Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
New media
New media comments
Latest activity
Classifieds
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Log in
Register
What's New?
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Navigation
Install the app
Install
More Options
Advertise with us
Contact Us
Close Menu
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Forums
The Water Cooler
General Discussion
Trailer towing guys......
Search titles only
By:
Reply to Thread
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Message
<blockquote data-quote="71buickfreak" data-source="post: 2762012" data-attributes="member: 8373"><p>The GM 8.5 10-bolt has 30-spline axles. The current GM 14-bolt also has 30-spline axles, they are the same diameter. Axle spline count is all based on the diameter of the shaft. The 8.5 10-bolt is capable of handling large towing loads. The 97 1500 has a tow rating of 6500 lbs, this is due to transmission, suspension, and braking limitations, all of which can be easily rectified. The SAME differential is still the standard unit used in the new 2015 1500s, which have a *gasp* 9400 lb tow rating. The issue you are likely referring to is the gov lock differential, which is a ticking time bomb for any rear end in which it is installed. GM started using the gov lock in 1973 and they still use it, in both the 10 and 14-bolt diffs. An open carrier is would be better for basic towing, or a proper limited slip. An E-locker would be even better. You won't twist those axles on asphalt or dirt with street tires. that same axle is used in 9-sec Grand Nationals that hang the front wheels for 100 feet on slicks in stock form. It is not the strongest rear, but it sure as hell isn't the weakest. The differential is not an issue here, it is the rest of the truck that needs to be tuned up for hauling an 8k load. </p><p></p><p>I believe the OP said he has a 3.73 gear, that will increase his towing capacity over the higher gears. My 4.8 had the towing package, which included 3.73s. You lose a couple thousand pounds of towing capacity with the 3.08 gears.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="71buickfreak, post: 2762012, member: 8373"] The GM 8.5 10-bolt has 30-spline axles. The current GM 14-bolt also has 30-spline axles, they are the same diameter. Axle spline count is all based on the diameter of the shaft. The 8.5 10-bolt is capable of handling large towing loads. The 97 1500 has a tow rating of 6500 lbs, this is due to transmission, suspension, and braking limitations, all of which can be easily rectified. The SAME differential is still the standard unit used in the new 2015 1500s, which have a *gasp* 9400 lb tow rating. The issue you are likely referring to is the gov lock differential, which is a ticking time bomb for any rear end in which it is installed. GM started using the gov lock in 1973 and they still use it, in both the 10 and 14-bolt diffs. An open carrier is would be better for basic towing, or a proper limited slip. An E-locker would be even better. You won't twist those axles on asphalt or dirt with street tires. that same axle is used in 9-sec Grand Nationals that hang the front wheels for 100 feet on slicks in stock form. It is not the strongest rear, but it sure as hell isn't the weakest. The differential is not an issue here, it is the rest of the truck that needs to be tuned up for hauling an 8k load. I believe the OP said he has a 3.73 gear, that will increase his towing capacity over the higher gears. My 4.8 had the towing package, which included 3.73s. You lose a couple thousand pounds of towing capacity with the 3.08 gears. [/QUOTE]
Insert Quotes…
Verification
Post Reply
Forums
The Water Cooler
General Discussion
Trailer towing guys......
Search titles only
By:
Top
Bottom