10.5" Corporate 14 Bolt Differential

The 10.5” Corporate 14 Bolt Differential is a heavy duty differential found on many 1973-2013 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs, as well as certain versions of the Cadillac Escalade. Additionally, this differential is found on Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna vans produced from 1973 to current day.[1] Debuting in 1973, this differential is a full floating design with a ring gear diameter of 10.5 inches (270 mm). As the name implies, this differential has 14 bolts holding on the differential cover. The ring gear is not held on with 14 bolts, but rather 12. The 14 bolt differential is a popular axle swap option for Jeep Wrangler owners,[2] and is referred to as the "corporate" 14 bolt because of the odd nature of GM's corporate structure in the 1970s.[3]

Not to be confused with the GM 14-bolt 9 and 1/2 inch ring gear rear differential which has c clips to retain the axles unlike a free floating axle that the heavy duty big brother utilizes. The 9 and 1/2 inch is easily identified from the 10 and 1/2 inch by looking at the hub. If the hub protrudes through the center of the wheel, that indicates the more desirable 10.5 and 1/2 inch full floating rear axle. The 9 and 1/2 inch rear end, while durable in its own right, is generally regarded as less desirable in high torque applications.

 The 9-1/2 c clip rear was in both the Suburban and pickups in both 6 or 8 lug varieties.   33 spline axles. 
and which was in production through 2009 and even available on a trailblazer SS, SAAB 97x. Ssr.

General specifications
  • 10.5 in (270 mm) diameter ring gear
  • Axles are 30 spline axles
  • 1.590 in (40.4 mm) diameter shank on the pinion
  • Gear ratios: 3.21, 3.42, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, and 5.38
  • Carrier break: 3.21:1 - 4.11:1 and 4:56 - 5.38
  • 1.5 in (38 mm) axle spline diameter
  • 1.34 in (34 mm) axle shaft diameter
  • Axles are different lengths from side to side
  • Removable pinion support
  • Weight: 550 pounds (250 kg)
  • GAWR: 8,600 pounds (3,900 kg) Max.
  • Pinion supported with bearings on both sides of the teeth (straddle mount), which minimizes pinion deflection

Design

The first design was produced from 1973 to 1984. The first design remained unchanged until 1986. This design had drums that were held on by the wheel studs and had a smaller diameter pinion bearing than the second design. The second design was produced from 1986 to present. One change that occurred in the second design was that on some models the brake drum could be removed without having to remove the hub and axle shaft. Additionally, the pinion received a larger diameter bearing while the pinion stayed the same diameter, which increased the durability of the pinion. All these axle are full floating.

Brakes

Most of the 14 bolt differentials produced through model year 1998 were fitted with drum brakes,[4] but some vehicles with the 14 bolt were upgraded to disc brakes in 1999. Drum brakes were offered on many full size GM vans for several more years, only by 2003 all vans came with disc brakes.[5] The first design of this differential had three different diameter brake drums. At first the differential was released with drums small enough to fit 15 in (380 mm) wheels. Then after a few years a larger drum was standard on the 3⁄4-short-ton (0.68 t) along with the even larger drum on the 1-short-ton (0.91 t). This is an area of the axle assembly that is commonly converted by the enthusiast to disc brakes for added braking performance and lower cost of maintenance.[6]

Pinion

The pinion is supported both in front of and behind the pinion teeth,[7] an arrangement often referred to as "straddle mounting". Straddle mounting greatly reduces pinion deflection under high torque loads, conferring increased longevity and torque capacity. The pinion is also removable from the back as well making for easier access.

Re-purposing

The 10.5" 14 bolt differential and axle is quite popular with Jeep Wrangler owners who want to upgrade their standard Dana 30, Dana 35, or Dana 44 axle. While the 10.5" 14 bolt axle is heavier than the standard Dana axles offered on the Wrangler, it is much stronger. This increased strength allows Jeep Wrangler owners to mount up to 44" tires without concern about axle shaft breakage.[8] Many Wrangler owners will have up to 2 inches removed from the bottom of the 10.5" 14 bolt differential housing to maximize ground clearance.[9]

Due to the popularity of GM trucks and vans, 10.5" 14 bolt axles are common in junkyards. This makes them an option for any number of vehicle customization projects, buggy builds, and even classic trucks.

11.5 AAM
GMC All Terrain concept truck with 11.5 AAM axle

The 11.5 AAM 14 bolt rear differential began to replace the 10.5" 14 bolt in many Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks beginning in the 2001 model year. However, the 10.5" 14 bolt axle continues in production today on GMC Savanna and Chevrolet Express vans. The 11.5" 14 bolt axle is also used in 3rd Generation Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. The GM version uses a paper gasket and the Ram version uses a re-usable rubber gasket. This attribute also makes the Dodge and GM axles appear very different, because of the different cover used. The GM AAM axle tubes are reduced to smaller diameter than the AAM Dodge's at the spindle from the housing, from 4" to 3.5". Newer GM trucks are built to the same specs as the Dodge axles. GM also opted to have a vibration dampener installed on the yoke, while Dodge opted to place the dampener on the drive shaft. This became the standard axle on all 2500 and 3500 RAM trucks for model year 2014.

Features
  • Increased GAWR: 6,900 pounds (3,100 kg) Max.
  • 1541 alloy axle shafts
  • Larger ring and pinion than the "14 bolt" axle. As well as other components.
11.8 AAM axle. Optioned on 3500 RAM trucks with the High Output package.

10.5 AAM

2500 3rd Generation Dodge trucks use a 10.5 AAM in all the V8 equipped trucks. Some early model Diesel and V10 trucks also used this axle. Like the 11.5, this axle also uses a re-usable rubber gasket and looks similar to the 11.5 axle. The Ram Power Wagon also uses this axle with a locking differential. 2013 was the last model year that RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks were equipped with this axle.

2011 Dodge Ram Power Wagon 10.5 AAM with electric locking differential.

See also

References
  1. "Axle Results | American Axle & Manufacturing | Aftermarket OE Parts". www.demandaam.com. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
  2. "Our Favorite Jeep Axle Swaps - Jp Magazine". Four Wheeler. 2011-09-01. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
  3. "What Is A "Corporate" 14 Bolt Axle?". Lugnut4x4. 2019-02-24. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
  4. "129 1305 04+14 Bolt Basics Inside The Ultimate Junkyard Axle+disc Brake Bracket Install - Photo 48757743 - 14-Bolt Basics - Inside The Ultimate Junkyard Axle". Four Wheeler. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
  5. "mediaOnline". media.gm.com. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
  6. http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/drivetrain/129_1103_14_bolt_disc_brake_conversion/index.html
  7. Intermediate Direct Support/General Support Maintenance Manual for CUCV (TM 9-2320-289-34) (PDF). Department of the Army, the Air Force, and Headquarters, Marine Corps. 12 January 1989. pp. 6–117. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
  8. "14-Bolt Basics - Inside The Ultimate Junkyard Axle - Four Wheeler Magazine". Four Wheeler. 2013-05-01. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
  9. "TMR Customs: Shaving a GM Corporate 14-bolt differential". Four Wheeler. 2016-05-17. Retrieved 2019-03-30.
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