Swapping Axles on GM 10 Bolt

Figured someone on here would know or at least not feel any remorse for stating their opinion, internet fact or fictional story.

I have a GM 10 Bolt out of a 1996 camaro and another out of a 2000, both have bad RH axles and good LH axles. Wonder if this is a common issue with more salt on that side of the road and junk in general. Can I swap the left for a right? Or should I worry about it being torqued the wrong direction for its whole life??

Any opinion on Alloy USA replacements? Googlefu says they are made in India...or do I just go to Moser street axles?

Track day/auto-x car with bolt on modifications.

Thanks, Dan

I'd honestly be leery of putting any money into the F-body 10-bolt, as they are practically made out of glass and, through GM at least, parts supply for them is starting to dry up.

In reply to dankimber:

yes just dump the 7.5" you can assemble a floater ford for under a grand at Speedway,then no more worries including the ease of swapping gears for DD/a/x.

As long as the length, spline count and diameters are the same, go ahead.

What's the worst that could happen?

Yes, I think you can swap left and right shafts. Check to be sure you don't have a bent tube or something. How much power are you making and on what kind of tires?

I've got two complete 4th gen 10 bolt rears currently occupying my garage that I need to get rid of. You're welcome to one for beer money, if you'd rather go that route...

I have alloy usa shafts in the belair, and shockingly enough the box said made in usa. They have to be 12 years old now, and they were very nicely machined. Probably the strongest part of the 8.2" 10 bolt they're in. Wouldn't surprise me if they are made elsewhere now.

In reply to patgizz:

Dutchman machines to whatever spec you want, here in the US. Not that much more expensive than the big-name guys, either.

There is no reason not to swap them for torque reasons, but I do believe they are different lengths. The carrier sits to the side of a centered pinion, so I'm pretty sure one side is about 4" shorter.

But if you find them to be the same length, go for it.

I need to measure a bit closer but a quick pass with the tape measure says they are the same length. Will check them with a story pole tomorrow.

Funny enough when I now put this question into google this thread comes up...grm must rate high!!

Car makes stock power, CAI and cat back exhaust are the only engine mods. Run either 295 Falken RT615s or 315 NT05s.

Nothing broke in the stoke rear end, just started making noise. Picked up the 2nd axle to replace it with, when I pulled it the RH shaft was also scored up. So have a mix and match of two to work with.

Dan

Does anyone still make the axle-saver bearings that stick the rollers further out on the axle?

Oriley autoparts sells the axel saver bearing. I figure the other chains should.

Your limiting factor in the 7.625" axle's capacity is not the stock power output, its traction. The thing that lets that axle take 345 lb-ft reliably is the fact that the tires break loose long before that.

(by the way, the F-body started using the 7.625" in the late 80s. Its a 7.5" housing and carrier with a larger ring gear. So, same critter, just a bit different ring and pinion.)

I grabbed second in my buddy's otherwise stock 94 Firebird with sticky Kumhos once and blew the carrier right out the cover. Beautiful carnage.

Nice, would have been a fun failure to see! Just got the original housing out of the car today.

Bearing saver....sounds a little too challenge ish.

Dan

Does anyone know if the smaller 4 channel abs reluctor ring from an LS1 rear end will work with the older lt1 4 channel abs? They are different diameters, not sure if it is just looking for pulses or some sort of exact count.

Dan

They look for an exact count, that's how they sense wheel speed.