Just got new rear for my Camaro... Please help...

[Mark B]

Hey Guys,
I just picked up a new 9-Bolt rear for my 1991 RS. I know almost nothing about the rear other than it came out of an 83, it has disc brakes & it has been sitting for a while. It comes with calipers, brake lines, and a few suspension parts. I will be paying $100 for the rear when I pick it up next week. I don’t know much about rears, but I need to check it out before I put it in my car. This is what I am planning on doing when I get it. I am going to clean it up, make sure the gears aren’t screwed up, make sure the calipers aren’t frozen, replace the brake lines, and put in new bearings, gaskets & fluids. And I will probably re-paint it for ascetics.

Now for the questions:

1)Am I forgetting anything? Is there anything else I should do before putting it in my car?

2)What differentials were put in the 9-Bolt in 83? I am hoping for either a 3.42 or 3.23 posi unit.

3)When I pick up the rear, what kinda things can I look for to let me know that this rear will be more trouble than its worth?


Thanks in Advance,
Mark B

[DeWynter]

Only 9 bolt in 83 is a 3.73 posi out of a standard. Check and make sure the posi cones arent shot by blocking the axle up so one tire is off of the ground. Now get a torque wrench and try to turn the wheel on one side ( this will require a friend if its not on the car). If it spins free its screwed if it takes 25-65 lb# to get it to spin then its good. If its screwed its gona cost quite a bit to repair as GM dont make parts for the 9 bolt. If you want parts post and I have a place in canada that can ship you the complete internals for $500 in pretty much any ratio you want.

[Mark B]

Cool.. Thats just what I wanted to know.

Thanks.