High-Perf Diff, Axles, & Drivelines

by Joe Palazzolo

All too often, when an enthusiast builds a high-performance engine, swaps a more powerful engine into a car, or mounts sticky tires, the driveline components simply can't handle the added torque and fail. In addition, differential, axles, and driveline parts have a limited life span under the power of a high-performance engine. Also, the proper gear ratios need to be selected and installed for maximum performance on the street, strip, or track. The performance of the driveshaft, differential, axle, and other driveline components needs to match the performance level of a particular engine, so maximum efficiency, longevity, and reliability can be realized. This book covers everything you need to know about selecting the most desirable gear ratio, rebuilding differentials and other driveline components, and most importantly, matching the correct driveline components to engine power output. Learn how to set up a limited-slip differential, install high-performance axle shafts, swap out differential gears, and select the best available products for the driveline. This book covers the Chevy 12-bolt, Ford 8.8-inch, Dana units, and many other popular high-performance axles and rear ends. In addition, it explains rear differential basics, rear differential housings, rebuilding open rear differentials, limited-slip differentials, and factory differentials. Ring and pinion gears, axle housings, axle shafts, driveshafts, and U-joints are also covered.

Genres: Cars

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Joe Palazzolo is a New York-based reporter on The Wall Street Journal's investigations team. He previously covered national legal affairs for the Journal, focusing on the functioning of the courts, privacy, gun laws and federal law enforcement. Palazzolo was part of a Journal team that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for coverage of secret payments to women who alleged affairs with Donald Trump.

Reviews

[Angie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reference, especially when trying to remember what was dad's backyard mechanic theory and what is generally fact across vehicles.