Axle tech question

[wallisek]

So I have a GM 10 bolt 7.5 rear-end I'm working on for a side-project. Came out of an 84 S10 2wd pickup truck but it appears someone made a half-assed attempt at a gear job. I know this because:

 

A) Horrible wear pattern on the ring gear. :eek:

B) The pinion shaft lockbolt had a broken head. Had to drill it out. :fs1:

C) The bearing cap bolts were cross-threaded. :rant:

 

Anyone know if I need a "special" bolt or can I just replace with a Grade 8 bolt? Also, what type of machine work does this thing need now? Does this need to be drilled and retapped for a larger bolt?

 

Thanks.

:cheers:

[jpdocdave]

i say throw it away. i work on more gm 10 bolt rears in the shop here than anything, imo its the gm equivelant of the dana 35. sounds like you have way more work to make it good than its worth.

[88mjmanche]

i would think a retap would be allright just don't go crazy

and also lock tite in the bolts

[Geonovast]

I agree on just chucking it. So many better projects that's worth putting time and money into.

[wallisek]

I got it for practically next to nothing, not to mention I had a hard time finding one. I specifically needed a 2wd model so the pinion was centered in the axle. The axle is for a RWD replica Lotus 7. Hell, I'd use a Dana 35 if I could but the pinion isn't centered and they are too wide. This axle is about 52" from WMS to WMS which is what I needed. Didn't need a beefy axle anyways since the vehicle only weighs ~ 1100 lbs and is mated to a T-5 / Zetec 2.0 L 4cyl.