Stock Axle Integrity

[chevyorange]

Does anybody know how much power the axles in my rear end can handle? It's a 73 nova with the stock 10 bolt 8.5" 28 spline rear end. I was thinking about putting a Powertrax no-slip locker in it. I'm rebuilding the engine and I don't want to be twisting axles.

[Dave Severson]

I wouldn't waste a lot of money on the 10 bolt. From watching the chebbie guys at the digs, much more than about 350 horse tends to gernade the 10 bolts, less if it's a 4 speed. Might want to upgrade to a 12 bolt, or better yet a 9" Ford. Currie makes tham with all the brackets to bolt up to your suspension.

[techinspector1]

That's good advice Dave.

Chevy, you'll hear guys telling you that they have run 600 hp and a 4-speed, dumping the clutch, yadda, yadda, yadda and their 10-bolt has held up for 20 years, yadda, yadda, yadda. If you want to do it right the first time, follow Dave's advice.

[Dave Severson]

Thanks Tech. Hey chebbie, when them guys tell you them 10 bolts taking 600 HP, ask them to start the fairy tale with "Once upon a time in a land far, far away".

[canadianal]

i have to agree with the rest of the guys , my build has a rebuilt(came with parts car) 10 bolt rearend behind a 500 caddy. ill let you know how long it lasts cause once i get the car on the road, i have 2 12 bolts i can put under it once it grenades.

[chevyorange]

my engine will be putting out less than 350 hp. I can't really afford a new rear end right now.

[73RS]

There is a difference in the 10 bolt chevys. The 8.5 inch is much stronger than the I think the other 8.25 inch. The smaller 10 will break pretty easy but I know quit a few folks that run the 8.5 with some serious HP and swear by um. I've know one guy that says it's held up better than a 12 bolt, but I take that with a grain of salt.
For what you say you have I don't think you will ever have a problem. Just pick you up a better rear end later when you can afford it.

[HWORRELL]

Originally posted by canadianal
i have to agree with the rest of the guys , my build has a rebuilt(came with parts car) 10 bolt rearend behind a 500 caddy. ill let you know how long it lasts cause once i get the car on the road, i have 2 12 bolts i can put under it once it grenades.

Only problem with that is it tends to twist or break the tranny shaft when it turns loose and then hits the next good tooth on the ring or pinion, I've got a couple input shafts that look like barber poles from my modified days......

[Dave Severson]

At under 350 hp, your ten bolt should be ok, just don't pound on it constantly and it should last.

[chevyorange]

alright, thanx everybody