Wednesday, February 19, 2014
How to Identify a 10 Bolt 8 5 inch Posi Rear End
When it comes to getting power to the pavement, GMs 10-bolt, 8.5-inch rear end with Positraction is a hero. Like Superman in street clothes, however, it can be hard to identify this beefy unit among its weaker cousins, the 10-bolt, 8.2-inch with open differential.
GM built countless thousands of both types of 10-bolts from 1970 to 1994. This means you can typically find one suitable for your muscle car dirt-cheap at your local junkyard. Learn how to separate this strong man from the wimps.
Instructions
- 1
Wipe any grease and other debris off the gear casing with a rag to ensure you can see all of its features clearly.
2Count to make sure there are 10 bolts arranged equally around the outer perimeter of the gear casing, similar to the numbers on a clock.
3Locate two lugs, or ears, extending out from the bottom of the gear casing approximately in the 4 oclock and 8 oclock position. This will firmly identify the unit as having come with Positraction from the factory.
4Measure the gear casing horizontally, end to end, across its widest point. The measurement will be either 10 5/8 (10.625) inches or 11 inches, depending on the year it was made.
5Look for a bulge running vertically down the center of the gear casing. Most of the 10-inch units youre looking for will have this.
6Place your 1.25-inch socket over the pinion nut. If it fits, its the 10-bolt, 8.5-inch unit.
7Inspect the entire gear case and center section thoroughly to make sure there are no cracks or other damage that might compromise the units integrity.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
How to Remove the Sway Bar End Link on a Chevy Colorado
The sway bar on a Chevy Colorado pickup truck connects the front left and front right suspension together. When the vehicle is turning, the sway bar minimizes side-to-side lean as well as keeps the vehicle more stable. This sway bar connects to the lower control arm on each side via a sway bar end link. These links can wear down over time; and when they do, the side-to-side lean can become almost unbearable. Before you can replace the end links, you must first remove them from the truck.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Colorado on a level, paved surface and step on the parking brake pedal to set the parking brake. Lift the front of the truck with a jack and put jack stands below the frame. Lower the truck so that it is supported on the stands.
2Remove the lug nuts on the front wheels with a tire iron then pull them off the truck. Locate the sway bar end links, which go up and down parallel to the front shock absorber and connect the lower control arm to the sway bar.
3Unbolt the upper sway bar end link from the sway bar with an open-end wrench. Repeat this for the bottom link in the sway bar. Do the same on the other side of the vehicle, then pull the links away from the sway bar and the lower control arm.
