8.5 Spider Gears
I'm restoring a '76 Trans Am as sort of a "restomod," but it's going to be more original than modified. It sports an 8.5-inch, 10-bolt posi rear with 3.23 gears. I can't seem to locate spider gears for this rear. It seems that every-thing, including the clutches with the square tabs that lock them to the carrier, is available in the aftermarket, but no spider gears. As we know, these clutch packs have a finer spline to lock them to the side gears. I really want to keep this rear and carrier in the car. Everything is in great shape except the side gears. Where can I get these?John QuinnDavidson, NC
Jim Taylor responds:
I can tell by your question that you know what to do technically and mechani-cally with that differential. We're seeing more and more of what you're discovering-no parts available. Like you, I had no idea where to get spider (side gears) for the 8.5 10-bolt posi. I called Richie Mulligan at Street-Wise Performance in New Jersey. Richie told me, "Nobody makes them, but the ones from an open (non-posi rear) fit." There's a very good chance of finding some excellent gears in the less-valuable open rear. If you have any problems with rears, standard trans, shifters, and so on, call Richie, a longtime trusted Pontiac and POCI guy, at (973) 786-7500.