I've done a little reading and I know everyone is generally hyped on the 4 bolt rear end. But is the swap really worth it? Will 400 or so whp really snap the 3 bolt rears?

I know that it's considered an upgrade but what's the opinion on here? Necessary?

When the trip to US41 was rained out, I ended up talking to a kid with a 91 AWD there. His car was mostly stock, and he busted a rear axle the last time he was at the strip. I believe it had a ton of miles on it though.

The 4 bolts can withstand 680hp at the wheels... Worth it to me.


BTW- if anyone has one such rear end for sale, I'm currently in the market.... Yea, I broke it... (didn't get the shaft pushed into the diff all the way and striped the gears off the end of it). If I can't find one locally, I'll probably go back to a 3 bolt till i break it because of raw power and not a stupid mistake.

I did it on my '90 because I had the parts available, but to be honest if I didn't have the parts around, I'd probably wait til something broke back there. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Rob- looks like I just bought a 4 bolt. I should have a 3 bolt in good condition if you decide to go that route instead of the upgrade. Care to elaborate on the error a bit so I don't mirror your mistake when I install mine?

What actually "breaks"...axles? I suppose that the car isn't driveable if it does go out, too?

Kou - Just make sure you get the axle pushed into the diff all the way so that it locks. Mine has been leaking, and at first I thought it was just a seal. Turns out the axle never got locked in, and fluid was just pouring out the hole. I think I have a hook-up already for a 3 bolt, but thanks anyway!

IC - There is lots of stuff in axles that can break or wear out. Everything from actually snapping the shaft in half to torn boots and worn out gears. My car is on jack stands right now...

Rob, I guess you did jinx yourself at applebees. now marcus and nate are going to have running cars.

aaahhh... it's not that bad. I've been driving on it for almost 1k miles now. I was kind of wondering why the car would really pull to the driver's side when I got on it though.... I just figured it to be the awesome power that the car was producing....