I blew out my spider gears in my rear-end on my 1987 C10 Suburban. The ring was also damaged. In addition the pinion seal was leaking and the whole axle may have been bent, since the passenger side tire always wears abnormally.

I am currently researching my options on the best way to get my truck back on the road. I have come up with several possible plans. They are listed in order from cheapest to most expensive.

1. Swap in a 12 bolt axle from a 1980 truck that is rusting away on our family farm. This option is free, but less than ideal since it has 3.08 gears and no posi. I want 3.42 gears and a posi.

2. Buy a used 10 bolt with 3.42 gears and hopefully a posi, from a wrecking yard. I am a little weary of this option, since I don't want rear-end to fail prematurely again in a couple of years.

3. Rebuild my 10 bolt and add a posi. I am shying away from this, since my axle may be bent

4. Rebuild the 12 bolt and add 3.42 gears and a posi. I think I want to go with this solution.

I have several questions about the 12 bolt swap:

Will it be a direct swap, or will I have to shorten my driveshaft?

Will the pinion angle be the same or will I have to add shims?

I want to try to rebuild the axle myself so I will need detailed instructions. Any links to online instructions on how to rebuild a 12 bolt will be really valuable.

Any advice on which posi I should use? Eaton, Auburn gear, or any others (maybe even a locker).

Were can I get my best deal on a rebuild kit, and what brand of gears and bearings should I use.

Any other options and advice will be appreciated.


Carl