Tri-Five Chassis - Rearend Install - Super Chevy Magazine

After pressing new bearings onto the pinion gear (plus new bearing races and a pinion seal into the differential case)...

After pressing new bearings onto the pinion gear (plus new bearing races and a pinion seal

10-Bolt Shuffle
So how do you turn a garden-variety rearend into something worthy of performance street duty? We asked the folks at DriveTrain Direct that question, and they responded by building us a top-notch 10-bolt.

The resulting rearend wasn't filled with exotic components, just a carefully selected assortment of quality aftermarket parts. It started with an Auburn Gear limited-slip unit to aid us in the traction department. That was accompanied by a 3.73:1 ring-and-pinion set from Precision Gear. New axle shafts from Superior Axle and Gear were also part of the package. The axles offer a lot more strength than stock units because they're made with larger-diameter shafts, a better grade of alloy, and rolled splines. The parts were assembled by Martin Barraza using one of DriveTrain Direct's overhaul kits, which contain all the bearings, races, shims, seals, and other small components needed to complete the rearend.

While we don't have the space to show and tell you everything you need to know to rebuild a rearend at home, we can walk you through the highlights of our 10-bolt rebuild. Martin made it all look easy, but you should realize that he has thousands of rebuilds under his belt. If you're inexperienced in this arena, we strongly suggest not trying this at home. Of course, if you do know what you're doing, DriveTrain Direct can supply you with all the parts you need to assemble a stout rearend. They can also rebuild your rearend for you, or sell you one of the many rebuilt assemblies that they have in stock.

...a new crush sleeve was slipped in place and the pinion was installed in the case.
PST also supplied us with this rebuild kit for the 10-bolt's drum brakes. They will be finished off at a later date.
PST also supplied us with this rebuild kit for the 10-bolt's drum brakes. They will be fin
New bearings and seals were then added to the ends of the housing...

...before the Superior axles were slid into place.
The completed rear suspension came out looking like this. Next month we'll try to make the front look equally impressive.
The completed rear suspension came out looking like this. Next month we'll try to make the
The shim packs at both ends of the housing were adjusted until the backlash and gear-wear pattern were both deemed acceptable.
The shim packs at both ends of the housing were adjusted until the backlash and gear-wear

Here's what the rearend looked like after being buttoned up and treated to a fresh coat of black paint. It not only looks a lot nicer, but is also stronger and has more performance potential than ever before.
Here's what the rearend looked like after being buttoned up and treated to a fresh coat of

SOURCES
Danchuk Manufacturing 3201 S. Standard Ave. Santa Ana CA 92705	Performance Suspension Technology 8-00/-247-2288 p-s-t.com
Drive Train Direct 29792 Avenida De Las Banderas Rancho Santa Margarita CA 92688 Dept. SC	Precision Gear
Mike McGaughy's Classic Chevy 5860 W. Barstow Fresno CA 93722 Dept. SC	Williams Classic Chassis Works La Verne CA 91750