10 Bolt Strengthening, what to do and will it work?

[97.Z28]

First I would like to say I understand no matter what is done the 10 bolt is still the weak link, so with that said.

I purchased a 98+ firehawk rear end local from a forum member, I'm looking to strengthen it up before doing the install into my Z28. I am 100% certain this has never been installed or ran, has a brand new auburn differential, new 3.23 gears, new axles, aam cover, etc. I am also understanding I need to do the LS rear brake swap (at a minimum)

I know for sure the following will be done:
- C Clip eliminator (when it breaks I'd prefer to not launch my wheel off the car)
- Welding the axle tubes to the housing
- Bracing the housing itself to the axle tubes with 3/8 thick steel (rough idea is attached in pictures, this is subject to change to clear the suspension, exhaust and misc that will be in the way)
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As I'm understanding beside the size the actual housing, deflecting under hard acceleration causes the ring/pinion to distort and come apart. Also factory axles are weak which leads to the next question.

What axles should I put in this rear end? I have found Moser and one other brand (can't remember the name of the top of my head) for the Moser axles i think it was 260ish. for 388 I can get a set of custom axles made from Mark Williams Enterprises and have a bit of piece of mind (Masterline Street/Strip, made from forged steel, cut exactly to my specs.)

What would everyone recommend for axle shafts? I understand in time this will need upgraded. For now my mods are in my signature, future mods will consist of LE1 H/C, ported Intake, 52x2 TB, LT w/ Y pipe just a basic bolt on car that will see occasional track use.

[Injuneer]

Here's a couple articles from High Performance Pontiac magazine on strengthening the 10-bolt. They started with a newer 10-bolt with the Torsen diff, but the basics are the same. Note the conclusion (page 5 of PArt 2)... not much help for a manual trans car w/ sticky tire, probably limited to 425rwHP with an automatic.

http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/tech/hppp_0610_ls1_pontiac_firebird_performance_rearend _build/

http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/tech/hppp_0611_firebird_rearend_rebuild/

[harner]

I wish I could find the thread on the guy who built up his 10 bolt. They did every possible upgrade and "trick" to strengthen it. The end result was expensive and time consuming, but it fit their needs. If you look around on ltxtech and that other tech site, I'm sure you'll find it.

A pair of Moser 31 spline axles came with my QP 9" housing. They look great. You shouldn't go wrong with Moser or Strange.

[nateleduc]

As listed above, an axle brace will strengthen the rear. One of the things that kills 10 bolts, is on a launch, the axle tubes will bend a bit, which puts even more stress on the pinion. An axle brace helps keep the tubes centered.

From what I see in your picture, it looks like you are attempting to strengthen the tubes, which will help, but for additional help, I'd add a brace to the very end of the tubes. I'm doing the same thing with 8.8

[97.Z28]

Thanks for the replies, those articles help a bit. Still searching for the build mentioned.

Can you post pics of how you're bracing the tubes on your 8.8?


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[1sickta]

I pulled 100+ 1.5 60ft times on a 3.23 torsion diff with a girdle and solid pinion support. Then swapped the 10 bolt for a 12 bolt I'm in the low 1.3's now.

If your going to put that much work into a 10 bolt you might want to look at doing a 8.8 swap instead.

[noice]

http://i.imgur.com/3HQut0C.jpg

My bracing looks like that.

For the crush sleeve that you need to put in the rear end, you can buy a solid one that requires shims for the final adjustment. At the end of the day though the ring and pinion are only so strong.

[noice]

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[sweet-94z28]

Here is my rear end. Don't laugh too hard at the welds on the rod. My brother welded them up before I got to the shop and forgot to turn the gas on. They were replaced with ones I welded correctly.

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[nateleduc]

Thanks for the replies, those articles help a bit. Still searching for the build mentioned.

Can you post pics of how you're bracing the tubes on your 8.8?


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There is a thread on my 8.8 housing. I need to mill the cover to help it clear the panhard rod. I'll update it when I've got this finished. I don't want to much up this thread though.

[shadowbandit]

Im doing a mini spool s10 carrier and 4.10 gears the dirty bird that was in gm high performance magazine did that and they were in bottom tens with like a 1.5 60foot

[sweet-94z28]

I just got my setup installed in the car and it fits great! I barely clear the stock upper panhard rod though. Not too worried about that thing though. It's going in the trash soon to make way for a nice relocation bar and some true duals!

[97.Z28]

I honestly haven't put much effort into getting this bracing together. At the moment the budget isn't there. Next paycheck its time to start though. Hopefully by tomorrow night I'll be able to get under the car and get some cardboard templates mocked up to the rear end.

For the time being I've focused on getting the rear end ready to swap in (just in case mine exploded lol). Have the LS rear brakes ready to go, powder coated mounts and hugger orange powder coated calipers, next main purchase will be the fronts and rebuilding them also.

I've decided I'm going to attempt to brace with the "box" design rather then just 3/8 thick plate. As said I'll post up a few of the templates I can get together tomorrow. As far as price is concerned ~ 25-35 for the metal to make this per side (1/4 to 3/8 thick). As far as welding, looking at nickel rod and cast iron welding labor rates makes me want to cry lol. but cheaper the a 12bolt or s60 for now.

[97.Z28]

Havent had much time to work on the car recently, living on Ft. Hood has been time consuming and busy with normal work.

Last night I did manage to get the top left brace about 3/4 complete. It will be mounting flush with the top of the torque arm mount. Once I get all 4 templates (top and bottom of each side) mocked up to the rear end ill get under my camaro and clearance them to the undercarriage and anything in the way.

Quick question though. What is the axle tubes made out of? Mainly are they cast iron also?

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[sweet-94z28]

I think the axle tubes are steel tubing. They weld a lot easier than the pig does.

[jaysz2893]

I think the axle tubes are steel tubing. They weld a lot easier than the pig does.

Yes. I have welded on mine

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[fuzchunk]

10 & 12 Bolt GM Main Cap Stud Kit
Moser Engineering#718-7115 Main Cap Stud Kit10 & 12 Bolt Chevy

http://www.jegs.com/i/Moser+Engineering/718/7115/10002/-1

a verry cost effective upgrade I use this and a girdle on my 383 m6 bird street tires (falken 512) only for several years I have relaced carrier bearing races 1 time they started whining after several hard launches.