Is a 12-bolt rear end strong?

Is a 12-bolt rear end strong?

When the 12-bolt rearend is properly assembled, it’s the strongest passenger-vehicle rearend Chevy ever produced. GM engineers designed the 12-bolt to be a durable piece that could handle the torque output of its big displacement engines.

How many splines does a GM 12-bolt have?

30-spline
Axle splines are important too. In stock form, a 12-bolt is equipped with a 30-spline axle.

Are all 12-bolt rear ends the same?

A different 12-bolt differential was used for light truck applications, but those 12-bolt units are not directly interchangeable. You can identify a truck differential by the smaller, 1.438-inch diameter pinion shaft and the size of the rear cover, measuring 10.875 inches by 10.875 inches.

How do I identify a GM 12-bolt rear end?

The easiest way to identify a 12-bolt rearend is obviously by the 12 bolts holding the rear cover onto the axle housing. The pinion shaft on passenger-car differentials is 1-5/8-inch in diameter and the cover is oval, measuring 10-15/16-inches wide by 10-5/8-inches tall.

Is limited slip the same as Positraction?

Positraction, or positive-traction rear end, is a brand name for a limited-slip differential (LSD), which helps distribute power to the rear wheels and ensures that they are spinning at the same speed.

Is limited-slip differential the same as Positraction?

A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that allows its two output shafts to rotate at different speeds but limits the maximum difference between the two shafts. Limited-slip differentials are often known by the generic trademark Positraction, a brand name owned by General Motors.

How wide is a GM 12-bolt rear end?

The rearend cover on passenger car 12-bolt rearends is oval, measuring 10-15/16-inches wide by 10-5/8-inches tall.

What are the dimensions of a 12 bolt axle?

Axle Images: Axle Details. The GM 8.875″ (often rounded to 8.9″) 12 Bolt axle is available in passenger car (GM 12P) and truck (GM 12T) rear axle configurations and features an 8.875″ ring gear and 30 spline semi floating axle shafts.

What is a direct fit axle kit for a 12-bolt?

Summit Racing’s Direct-Fit Axle Kit for the GM 12-bolt comes with new bearings, seals, and even new wheel studs. The Summit Racing axles are designed with a generous radius between the shaft itself and the wheel flange.

Is there a downside to a 12-bolt rear axle?

The 12-bolt’s axles are held in place with C-clips, and these axle retainers are considered to be a downside to the 12-bolt. If an axle breaks, there is nothing holding the wheel and tire into the rearend.

What is the downside of a 12-bolt clutch?

The 12-bolt’s axles are held in place with C-clips, and these axle retainers are considered to be a downside to the 12-bolt. If an axle breaks, there is nothing holding the wheel and tire into the rearend. Many car owners have dropped the clutch at a red light or the drag strip starting line, only to watch their car’s rear wheel roll past them.