hankfan79

I have a completely factory 2000 Sierra GMC that I am about to swap a built 6.0 into. With the engine almost complete, I am now focusing on transmission and rear end parts. This will need to be dependable as a daily drivers.

So my question is this:
Can I improve my factory 10 bolt rear end to handle the power (400-500) or should I find something else?

I am not a fabricator nor do I know anyone who is. I am mainly looking for BOLT ON parts that can improve my chances of not ruining my rear end. Any links, companies, or articles that I can read...or any websites I can order from would be a great help. I have read numerous threads but the all start to confuse me.

I also want to keep my factory lug pattern. I will be using a 4l80E.

Thanks ahead of time.

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

You're thinking the 10 bolts as discussed on this site,DON'T.
You probably have a 8.5/8.6 10 bolt,very strong.
GM 10 bolts came in 7.5/7.625,8.2,and 8.5/8.6. Above those is the 12 bolt 8.875".

Compare yours to these for ID.
https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/dri...ial-id-473563/

You should probably join this site,it used to be a 'sister' site here.
https://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/

hankfan79

Thank you, I think. This is/was my go to site for my LS engine. I assumed I could find the answer here as well. I often don't find the most helpful/knowledgeable people on that site but I will try again.

homemade87

The rear in that truck will be fine . We run these in stock form with only a few mods at 500hp plus a few . Stock truck axles have had no issues . We put tires on them and take it to the track and beat on it when we can .

The only things I would do is add the stud kit for the rear caps and also put a girdle cover on it . If you are only doing street tires and no track time you would most likely be ok , but by doing the studs and cover you are covered either way .

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

It's more about available traction than all out rear end strength anyway. I have a supercharged 6.0 in an S-10 with a 6spd. HP should be around 550 to the wheels, As long as I don't put sticky tires on it the rear will hold for quite a while.
I have 12" wide rear wheels with Nitto 325/30/19's and still don't have enough traction to break the rear end. Trucks don't hook well without moving weight to the rear and running slicks.

Wheel hop will kill the rear so look at getting traction bars since your truck has a leaf spring rear, Caltracs are good but I like the Assassin traction bars myself.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

the gov-lok posi in them isnt the greatest thing. Most upgrade that and dont have many more issues.

hankfan79

Thanks guys. It will not have slicks. Just wanted to make sure I could give it hell when I want to. Going to run a bigger wheel/tire combo as well. Thumbs up on the tips. What are the studs you mention?

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

studs/stud kit,part of an aftermarket cover. Allows differential carrier caps to be preloaded to prevent bearing cap flex.

the link is a representative example for a GM 7.625 10 bolt. You'd have to determine exactly which rear end you have to find the appropriate cover.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...0400/overview/

homemade87

Being you are needing both this may be your better option . The stud kit replaces the cap bolts . The cover supports the caps to keep them from moving .

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TA-Performa...1XmxqX&vxp=mtr

Also as stated above , you may want to consider a posi unit of some kind if planning on doing a lot of performance driving . The oem gov lok posi unit does ok and I have seen some last pretty good but I had also seen many fail , that is if yours has one .

hankfan79

I indeed have the G80. I am going with a Tru Trac. I just wanted some different options as I have read that it is not wise to invest money into the 10 bolt. After reading a bunch, it seems like the better rear ends are either hard to come by or require some fab work (which I mentioned before). I don't mind spending some reasonable money for quality but a full blown ford 9" is just out of realm for me (I think).

Thanks for the info. I have read some other threads about using a solid pin/pinion or something to that affect. I am researching everything you guys mention.

cam

iTrader: (9)

x2 they are decent diffs

brandon6.0

iTrader: (32)

Mines had a tru trac and different gear setups for the last 6 yrs. Been behind a fully built nitrous 6.0 for a few yrs. Now behind a turbo setup.

They are pretty tough rear ends. Add a posi with a good gear set. Never once worried about mine breaking! And i still run the stock cover!