Rear End question

[Merlin]

Hello all. I noticed while doing some mantinance on my car that rear end had play in it. So instead of messing around with rebuilding it I was looking at just buying a used one off of a low mile car. I have seen 98-02 rears for sale b4 near me off of 12k mile cars for acouple hundered bucks. My only question is will a newer ls1 rear fit in with my Lt1 car. Did any thing change between them? Thanks

[Orange Terror]

I'm not sure about the suspension, but I'm pretty sure the rear itself was identical, other than maybe gear ratio. Keep in mind it won't be any stronger that your existing one other than the fact hopefully in better shape.

[wezeles]

the only thing i could think of that would be different would depend if yours was ABS and traction controlled compared to whatever new rear you get eaither way its not going to effect the way it works... you might loose some functions but the rear end will still work

[Merlin]

Cool thx to both of u. Mostly at the moment I just need to make shure that if my rear takes a SH!T on me I have some thing to replace it with. This is my DD and there is no other ways for me to get to work or school(to far to walk). I did plan as soon as I got the money to do so building a rear for my car that would be able to handeld planed mods. But for now with college funds are alittle low so just need some thing that will work for now.

[JoeliusZ28]

where is the play you are talking about? im curious because mine has some in the driveshaft due to the rear end. its always been like that though and hasnt given me any problems.

[Merlin]

Mine is if u grab the joint between the drive shaft and the axel u can twist it with out the wheels moving. Now I didn't think that was quite right so I took it to a freind of my dad who owns a gas station and had one of his guys check it. He said it did have some play and I probly shouldn't go to miland any more till I get it fixed. and with 114 near 115k on the car I can't complane that the rear needs some work I have taken car of it and so did the older guy I bought it from but by no means did eather of us not have some fun every once in awhile.

[JoeliusZ28]

Mine is if u grab the joint between the drive shaft and the axel u can twist it with out the wheels moving. Now I didn't think that was quite right so I took it to a freind of my dad who owns a gas station and had one of his guys check it. He said it did have some play and I probly shouldn't go to miland any more till I get it fixed. and with 114 near 115k on the car I can't complane that the rear needs some work I have taken car of it and so did the older guy I bought it from but by no means did eather of us not have some fun every once in awhile.

thats exactly where my play is, i have at least a half inch of it there and have since i bought the car. ive put mine through SEVERAL dumps and have had no problems. but youre damn right im knockin on wood cause i cant afford a fix right now.

[thursday12889]

sounds like my problem also, and lt1/ls1 rear end looks bad ass on third gens, an inch wider on each side and bolts right up

[MattODoom]

sounds like my problem also, and lt1/ls1 rear end looks bad ass on third gens, an inch wider on each side and bolts right up

Id like to get a 4g rear and have my GTA rims widened an inch or more in the rear. 245's aint cuttin it anymore.

PS Dont this LS1 look right at home in the GTA:

[thursday12889]

you have the 16x8s right? I wanted to get a set of some GTA rims like yours so i can stick some wider tire on there and ones with a little smaller sidewall. Right now I have 215-60-R15s and they suck ass. But if you could post up some pics of your 245s for me if you get a chance.

That ls1 does look awesome in there, but I prefer the ole 350TPI. Just screams 80's.

[MattODoom]

you have the 16x8s right? I wanted to get a set of some GTA rims like yours so i can stick some wider tire on there and ones with a little smaller sidewall. Right now I have 215-60-R15s and they suck ass. But if you could post up some pics of your 245s for me if you get a chance.

That ls1 does look awesome in there, but I prefer the ole 350TPI. Just screams 80's.

Old tires:



New tires:

[thursday12889]

and those are 245-50-R16s? Do you think if i got the rims you have but black, and put some 255s on the back and 245s on the front, well i guess what i'm asking is would that work?

[02hawk796]

I would suggest you first check out some other F-Bods which are newer, and even some V6s which don't have the abuse that the v8s hash out. F-Bods seem to have a bit of play, as do many newer domestic cars. I have many times been surprised how much play is in well-working rear ends.
If you have cash to throw away, fine. But if you check against a newer, lower mile rear end and it's the same, I wouldn't worry about it.
As far as garage guys, I had some guys I used a bit tell me I needed my rear diff in my S10 repaired or it woudn't get me more than 1,000 miles. That was about 100,000 miles ago.

[MattODoom]

and those are 245-50-R16s? Do you think if i got the rims you have but black, and put some 255s on the back and 245s on the front, well i guess what i'm asking is would that work?

Should work, you might want to check for clearance on a 255 though, the tire is pretty close to the lower control arms as is. I would suggest getting a set of ALL "FRONT" gta wheels. That will make the back stick out more (deeper dish) and will allow you to rotate tires (I can't at all, diff offsets front and rear with directional tread)

[thursday12889]

yeah i guess i'll do that once i get the money, but probably do 245s all around, and hopefully i will get a tid better handling.