D36 rear & Axle questions

[MagikDraggin]

What is the most likely thing to break when too much torque is suddenly applied to a D36 rear end?

What is considered to be the "break point" for stock axle u-joints in regards to HP or torque?

What is the recommended replacement U-joint and are these something an "amateur" mechanic can replace?

Thanks in advance for any and all comments.

 

[vader86]

the teeth will snap off the ring gear, sending pieces flying and tearing up everything else inside, provided it stays inside the casing

there is not a concrete number of torque the D36 or the U joints can handle, but the joint should hold up to 500ft-lbs at least

you can replace the stock joint yourself, you need a press though

YOU MUST use the Spicer U-joint. Dont even think about using anything besides that, it'll snap.

 

[MagikDraggin]

the teeth will snap off the ring gear, sending pieces flying and tearing up everything else inside, provided it stays inside the casing

YOU MUST use the Spicer U-joint. Dont even think about using anything besides that, it'll snap.

I realize I asked this question before and apologize for being redundant, but I am told that the shop that installed the ring and pinion, put in a "thick" heavy duty gear set....the brand name is Yukon Gears. Was this some kind of adv hype or will this help to prevent the rear end from self-destructing if I were to make a few more runs at the strip with drag radials on?

Regarding the U joints, I have read where other owners are installing some "special" units that are hardened material and not likely to break under the stresses of a full power launch. Any suggestions as to what they are....(is Spicer a GM name or a manuf name)?

 

[vader86]

the spicer cold forged is what they are referring to, spicer is what GM used

they should cost about $20 each

A D36 can take the DR all day, and then one day it may just shatter, 1000runs or 100runs, you can never tell.

I think you will be fine with DRs, just dont run the car at the strip every weekend.

A D36 is a D36, it'll break when it decides to do so. Usually at 60' times under 1.8 you really need to think about a D44 upgrade.

 

[MagikDraggin]

Thanks Vader. It would seem I made a big mistake by putting those gears in the D36 casing.

Now, I am told they will not fit in a D44 and I will have to get a complete unit. There's another "grand" out the window.

I do mean the thanks, though....I wasn't trying to sound like a SA.

 

[Eagle85C4]

Spicer is a division of the Dana Corporation along with NAPA auto parts and Mr. Gasket as well as Borg Warner, Raybestoes, Clevite, Wix filters Perfect Circle and others. In the 4x4 arena we swear by Spicer u-joints as the best there is. On the trails as well as in the mud I used to break the front ones all the time, I got a 509cc/509hp in a 86 Blazer jacked up 6" on 33"tires. Then I switched to Spicers and haven't broke one since.
When the rear end started to move around on the vette when I gave it gas and let off VIGMAN told me to look at the right rear half shaft and sure enough both u-joints there were completely shot. While up in the air I replaced every one with a Spicer u-joint. Not a problem since.

 

[8388]

Just lift up a D36 then a D44, and all your questions will be answered. The case of the D36 is much weaker and lighter. Once it starts to flex, it's over. I actually had a D36 literally explode on me.

 

[MagikDraggin]

Just lift up a D36 then a D44, and all your questions will be answered. The case of the D36 is much weaker and lighter. Once it starts to flex, it's over. I actually had a D36 literally explode on me.

Wow!~ That's enough of a testimony for me. Next mod coming up.....D44.

Thanks for your info.

 

[MagikDraggin]

When the rear end started to move around on the vette when I gave it gas and let off VIGMAN told me to look at the right rear half shaft and sure enough both u-joints there were completely shot. While up in the air I replaced every one with a Spicer u-joint. Not a problem since.

When I get the D44 install, Spicer U-joints it will be, then.

One question though....what comes on the '96 vettes from the factory?

 

[Rich96c4ce]

auto=D36 stick=D44

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