10 Bolt replacement alternatives

[dan85burb]

Hey all!!!
I have a 1985 `Burb, 350 / 700r4 / 10 bolt front and rear / 3.42posi / 208 T-case

Recently the rear started clicking, I am assuming ring and pinion are bad.

What years can I use to replace the entire axle? Will a 12 or 14 bolt go right in? I`m just looking to get it back on the road with a complete swap, don`t really even care bout ratios as I just wont use the 4wd for the time being. Money is super tight, so I have to do this cheap as possible, no truck... no work... no money. Future plans are a 14 bolt FF swap with lockers, but for now, I just gotta get this thing rolling again. Thanks.

 

[dhcomp]

How bad is this "clicking"?

Pull the diff cover, and see what's up in side. If you are still driving, i doubt its beyond repair. If money is tight, don't look into swapping an axle. There are better ways to fix the problem.

 

[TheBeast_88K5]

Eesh... 3.42's.... Not that common a ratio.

I got a 14b that came out of '90 V20 Suburban (what I was told).
It "bolted in" except for the pinion angle.

But, I also have a 6" lift and cv shaft.
A matched set is the absolute easiest way to swap.

Fixing axles is really is tho.
You'd be surprised.

 

[dan85burb]

The clicking is bad, in reverse its much worse (louder) but it is continuous and varies with speed, I pulled the fill plug and the gear oil is kinda gritty (metallic) and gray-ish. I drove it for about a week like it is, but I just can`t afford to get it stuck somewhere.

 

[rampage]

If you're just looking to get it on the road the easiest and cheapest would be to get another 10 bolt. People who swap axles for an upgrade can't even give them away. You could probably find one really cheap on CL or at a junkyard. Cheap, easy and quick.
If you go to a 12 or 14 bolt then you'll have to also get a conversion u-joint.

 

[6.2Blazer]

In your situation I would pick up another used 10-bolt and slap it in. Probably the cheapest and easiest thing to do. I do agree that fixing the current diff may not be that big of a deal but likely will take more time and cost more money.

 

[dan85burb]

yea... i figured putting a 10 bolt back in would be easiest, and to get back to the heart of my original question, what years are direct bolt in replacements? Is there a way to tell if it is a posi or open diff by just looking at it?

 

[chevydan3]

Pretty much any 10 or 12 bolt out of a 73-87 4x4 should bolt right in. You are going to have to pull the cover to check the ratio, open or posi and condition of the internals, no way around it.

 

[dan85burb]

Thanks for all the info and help guys, I`ll let ya know how it all turns out!!