ok i need to know what to do to make my 10 bolt stronger, or is it easier just to get a new rear end. You can see what i am running below also a 200 shot on that.

 

From what I've heard the mods you can do to a 10 bolt don't really strengthen it enough to justify the money spent. You can change the axles and rear end cover and add some loaded bolts or whatever they're called, but I haven't spent one dime on it and won't because you should just save up for a 12 bolt or 9 inch. I'd look for a used one and go from there. Good luck.

 

werd

 

I dont go to the track at all but I am still concerned about the 10 bolt holding up. I like to fire on from time to time obviously.
I installed some 4.10's last year so now the strength of the 10 bolt is further compromised.

Anyway I decided that the only thing I was going to do to the 10 bolt was to put an aluminume girdle on it. I got the aluminum girdle with cap reinforcement bolts from Summit for $150. I needed a new cover anyway cause my jack has damaged the stock cover so it has been leaking.

It sure cant hurt having the girdle plus I can sell it easily if its ever no longer needed. Many people have stated it is worth it while others say its useless. I dont really buy the useless arguement cause it will strengthen somthing, the jury is just out on how much.

A free mod you can do is weld the tubes into the housing.

Dont go spending a fortune trying to beef up the 10 bolt.

 

I'd avoid this due to heat cyling the assembly and having to weld two non-complementary metals, chrome moly tubes and cast iron. This is useless. How many people spin an axle on their 7.5"? I have never heard of this.

I do agree with wrd1972, the girdle can't hurt. I've heard stories of people's main caps stretching so much the ABS reluctor ring chewed into the factory cover. Why not buy the cover? Even if you buy a better rear, there should be a good demand for the used girdle.

I personally believe that most people who get to physically put their hands on a cast aluminum cover can justify it after seeing how beefy they really are.

FWIW, my 8.8" is getting an aluminum cover on it, and the main cap bolts are way bigger than the puney GM ones.

Ben T.

 

When I had my gears put in I had the tubes welded and a solid pinion spacer installed.. That plus the aluminum girdle.. That is about as tough as you can get on a budget, though you can also get billet caps and replacement axles also.. This setup has held up to 374rwhp 360rwtq so far no problem and 16k miles.. But the guy that did the gears was VERY good, not just your corner shop that may or may not care about proper adjustment..

 

trade it plus cash for a 9" or 12 bolt is the best mod i have found

 

Thats what i just did. I traded my stock 10 bolt and cash for the strange 12 bolt. He was parting the car out. So i got a good deal. Just keep a look out.

 

If you have a 200 Shot Id think you should consider a 12 bolt.

But if your not going to be living at the track you could get a rear end girdle,eaton posi unit,and a set of moser axles. That should be good enough for around 450+hp. I have friends who pull 1.6-1.7 sixties pretty often with that setup and thats what I put in my 95 Z. With 4:10's and slicks it didnt break the rear end.

 

Are you an A4 or an M6? If you are an auto you can get away with the 10 bolt and girdle for a while. If you are an M6 and catch traction 1 too many time you're a gonner.

Save up and buy a 9". However, since you don't go to the track I'm sure you can get away with a 12 bolt whenever you replace the rear.

 

I have had 3.73s and a TA rear girdle on my 10 bolt for years.
Probably 100k on it since the upgrade and the rear has 160k on it total.
I only pull 1.9 sixty foots though and its an auto.
I am installing a TH400 with a transbrake so I,m thinking I am going to need a 12 bolt soon.

With a girdle on it the 10 bolt should hold up fine until you really start 60 footing the car.