1970-1972 rear differential

[Phil A.]

Can you replace standard stub axels with heavy duty ones without making any other changes in a 70-72 Vette differential? Are there any other differences between a standard and heavy duty differential

[Gary R.]

Re: 1970-1972 rear differential

Hi Phil,
Yes they are the same except for the yoke end holes.

If you have excess endplay, over 050" for a stock posi setup, I would check to see where the play is. 70-72 original axles are reusable many times.

My opinion is people give the HD axles more value then they are really worth. I have not seen one std or HD axle break at the yoke but plenty have twisted or snapped inboard. U-joints break, especially zerk joints and I have seen and broken them in both axle types. If yours are still good I wouldn't bother replacing them. If they are worn then chances are you're going to need more work. A stock build posi can still allow 020-030 endplay.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1970-1972 rear differential

Yes you can swap them but there's little advantage in doing so.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970-1972 rear differential

Yes you can swap them but there's little advantage in doing so.

Mike------



There is one advantage. The hex bolts used with the caps are WAY easier to install and torque properly than the nuts on the u-bolts.