Cascade Crew

algershick · Member Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Posts: 69 Location: Kent, WA

Just picked up a 2001 Trans Am rear, disc/posi complete along with the front knuckles. Upper A-arms, spindles, rotors/calipers. So, I've got a set of a-arms and spindles if anybody's in need. Very Happy

My understanding is everything on the rear is a direct bolt-in. Does anybody know otherwise? This rear did not have traction control, so its a single brake line going to the rear. I did not grab the 4th gen LCA's, and I believe that the 3rd gen set will work.

I know this isn't the strongest rear, and is just as weak as the factory 3rd gen. But it was an economical way to pick up both rear discs and a posi, and as of right now I've still got the 305 in the car so I should be fine.

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 9:09 pm Post subject:

Will bolt right up. It's about 2" wider on each end, so you can use high offset wheels like the 4th gens without using spacers on the rear. 3rd gen wheels may stick out past the fender wells, depending on their width.

QwkTrip · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 9:38 pm Post subject:

It is somewhat stronger than 3rd gen.

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 9:41 pm Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:07 pm Post subject:

No, it really is. Proven by the LS1 crowd. Don't know reason why but it is pretty commonly accepted idea. Might have something to do with Zexel Torsen differential and how torque is transferred. Maybe housing flexes a little less because that is reason for a lot of failures. Shrug

Either way, it still has to be treated carefully.

redlava · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 am Post subject:

I think that the forth gen has the higher splined axles which started in 91. So most third gens have less splines. I also believe that was when the ring gear went from 7.5" to 7.625".

algershick · Member Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Posts: 69 Location: Kent, WA

Right on, I appreciate the input. I'm going to clean it up and slap some paint on it, examine the gears, and get it mounted on the car.

Is anybody in need of a factory 3rd gen rear, drum to drum? Laughing

Alphius · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 9:39 am Post subject:

Aluminum drum or iron on your old rear end?

Lots of fourthgen guys still running low 13s and high 12s on a factory 10-bolt. It is generally accepted that they are stronger for some reason beyond the 28-spline axles. Mine is a 2002 Trans Am rear end with a TA girdle, Auburn Pro carrier and Richmond 3.73 gears. It should hold up as well as or better than a 9-bolt.

The 3-channel rear ends without traction control should bolt up and work in every way unless you have an early 82-83 car with the SAE brake line thread. Mine was a 4-channel, but all I had to do to take care of that was swap the brake lines from my old 3-channel '98 Z28 rear end over when I put it in.

7.5" ring gear was 82-84, then they went to 7.625" in '85. The gearsets and carriers are interchangeable.
26 spline axles were 82-most of 89. 28 spline was the tail end of 89-92.

algershick · Member Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Posts: 69 Location: Kent, WA

They're iron drums, I haven't checked any numbers but I'm pretty sure its the original '86 rear. Nothing fancy. I'm getting the 4th gen rear pulled apart and cleaned up as I have time after work right now.

Where did you purchase your girdle from Alphius?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:49 pm Post subject:

I had the Summit Racing girdle. Just as nice as the TA brand, but way cheaper. Make sure what ever girdle you get, has bearing cap pre-load screws.

Alphius · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:01 pm Post subject: