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What is the strongest GM rear end?

When it comes to the strongest rear end for General Motors (GM) vehicles, the 12-bolt rear axle is widely regarded as one of the most robust and durable options. This heavy-duty rear end has been a staple in many high-performance and off-road GM models over the years, known for its exceptional strength and reliability.


What is the 12-Bolt Rear Axle?


The 12-bolt rear axle, also known as the 12-bolt Chevy, is a rear differential design that was first introduced by GM in the late 1960s. It features a sturdy, cast-iron housing and a 12-bolt cover, hence the name "12-bolt." This design provides superior strength and durability compared to other rear axle configurations, making it a popular choice for high-performance and off-road applications.


Key Features of the 12-Bolt Rear Axle



  • Robust Construction: The 12-bolt rear axle has a heavy-duty, cast-iron housing that is designed to withstand high levels of torque and stress. This makes it an excellent choice for vehicles that are used for towing, hauling, or off-road driving.

  • Large Ring Gear: The 12-bolt rear axle features a large, 9.5-inch ring gear, which is larger than the ring gears found in many other GM rear axle designs. This larger gear size contributes to the overall strength and durability of the 12-bolt.

  • Versatile Applications: The 12-bolt rear axle has been used in a wide range of GM vehicles, including Chevrolet Camaros, Chevrolet Corvettes, Chevrolet Trucks, and GMC Trucks. This widespread use has made the 12-bolt a popular choice for enthusiasts and aftermarket modifications.


The 12-bolt rear axle's combination of robust construction, large ring gear, and versatile applications has made it a favorite among GM enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers. Its exceptional strength and durability make it a top choice for those who demand the best from their GM vehicles.

Did GM use a Dana 60?


GM also used the Dana 60 front axle in 1984 to 1988 military CUCV models based on the civilian Blazer and GM pickup bodies. Mechanically, the front axles are almost identical to the civilian axles except there was no lockout hub option and military trucks could have a Trac-Lok limited slip front differential.



What is the strongest GM transmission?


The 10L90E is by far the biggest and heaviest modern automatic transmission in GM history, but it's also the strongest and offers amazing performance and economy when matched with a Gen V LT engine.



What is the strongest gear in a truck?


Reverse. 'Reverse Gear' is the strongest gear because you can use it for a long distance without assistance. It can be used where front gears cannot be used.



What is the strongest Chevy block?


ZZ632/1000 Deluxe
View ZZ632/1000 Deluxe. All roads lead here — the largest, most powerful Chevrolet Big-Block ever.



What is the strongest Chevy rear end?


When the 12-bolt rearend is properly assembled, it's the strongest passenger-vehicle rearend Chevy ever produced.



What is the best rear end for drag racing?


The dependable 9 inch Ford rear end has by far the widest application reach. Strange offers an impressive array of internal performance parts, Ford 9 inch spools, ford 9 pinion supports, and ford 9 gear sets to build industry-leading complete drag racing rear ends.



Are all GM 12 bolt rear ends the same?


The truck 12-bolt pinion measures 1.438˝ in diameter and the rear cover is not oval shaped because it measures 10-7/8˝ by 10-7/8˝. These two different 12-bolt differentials are not interchangeable; so try to choose one from a passenger car. Below is a list of 12-bolt differentials found in different GM automobiles.



What is the weakness of the 700R4?


In certain situations the 700R4 could be prone to overheating, prompting the engineers to calibrate the transmission such that it kicked out of lockup and high gear under full throttle to avoid toasting the internals. Updating the oil pump to a 10-vane model appeared to solve this problem.



Is a 12-bolt stronger than a 10 bolt?


First, the 10-bolt's pinion shaft diameter is 1.438 (25 splines) while the 12-bolt is 1.625 (30 splines) which makes the 12-bolt 13 percent larger in diameter and therefore stronger.



Is a Dana 60 stronger than a Ford 9-inch?


The Ford 9-inch pinion is mounted lower in the carrier and has the greatest hypoid offset, which causes it to consume more power to drive it than the Dana 60 or GM 12-bolt. The Dana 60 has so much mass it too consumes a lot of power to drive (although many say it feels slightly less than a 9-inch Ford).


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.