into a TA girdle that will support the forces of the axle braces.

The LPW girdle forged their girdle with extra material on each side to tap bolt holes in order to attach the brace rod ends to both axle sides.

http://www.lpwracing.com/Axle_Tube_B...ing_brace.html

Moser Girdle

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1835930...57623345499537

TA Girdle on a 10 bolt

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1835930...7630762333440/