GM 8.5" and GM 8.6" (8.625")Axle Parts, Gears, and Upgrades
GM 10-Bolt Axle Models:
GM 8.5"
1998 and Older
GM 8.6"
1999 to 2008
GM 8.6"
2009 +
Axle Specifications:
Ring Gear Diameter:
8.500 / 8.625
Diff Cover Bolts:
10
Ring Gear Bolts:
10
Axle Spline Count:
28 / 30
Axle Shaft Style:
Semi-Floating
C-Clips:
Yes
Crush Sleeve
Yes
Pinion Nut:
1-1/4" / 32mm
Pinion Support:
No
Carrier Breaks:
2.56 / 2.73
Dropout Carrier:
No
Torque Specifications:
Pinion Preload New:
14 to 19 in-lbs
Pinion Preload Reused:
6 to 8 in-lbs
Ring Gear Backlash:
5-Cut Gears
.006" to .010"
2-Cut Gears
.003" to .006"
Ring Gear Bolt Torque:
65 ft-lbs
Carrier Bearing Caps:
60 ft-lbs
Popular Applications:
Chevy Blazer
1979 - 2005
Chevy Colorado
2004 - 2012
Chevy Silverado 1500
1999 - 2019
Chevy Suburban
1988 - 2019
Chevy Tahoe
1995 - 2019
GMC Jimmy
1994 - 2005
GMC Sierra 1500
1999 - 2019
Hummer H3
2006 - 2010
Axle Variations: 1998 and Older GM 8.5" 10 Bolt
♦ Small Carrier Bearings
♦ 28 Spline / 30 Spline (1988-1991)
1999 to 2008 GM 8.6" 10 Bolt
♦ Large Carrier Bearings
♦ 30 Spline
2009 and Newer GM 8.6" 10 Bolt
♦ Different Pinion Bearings
♦ 30 Spline
Axle Images:
Axle Details
The GM 8.5" 10 Bolt axle, also known as the GM 8.6" axle or GM 10-Bolt, is available in many front and rear axle applications including both solid axle and IFS / IRS configurations. While the GM 8.5" axle features an 8.5" diameter ring gear and the GM 8.6" axle uses a slightly larger 8.625" diameter ring gear, almost everything within the axles is completely interchangeable.
Note: GM 8.6" differentials can be installed in a GM 8.5" axle with the
proper conversion bearings. GM 8.6" gears will fit GM 8.5" axles and, as
such, have become the universal aftermarket size for both.
Note: Some older GM 8.5" front axles have a slightly different
differential cover design with one bolt offset. Standard differential
covers will still fit these axles when that one bolt is not used (or
re-drilled).
*Older "5-Cut" face milled gears have different set up specifications than the newer "2-Cut" face hobbed gears.
Note: This axle has a Carrier Break and gear changes may require a different carrier or thick gears.
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