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Car Forum / Pontiac / Pontiac Firebird / May 2004

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Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)

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Mr Wizzard - 17 May 2004 04:05 GMT
Got issues with an 88 Camaro "6HK" differential.
6HK indicates that this is a 7.625" differential, and
the ring gear is indeed stamped 7-5/8. However!,
it has 26-spline side gears and axle shafts in it, and
according to everything I've seen, read, and talked
to, a 26-spline axle shaft (and side gears) is STRICTLY
for a 7.5" differential.  So whats the dial?  Is somehting
amiss here?  The spyder gears are very sloppy, an I'm
wondering of someone has 7.5" 26-spline axles and
7.5" spyder (internal gears) in a 7 ".625" differential?
Is this possible?  Its only 1.8 inch difference, and I
DO have a lot of spyder gear slop, so maybe someone
swaped something here?  I bought hte car used with
40K on it, and it had 105K now.

thanks
Bruce Chang - 17 May 2004 05:38 GMT
> Got issues with an 88 Camaro "6HK" differential.
> 6HK indicates that this is a 7.625" differential, and
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> thanks

I thought most people refer to a 7.5 and 7.625 rear as the same beast.

I remember going into Autozone the other day looking for the pinion seal and
asked for "7 5/8's" and the guy said, "We only have 7.5."  I told him that
that was the one and he wanted to argue with me.  Then he checked something
else and he said, "oh, it says it's also for 7.625."  I said, "then that's
it!" and he said, "but you wanted 7 5/8's" and you all should know the look
I gave him.  Practically wanted to walk out but I knew he wouldn't be around
for long.

-Bruce
Mr Wizzard - 17 May 2004 07:30 GMT
> > Got issues with an 88 Camaro "6HK" differential.
> > 6HK indicates that this is a 7.625" differential, and
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>
> -Bruce

Bruce,
So whats you thoughts here - that maybe the carrier
is the same ?  I'm really in a pickel here with all the
differential places that I'm looking to get spider gears
from - they ALL show 28-spline axle shaft/side gears
for the 7.625, and ONLY 26-spline for the 7.5 inch.
(where I definetly have the 7.625). So should I just
order the internal (spider) gears for the 7.5 inch unit ?
My fear is that they will be a tad bit smaller, and
thus maybe the cause of the excessive spider gear
slop ?  I'm simpy at a total loss with this inconsistancy,
and need any help I can get.  Thanks in advance, and I'd
gladly return the favor. (shall I share with you the not
so well known problem with the slip yoke on a
96 F-150 automatic thansmission ?)
Bruce Chang - 17 May 2004 12:15 GMT
> > > Got issues with an 88 Camaro "6HK" differential.
> > > 6HK indicates that this is a 7.625" differential, and
[quoted text clipped - 44 lines]
> so well known problem with the slip yoke on a
> 96 F-150 automatic thansmission ?)

If I remember correctly, 28 spline axles weren't installed in the F-body
until late in 1989.  It looks like someone swapped your rearedn.  The 26 and
28 spline axles and associated parts should be interchangable within the
carriers and within the years the 10 bolt rearend was made.  I'd say 82-92
rearends should all have the same basic carrier design so everything should
be interchangable (as long as the spline count matches).

-Bruce
Mr Wizzard - 17 May 2004 21:00 GMT
> > > > Got issues with an 88 Camaro "6HK" differential.
> > > > 6HK indicates that this is a 7.625" differential, and
[quoted text clipped - 55 lines]
>
> -Bruce

Cool. Yeah, I did further research, and found that
starting in 1985, the 7.5" was dropped, and all diff's
were 7.625" with 26-spline. And starting in 1989,
the 26-spline was dropped, and all 7.625" were
28-spline. So between 1985 and 1988, the 7.625"
was indeed a 26-spline.  To further complicate this,
and to keep em straight, the dealers (and gear joints)
just started calling "all" 26-spline jobs the 7.5", and
all 28-spline units the 7.625", even though between
85-88 the 7.625" was indeed a 26-spline. So yeah,
it would make sence that the carrier was the same
except for the spline count in the internal side gears.

Now for the age-old question/debate.... Just what
*is* the acceptable play/slop in the sipder gears ??
The service manual goes into very great detail about
all sorts of sh.t on every aspect of this rear, and how
to set ut up, and yada, yada, yada,  but doesn't say
BOO about the internal gears - its amazing.  Its like
they totally forgot to mention anything about them.
You would have thought they would have "some"
blurb on what to check, how to check, and what
is acceptable and what is not.  So in my mind, its
like: what good is busting your a.s with all this shim
charade, and pounding in an extra .004 shims for
carrier pre-load, and making sure you have .005-.009
ring/pinion backlash if you got 1/2 inch (5 *hundred* thou's)
slop/backlash in the internal spider gears??  Unreal...
Seems to me that the center spider gear shaft should
be a zero-clearance fit in the carrier, and need to
be tapped/lightly pressed into place, and the spider
gears themselves should be a much tigher fit on the
shaft.  I realize that there is no bearings, and you need
room for oil an all, but geeze! - thats what the flat is
for on that center shaft - to pick up and distrubte oil.
They should make these gears tight, and let them
"wear" into place for clearance. So whats peoples
experience on this? - I just couldn't stand the slop
and clunking anymore. No matter how good you
are with the clutch, in heavy rolling traffic, you're
gonna have that thing clacking back and forth in
1st gear.  Maybe a posi unit is in order to eliminate
the carrier/spider gears all together?  And recommendations?

Thanks all for everything !
Refinish King - 18 May 2004 01:47 GMT
There were selective fit shims:

That went between the spiders and the differential housing at one time.
Sometimes I disassembled rears with two shims stacked at each spider when I
pulled the pinion shaft.

I'm sure they're still available, as I'm sure the shims for pre-loading the
posi-traction clutches are.

The Chrysler, Ford and Chevrolet all use the came differential housing, with
the exception of the bearing ends and splines in the side spiders, so the
drive spider shims are interchangeable.

Refinish King

> > > > > Got issues with an 88 Camaro "6HK" differential.
> > > > > 6HK indicates that this is a 7.625" differential, and
[quoted text clipped - 104 lines]
>
> Thanks all for everything !
Mr Wizzard - 18 May 2004 10:36 GMT
> There were selective fit shims:

> That went between the spiders and the differential housing at one time.
> Sometimes I disassembled rears with two shims stacked at each spider when I
> pulled the pinion shaft.

Well, on this rear, the spider gear shims have
"lips" on them that fit up into the spider gear
bore a bit, so can't stack em (at least these).
But yer right, I seem to recall seeing stackable
shims on a 2 Crysler rears I did - something
like a 77 Valarie, and a 74 Dodge Cornet.
And I remember that 74 Dodge Cornet well
too - with the stock 318 would smolder the
tires for as long as you stood on the hammer.
To this DAY, could never understand that,
and I've owned a few Crysler products too,
just something different about that damn
ugly-a.s, metalic forest green 74 Cornet
full of rust.  eough, wow, off on a tanget
here. Dodge cornets in a Camaro NG?
Silly me...

> I'm sure they're still available, as I'm sure the shims for pre-loading the
> posi-traction clutches are.

Yeah, sh.t, that would have been the EASY
answer to my original issue, huh?  So now
I'm in for about $400 with an Auburn on
its way, and a garage full of gear-lube smell.
(God! why does that gear lube have to smell
like that anyways? - anyone know ??)  But
ists all good I suspose (if it all goes ok),
because even with fairly new Radial T/A's,
I *still* can't pull out of the office parking
lot in the rain without MASSIVE one-wheel
spin, so some sort of posi will be welcome.

> The Chrysler, Ford and Chevrolet all use the came differential housing, with
> the exception of the bearing ends and splines in the side spiders, so the
> drive spider shims are interchangeable.

They DO ?  Are these all Dana units,
or Borg Warner I wonder?   And BTW,
did GM ever make their own rears, or
are all of these Dana/Spicer units I wonder?

> Refinish King
>
[quoted text clipped - 111 lines]
> >
> > Thanks all for everything !
Refinish King - 19 May 2004 00:21 GMT
You can stack under the primary shim:

The primary shim was an update to help the problem with the drive pinion
bore elongating.

I hope this helps?

Refinish King

> > There were selective fit shims:
>
[quoted text clipped - 166 lines]
> > >
> > > Thanks all for everything !
Big Dav160 - 17 May 2004 20:30 GMT
There's not really any difference between the 7 1/2 and the 7 5/8. My memory
says the 28 spline axles didn't show up until the '90 model.
Mr Wizzard - 17 May 2004 21:04 GMT
> There's not really any difference between the 7 1/2 and the 7 5/8. My memory
> says the 28 spline axles didn't show up until the '90 model.

Yeah, GM says that between 1985-1988, the 7.625"
was a 26-spline, and starting in 1989, the 7.625" was
28-spline.  You would think that their documentation
(or *someones* documentation) would be a little clearer
in indicating that the internal gears are teh same/interchangable.
Bigjfig - 18 May 2004 00:12 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>(or *someones* documentation) would be a little clearer
>in indicating that the internal gears are teh same/interchangable.

A GM parts catalog would answer those questions (at least partially).
Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 18 May 2004 01:48 GMT
Joe would be the man with the proper answer!

Refinish King

> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 18 May 2004 03:30 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
>
:)

Well, a GM catalog would tell you:

1) What years used what differentials and their respective codes (how you
identify what you have)
2) What parts are the same (by virtue of part #s) between the units.

A Hollander book (what the junkyards used) would say what "fits", but if you're
swapping the whole axle, they will all likely "work" and "fit" if it's a third
generation car.
Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 19 May 2004 00:19 GMT
A Hollander would tell you:

Axle interchange, complete unit interchange. But, never spider or carrier
interchange. That stopped in the 60's. But I can remember back that far when
I was a little tyke, learning how to get good and dirty.

LOL

Refinish King

> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Mr Wizzard - 18 May 2004 10:39 GMT
> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> >(or *someones* documentation) would be a little clearer
> >in indicating that the internal gears are teh same/interchangable.

> A GM parts catalog would answer those questions (at least partially).

Where does one get one of them?
Years ago, when doing a full ground-up
resto on a 1971 455 H.O. T/A, I
used to just go into all the dealerships
in my area and ask for all of their old,
outdated manuals, and they used to
say "sure", and loaded up me with
tons of stuff.  Worked every time too !

> Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
> '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
> '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 19 May 2004 00:23 GMT
Now the parts managers know what that stuff is worth:

They ask: "What's it worth to you?"

LOL

If you're doing a resto, just the diagrams are a blessing, not withstanding
the part numbers to reference from!

Thanks Joe!

Refinish King

> > >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> > >From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> > '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> > '80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 19 May 2004 04:10 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 46 lines]
>going....
>> > '80 T/A project car...

You can buy OEM parts microfiche from Bell and Howell who puts it together for
GM. Any public or university library will have a microfiche reader/printer you
can use.

Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 19 May 2004 04:23 GMT
Thanks for the info!

I have the microfiche reader from my paint mixing system.

How can I contact Belle and Howell?

Thanks again!

Refinish King

> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 56 lines]
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Mr Wizzard - 19 May 2004 09:49 GMT
> Thanks for the info!
>
> I have the microfiche reader from my paint mixing system.
>
> How can I contact Belle and Howell?

Simple: its called "E-bay".  Man!, you dig around
on Ebay long enough, and you'll find parts/bulbs
for like a 1954 model or some sh.t.

> Thanks again!
>
[quoted text clipped - 63 lines]
> > '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
> > '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still
going....
> > '80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 20 May 2004 11:48 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 84 lines]
>going....
>> > '80 T/A project car...

Probably www.bellandhowell.com.

If not, look them up. The film division was in Wooster, Ohio from what I
remember.

Alternatively, just go to any GM dealer's parts department and ask for the
microfiche order forms. It has all the information on it and how to order it.
Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 21 May 2004 00:12 GMT
Thank you again:

Your input is appreciated very much!

Refinish King

> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 97 lines]
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 22 May 2004 19:13 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 114 lines]
>> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
>> '80 T/A project car...

Or depending on what you're looking for, I have some that I will sell :).  

Just let me know.
Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 23 May 2004 00:36 GMT
68 Camaro, 68 Firebird, both of those in 67 also:

64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 Chevelle

64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 Impala/Caprice

Any year Vette!

Any year truck!

Thank you again,

Refinish King

> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 123 lines]
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 23 May 2004 03:57 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 149 lines]
>> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
>> '80 T/A project car...

Have the old Chevy book, sorry won't part with it :).  (RARE to find. LOL). I
have some Vette ones for the C5.

As for the truck, I have some of them on microfiche I would sell. Drop me a
line as noted with your interest and I'll have a look
Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Refinish King - 23 May 2004 04:06 GMT
Thanks Joe:

I'll get together with you. Is the old Chevy book available on EBay?
I'd appreciate it if you can lead me in the right direction.

Thank you again,

Refinish King

> >Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
> >From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 149 lines]
> >> '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
> >> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still
going....
> >> '80 T/A project car...
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
> '80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 26 May 2004 04:32 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Refinish King" noneofyourbusiness@mindyourbusiness.com
[quoted text clipped - 183 lines]
>> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
>> '80 T/A project car...

If you mean mine, no, that's staying with me. LOL. I do list things on Ebay
from time to time though. I infrequently see them there and they fetch a good
buck when they are listed.

I have two copies, actually. The final 1983 printing and rarer yet, a 1979
printing. The '79 printing has numbers the 1983 does not. Why?

At that time, in 1983, GM would drop out whatever was obsolete at the time of
printing. In ' 79, it may have been available, but by '83, it was gone. Great
stuff in there.

As for the others, just let me know and I'll have a look for you and see if we
can work something out.
Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
Bigjfig - 19 May 2004 04:09 GMT
>Subject: Re: Camaro 7.5" vs 7.625" (26-spline vs. 28-spline)
>From: "Mr Wizzard" wiz@muffy-mail.com
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
>> '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
>> '80 T/A project car...

Any GM parts department can look up those parts in 2 seconds and answer your
questions. A couple of computer keystrokes.

Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director
'80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig.
'79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig
'84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going....
'80 T/A project car...
 
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