What rear end is in my Chevy truck?

Rear End in Your Chevy Truck
If you’re wondering about the type of rear end in your Chevy truck, there are a few popular options to consider. The most common rear ends found in Chevy trucks include the ten and 12-bolt, Dana 60, and the 7.5 and 8.2-inch models. Chevrolet has utilized various rear-end models over the years, but they can all be recognized by appearance. Here are some steps to determine the rear end in your Chevy truck:
1. Locate and count the inspection cover bolts.
2. Check the inspection cover and gasket.
3. Find the rear-end casting date.
Determining the type of rear end in your Chevy truck is an easy task, and these steps can help you identify the specific rear end that comes with your vehicle.
Chevrolet trucks have used different rear end models throughout their history, and all can be visually identified. You can also use casting codes to identify the manufacture date. Additionally, you can compare the gasket shape to an identification chart to determine the specific rear end in your Chevy truck.
When it comes to upgrading the rear end of your Chevy truck, it’s important to use a compatibility chart to ensure all components are compatible with each other for maximum efficiency. The compatibility chart is a useful guide for those looking to upgrade the rear end of their truck, as using an incompatible rear end can result in various mechanical complications.
Chevy 10- and 12-bolt axle assemblies have been standard equipment on GM passenger cars, muscle cars, and trucks for decades. The rugged, reliable, and efficient Chevy 12-bolt has established itself as the preeminent rear differential for GM muscle cars since its debut in 1965. The 12-bolt was introduced to performance buyers in 1964 and was installed in both cars and trucks until 1972. After 1972, General Motors was only installing its 10-bolt rear end in cars, but the 12-bolt remained an option for trucks until 1987.
In summary, there are several options for the rear end in your Chevy truck, and by following the provided steps, you can easily determine the specific rear end that comes with your vehicle.

Can you tell gear ratio from VIN?

You don’t. That information is not contained in the VIN, UNLESS a specific model only gets one rear end ratio. VIN tells country of manufacture, vehicle make, class, engine type, size, date of manufacture, plant and serial number. That is the ONLY information contained by the VIN.

How do I find out my rear end gear ratio?

Count all the teeth on the pinion gear and the ring gear. Once you have those two numbers, divide the number of teeth that are on the ring gear by the number of teeth that are on the pinion gear and BAM–you have your gear ratio!

How do I know what rear end my Chevy truck has?

You can typically find your RPO code on driver side door panel or glove box. General Motors rear end differentials are referred to by the diameter of the ring gear, i.e. 7.5 inch, 8.5 inch, 10.5 inch.

How do I identify my axle?

Sprung and Torflex axle labels can be found on the side of the axle facing your rear bumper. The axle label provides critical manufacturing information, including the axle serial number, axle capacity, and axle build information. Locating your axle label will help ensure that you identify your axle correctly.

Is 3.73 gear ratio good?

To keep it simple, if you want a daily driver and want to save a little on fuel and you care about performance but don’t want screaming RPM, then taller gears like the 3.73 ring and pinion are the way to go.

Where can I find the gear ratio on my truck?

It’s rather likely it has a tag on it, and you can read the gear ratio right off that tag. Or failing that you can often find the ratio someplace on a tag inside the truck, such as the door of the glovebox, or on a door frame, or in the owners manual, or by decoding the model and vin number.

How do I identify my GM rear differential?

Information about Differentials in GM vehicles can usually be obtained by looking at the RPO or “Regular Production Option” codes contained in the Service Parts Identification tag in the glovebox or the driver’s side door jamb (B-Pillar).

What Chevy has a 12 bolt rear end?

The Chevrolet 12-bolt rear axle is a prolific piece. It turns up in countless Camaros, Chevelles, Novas and full size Chevys. Although it may not be as popular as a 9-inch Ford in drag race applications, the 12-bolt does have a number of plusses (not the least of which is decent strength when carefully prepped).

Are all Chevy 12 bolt rear ends the same?

A different 12-bolt differential was used for light truck applications, but those 12-bolt units are not directly interchangeable. You can identify a truck differential by the smaller, 1.438-inch diameter pinion shaft and the size of the rear cover, measuring 10.875 inches by 10.875 inches.

Where do I find my GM axle code?

you guessed it, Axle and Differential specs. The GM RPO Codes label is usually located inside the glove box or on the Driver’s Side Door Jamb (on the B-Pillar). The silver placard will be labeled “Service Parts Identification” and includes a bunch of three-digit codes.