My rear is going south, fast. Short of spending $2K for a 12 bolt, anybody have any hints on the rebuild of my 97 lt-1 rearend? I'm looking to make it as strong as possible.

 

What about it is "going south?" The limited slip unit? Gears? Axles? If its the limited slip unit you could get a new Eaton, Pro Auburn and bearings and have at it. I personally would probably replace the gears, bearings, and limited slip unit. There are places that sell whole kits which include the above. I saw a company on Ebay that sells an Eaton posi, GM gears, and an install kit which includes all bearings, seals, crush sleeve, etc for $600. You can add Moser or Superior axles/bearings/seals for around $250, then add around $200-300 in labor to put it all together. $1100 gets your whole rear done, but the problem is that no matter how much you spend to try to "beef up" the rear you simply can't make a 7.5" ring gear any stronger than it is. I didn't check your sig..If you have an M6 I'd just save for a 9" or 12 bolt. A4 cars are hit or miss...oops...just saw you have an A4...

--Alan

 

With an A4 your more likely to blow up your tranny than the rear. A modest rebuild of the rear may all that is needed. A shop can replace the gears for around $500 (including parts and labor). If bearings need to be replaced, that would be a bit more. This could also be an opportunity to change gear ratio (like 3.42's) if that fits your driving style.