The world of rearends is a fascinating place, filled with more wonder and variety than most of us realize. The trick is to identify the weak from the strong, the common from the obscure. This guide will help you decide which axle is best for your needs and whether the one currently under your ride will be able to handle more power. The most common rearends are the Salisbury and the Hotchkiss types. The Salisbury rendition, common to virtually all GM products, has a cast, non-removable center-section (or coconut), pressed-in steel axle tubes, and is stronger (in some cases) than the Hotchkiss design. The Hotchkiss has a removable center housing and a sheet-steel housing, the most notable being the Ford 9-inch. Happy hunting, and remember to watch your butt.
Check out the selected units in the sidebars below.
