limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
Can I use a limited slip carrier in my '73 8.5 10 bolt c-clip diff? If so which one? I have a clutch type with the large S center spring and a powertrax unit and also a later eaton ratchet type. Thanks, Mike
Re: limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
Ok Mike, I hope I have this right. You have a 'S' spring posi and a power trax and a eaton gov lock unit (reference pictures)
IF they are all 8.5 10 bolt units AND they are all 28 spline axle side geared...YES you can use all of them.
The 'S' posi is a normal factory unit for the 1970 -1987 cars from cutlass to monte carlo to Impala etc. All 8.5 10 bolt rears from 1970 -1987 were 28 spline axle diffs. SIDE NOTE: there were a few 'S' spring posi units that were for BOLT IN AXLE rear only too.
The 'S' spring posi units come in 2 different series units 410408 is 3 series 2.73-4.10 and up to 5.57 in after market gears, The 410409 casting is the 2 series and works for 2.41-2.56 only BUT you can buy a less expensive spacer kit to use all the rest of the 2.73-4.10 and beyond gears on the 2 series carrier.
THe Gov lock (Eaton ratchet type locker) can be install into the diff housing you have as long as it has 28 spline axles. These units were really considered TRUCK posi units and were made for low speed operation. The engage when slippage is detected by a ramp gear and speed of each tire in relationship to each other. NOT really a performance unit BUT does work good for what it was designed for ...snow plowing, towing, ice, snow mud etc.
Last is the Power trax unit. NOW this needs a open carrier to be used. Meaning a NON POSI one wheel wonder carrier. The spider gears are removed and the power trax is install where they were. These are a good option when posi units are not available or you just want a direct lock straight line performance. When a corner comes up the spring loaded side gear will release and slip to the next tooth and relock again... The NO slip works the same way but in the NO slip the side gear will release and turn one full revolution and then re engage again. This unit needs to be 28 spline again to fit the rear end you stated to me you were installing them into.
NOW here is another option if you do have a posi that is 30 spline 8.5 ...YOU can get LARGER 30 spline axles to make your rear as strong as a 12 bolt chevy rear. We sell these conversion axles if that is an option you want to try.
IF they are all 8.5 10 bolt units AND they are all 28 spline axle side geared...YES you can use all of them.
The 'S' posi is a normal factory unit for the 1970 -1987 cars from cutlass to monte carlo to Impala etc. All 8.5 10 bolt rears from 1970 -1987 were 28 spline axle diffs. SIDE NOTE: there were a few 'S' spring posi units that were for BOLT IN AXLE rear only too.
The 'S' spring posi units come in 2 different series units 410408 is 3 series 2.73-4.10 and up to 5.57 in after market gears, The 410409 casting is the 2 series and works for 2.41-2.56 only BUT you can buy a less expensive spacer kit to use all the rest of the 2.73-4.10 and beyond gears on the 2 series carrier.
THe Gov lock (Eaton ratchet type locker) can be install into the diff housing you have as long as it has 28 spline axles. These units were really considered TRUCK posi units and were made for low speed operation. The engage when slippage is detected by a ramp gear and speed of each tire in relationship to each other. NOT really a performance unit BUT does work good for what it was designed for ...snow plowing, towing, ice, snow mud etc.
Last is the Power trax unit. NOW this needs a open carrier to be used. Meaning a NON POSI one wheel wonder carrier. The spider gears are removed and the power trax is install where they were. These are a good option when posi units are not available or you just want a direct lock straight line performance. When a corner comes up the spring loaded side gear will release and slip to the next tooth and relock again... The NO slip works the same way but in the NO slip the side gear will release and turn one full revolution and then re engage again. This unit needs to be 28 spline again to fit the rear end you stated to me you were installing them into.
NOW here is another option if you do have a posi that is 30 spline 8.5 ...YOU can get LARGER 30 spline axles to make your rear as strong as a 12 bolt chevy rear. We sell these conversion axles if that is an option you want to try.
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J D Race
Re: limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
Thanks for the reply, I suppose the only issue I have is how to install the 'c' clips in any of them. I have not torn the unit apart yet, so the answer may show when I do so.. Thanks again, Mike
Re: limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
removal:
1. remove the retaining bolt (5/16" headed bolt)
2. slide pinion cross shaft out( large 3/4" diameter 5" long solid shaft that goes though the spider gears)
3. push either axle shaft into the housing... c-clip will sometimes just fall right out. you mayneed a magnet if your trying to remove it from a posi unit with preload springs.
4. c-clip removed pull the axle shaft out from the housing.
Done...
1. remove the retaining bolt (5/16" headed bolt)
2. slide pinion cross shaft out( large 3/4" diameter 5" long solid shaft that goes though the spider gears)
3. push either axle shaft into the housing... c-clip will sometimes just fall right out. you mayneed a magnet if your trying to remove it from a posi unit with preload springs.
4. c-clip removed pull the axle shaft out from the housing.
Done...
J D Race
Re: limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
I appreciate the response, I understand the mechanics of the job, my only curiosity is re-installing the "c" clips, the power trax unit appears to be the most difficult .. Thanks again for taking the time to provide info on this job.. Mike
Re: limited slip for a c-clip 8.5 chev
Yes sir you are correct on the power trax. Tricky is the right word for sure. In the car it is pretty tough gravity is NOT your friend there. Jim
J D Race