How do I tell what rear end is in my Chevy truck?
Determining the rear end in your Chevy truck is an important step in understanding its capabilities and ensuring proper maintenance. Whether you're planning an upgrade or simply want to know more about your vehicle, this guide will walk you through the process of identifying the rear end in your Chevy truck.
Locate the Rear Axle Identification Tag
The easiest way to identify the rear end in your Chevy truck is to locate the rear axle identification tag. This tag is typically located on the driver's side of the rear axle housing, near the differential cover. The tag will provide information such as the gear ratio, axle type, and other key details about the rear end.
Inspect the Rear Differential Cover
Another way to identify the rear end is to inspect the rear differential cover. The cover may have the rear end type stamped or cast into the metal, such as "10-bolt" or "12-bolt." This can give you a good indication of the rear end in your Chevy truck.
Check the Rear Axle Shaft Diameter
The diameter of the rear axle shafts can also provide clues about the rear end. Chevy trucks typically use one of three common rear axle shaft diameters:
- 1.00 inch (25.4 mm) for light-duty applications
- 1.19 inch (30.2 mm) for medium-duty applications
- 1.41 inch (35.8 mm) for heavy-duty applications
Measuring the diameter of the rear axle shafts can help you determine the rear end type in your Chevy truck.
Consult Your Owner's Manual or Vehicle Documentation
If you're still unsure about the rear end in your Chevy truck, consult your owner's manual or any other vehicle documentation you may have. This information can provide the specific details about the rear end, including the type, gear ratio, and other important specifications.
By following these steps, you can accurately identify the rear end in your Chevy truck and ensure that you have the information you need to maintain, upgrade, or modify your vehicle as needed.
How do you tell the difference between a limited-slip differential and a regular diff?
The open diff results in the inside tire spinning while the outside tire has plenty of grip. In contrast, the LSD works by locking the diff as soon as the inside wheel starts to spin, distributing power to both tires and causing a controlled slide.
How do I figure out what rear end is in my truck?
It's in your vin, look up an online decoder and it will tell you. Your rear axle will also have a tag on it with a code for its gear ratio if you want to crawl under it for some reason.
What size is the rear axle on a Chevy Silverado?
9.76-inch rear axle.
How do I tell what gear ratio my Chevy rear end has?
You may have a different code stamped on you axle tube as well. If you can find it under the rust, it can be used to find your gear ratio as well. The only other way to find your ratio would be turning the wheel/axle by hand and counting rotations, or opening up the axle and counting teeth.
How to identify a Chevy rear differential?
If the ID tag or stamp is missing or unreadable, differentials can be identified by the number of cover bolts, the distinctive shape of the cover, the number of ring gear bolts, and ring gear diameter. They can also be identified by whether the center section is an integral or dropout design.
Where do I find my GM axle code?
The GM RPO Codes label is usually located inside the glove box or on the Driver's Side Door Jamb (on the B-Pillar). The silver placard will be labeled “Service Parts Identification” and includes a bunch of three-digit codes. The prefix for GM RPO codes relevant to Axle Identification is almost always “G”.
How can you tell the difference between a 3.73 and a 4.10 gear ratio?
Likewise, if the driveshaft spins roughly 3 ¾ times, that will equal a 3.73 rear end gear, and if it spins just over 4 times, this will equate to a 4.10 rear end gear.
How do I know what size my differential is?
Once your differential is disassembled and its parts removed, it's time to measure your ring gear to determine its diameter. Simply measure from the widest point of the gear, tooth tip to tooth tip Pinion nut size is another parameter that can be used to identify the diff.
How do you tell if you have an 8.5 or 8.6 rear end?
The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the brakes. All 8.6-inch rears have disc brakes, and 8.5-inch units have drum brakes.
What is considered the rear end of a truck?
The “rear end” is your mechanic's shorthand for the differential. The differential is essentially a complex box of gears that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds when you take turns. Without it, you'd be dragging your outside wheel along the pavement whenever you turn.
