Stock rear question

[LOUD2000T/A]

I was just wondering what the common failure point is on the stock 10 bolt rears and can it be fixed or at least prolonged with a girdle diff cover or anything. I've seen people on here use them and wonder how effective they are. I kind of want to put drag radials on but I know that once i do the rear will go shortly after. I have been looking at aftermarket 12 bolts but don't have that kind of money right now.

[FTA1995]

I'm guessing you have a bone stock rear? 3.42 ratio? Id say its not too bad for a 10 bolt as far as strength, but I wouldn't bs around if you need a lot of traction. Put simply, the stock rear is ok for the street, but for some serious launches/traction/getting-the-power-to-the-ground you'd probably be better off getting a 12 bolt with some $$$ into it; it's not worth building up a 7.5 inch 10 bolt since the pinions are of comparatively inferior strength to larger carrier sets. I have a *mostly* stock rear end, same as yours, thing takes a beating fine only because I don't get traction (with 11" BFgoodrich KDW's for reference) and don't ever need to launch on the street.

[Joe 1320]

A T/A cover with preload bolts will help keep the bearing cap from seperating. That's probably the weak point.

[Injuneer]

Here's two articles showing how to spend $1,700 to beef up the stock 10-bolt. Conclusion - OK for an automatic up to 450HP. Not suitable for an M6.

http://highperformancepontiac.automo...ild/index.html

http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...ild/index.html