rear end confusion

so i know this is a completely NOOB question, but hey...

what are the different rear ends that can be used in a third gen camaro, and what is the best.

i might be confusing things, but i have heard 7.5", 9", 10 bolt, 12 bolt, 9 bolt, 8.5"...
how do i compare a 10 bolt and a 9" for example...

after this, i was wondering what rear gears can be used in each.
im guessing they arent interchangable, but if they are, which ones?

is positraction (or a derivitave of some kind) available in each?

how hard is it to change the gears in a rearend if i find the one i want with the wrong gears?

how do i identify what i have?

how do i identifiy what i find in a junkyard?





sorry for so many questions, but i never understood this whole buisness, and i need someone to explain it
thanks

A 9" isn't going to be factory for your car (it's actually a Ford rear end), nor will a 8.5", or a 12-bolt. You're looking likely at a 7.5", 9 or 10 bolt.

There should be a Posi diff for any of the aforementioned axles except the 9" - there'll be a limited slip option for that I am sure, but Posi is a GM term.

You're better off asking in the Camaro/Firebird section.

well i was also looking for general info rather than just what i can put in a specific car.

Curry, Inc. makes a 9" Ford that bolts right in. It can include rear discs, as well. Moser makes a 12-bolt that bolts right in, discs available, too. Both of these are BIG money (in excess of $2K). Worth it!

As far as I know, the 7.5" is the only one that "bolts right in", except the aftermarket offerings.

Posi-Traction is Chevrolet's "brand name" for the GM limited slip differentials. Pontiac calls their's "Safety Trac", but it's pretty much the same clutch-type rear. The Ford is called "Traction Lok" and the MOPAR is "Sure Grip". All of these are brand names for what is generically called "posi", or "limited slip".

There is also a ratchet-type differential known as "Locker", made by Detroit Machine. It's tougher and more effective than any of the clutch-types, but action is quite harsh, and they're a bit noisy.

A spool (solid center section) is called for if drag racing, but not recommended for a street car.

Jim

and what does all this mean?
what is the meaning of 10 bolts and 9 inches...

come on people, is this really that hard to understand?
i want info

"10 bolt" refers to the amount of bolts which hold the ring gear onto the carrier. Not the amount of bolts that hold the diff cover on - although GM usually makes these two the same.

9" refers to the diameter of the ring gear.

If you're that lost with "rear end 101" maybe you shouldn't be working on your own car. I used to carry around a card with all the GM rear axle codes on them and could tell easily what was what in the junk yards. Since then I lost it but the information should be easy to find with a Google search ot two.

Bob

i mean, duh, 10 bolt refers to how many bolts hold the ring to the carrier and 9" refers to the size of the carrier, but what i am asking is a simple question of how to compare them.
bob, you are obviously not helpful at all.
period.

Relax, dude. Compared to what? What Bob means is you need to read up and learn how they work, what the diferences are between them, and then you can compare them to see what will suit your needs. If you're just looking for a "what's the best" answer, there is no definitive answer. Each has strong points and drawbacks. What do you want to DO with it?

Jim

If I offended you, I apologize. I had mistaken you for many others here who should have someone fix their car for them or take a basic auto repair course first.

I see too many posts on the forums here and elsewhere where someone is going to hurt themselves or endanger others by working on their own cars to save a few bucks.

Bob

wow what a moron

this dude is wasting your time

he obviously has no patience or manners

i wouldnt waste your time trying to help such a rude person

good luck