The rear differential is positioned on the rear axle. The gearing allows each wheel of the axle to turn at different speeds. This allows the vehicle to turn corners without one wheel dragging or scraping. The rear differential is commonly referred to as the "rear end" of a vehicle. GM differentials are available in 10-bolt, 12-bolt, and 14-bolt designs.
The 9.5-inch 14-bolt differential is found on 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton vehicles manufactured by GM 1964 and later. This differential is available in four gear ratios: 3.23:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1, and 4.56:1. This differential is stock supplied on a variety of GM pick-ups and the Chevrolet Suburban.
The 10.5-inch 14-bolt differential with the case number 6258336, is found is found on 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton vehicles manufactured by GM 1973 and later. This differential is available in three gear ratios: 3.42:1, 3.73:1 and 4.10:1. This differential is stock supplied on a variety of GM vehicles containing 1/2-ton and 3/4 engine designs. This differential is not restricted to specific product lines or vehicle types.
The 10.5-inch 14-bolt differential with the case number 6258340, is installed on larger 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton vehicles manufactured by GM 1973 and later. Available in three gear ratios---4.56 4.88 5.13---this differential supplies the GM vehicle lines with a rear differential that turns significantly more times at the rear end than does the 4.10:1 and lower ratio line of differentials.
