10 bolt rear end options

[Lit549]

Can anyone give me some advice on redoing the rear end in my 85 c10? Mine is pretty much worn out,it has quite a bit of slack in drivelne,everythings new or rebuilt expect rear end.I just want it to be solid and dependable,i wanna keep the 3.08 gear and dont care about posi unless i can do it on the cheap.Im open to just a swap with something better like maybe a newer year,just not sure what will bolt right up.I could rebuild mine but im just curious if i could get something better for same money.Any suggestions??Thanks..

[zieg85]

The newer ones are more scarce leading me to believe they are more prone to problems.  I never had an issue with any of my 1/2 ton 2 wheel drives.  When I part one out I usually cut the frame and make a truck trailer out of it.  I also find a bunch of 2.73, hardly ever numerically higher.

[bake74]

     For a swap you are going to have to shop around, it depends on what part of the country you are in.  Some places where I live I can go to 4 or 5 different yards and get a whole axle cheap, the problem with that route is unless you carefully check it out before you might get one that is just as bad.
     If you are capable or rebuilding yours, it is relatively cheap to get the parts over the internet and redo yours.

[CanadianC10]

Summit racing is your friend

[Lit549]

I think i could rebuild mine,but i have to factor in having to buy a press,torque wrench,and gauge to check pinion lash.I wish i could just find a good used 10 bolt or 12 bolt that i coukd just bolt in.Guess i need to start pricing things either way,im on a tight budget.

[Fairlane514]

Does your rear end make any noise?  Why do you think its worn out?  Bad bearings or gears would whine or give some kind of indication there is a problem.

[Lit549]

Ya,i have a vibration that is worse when cold.Once it warms up it is pretty smooth,tires are fairly new,all new bearings,brakes,disc,drums ,rebuilt trans,balanced shaft new joints.The wobble type vibration has been there with 2 diff sets of tires,2 setsof wheels and with old trans and engine.Only thing i havent rebuilt is the rear end.It feels like the bearings are badbut get better with some heat in them ,call mr crazy;just howit feels.With it on jackstands,the pinion to gear has alot of lash or slack.Wheel bearings feel loose and worn as i can tire to wiggle when checking rear.It has a whine and a kinda whistle noise,i swear its the rear end.It is factory unit with 195000 mi on it..

[Lit549]

Any suggestions?

[rich weyand]

Drain it, flush it, refill it with Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube.  See what happens.  Vibration when cold strikes me as it could just be all gooped up in there.