Anybody running a welded rear end?

[tmoneymr2]

I got a 1987 olds cutlass supreme and I'm running a 406 SBC with a 700R4 transmission motor is probably putting out about 400 lb ft. I was wondering if anybody has welded up the 10 bolt 7.5 rear end in there G-body to make it a locker? And if they have how long did it last or is it lasting and how much trouble is it giving you? I have factory size tires and everything and the car will be driven on a daily basis as a street car just wondering if the 26 spline axles stand a chance?

 

[tmoneymr2]

 

[kyhunter89]

im wondering about this aswell, but wont be on street much with about 300hp.

 

[bfurches]

My 81 caprice had an 8.5" 10 bolt that I welded up. Sustained 1.7-1.8 60's pretty good for about 2 months, then I ost an axle on the street....

If you are making that much torque with a stock c-clip rear, the diff is not going to be your problem.

 

[tmoneymr2]

That answers my question if a 8.5 wont last with 28-30 spline axles on the street I'm no longer even thinking about breaking the welder out on my piddly *ss 7.5 guess i just have to save up some dough and do it the right way...time to buy stock in eaton...

 

[megaladon6]

and a fully locked rear is not good on the street, especially when it rains. you're much better off with a good posi unit. (remember posi really means limited slip)

 

[pontiacgp]

at the track we use to run at would not allow spools or posi so we welded the gears. The 7.5 lasted for ever but the axles didn't..if I was going to run a 7.5 on the street I'd upgrade the axles to 28 spline and run a locker

 

[CaseysCutlass]

I have a 78 Cutlass with a 7.5 373 that is welded. (I bought it like this). I have made about 10-15 12.50 passes (1.80 60 ft)on it but I'm not going to press my luck, it will come out this winter and get a 8.5 or A body 12 bolt. I do not trust it at all. I just wanted to see what it would run before the track closes for the year.

 

[78MC-BBC]

if the car is strictly track only, as in never being on the street than you go weld it, but if you ever drive on the street than do not ever weld it!

With a welded rear your tires cannot spin at different speeds that it has to do when taking a corner and if they cant spin at different speeds then say goodbye to an axle or worse the car when that axle come apart sometimes taking the wheel with it and the car slams to the ground skidding to a stop.

and yes they do make lockers for the 7.5 rear axle