C4 rear spindles: Any upgrades?

[69427]

Just curious. I'm putting the rear suspension back together (using '84 rear corners), and the u-joint straps and bolts are pretty unimpressive. Did Chevrolet stick with this arrangement throughout the C4 run? I don't drag race, but I've got a reasonably decent 427 ahead of this suspension. Any down-the-road upgrades available?

thanks,
Mike

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Yes, same for all autos and same for all manuals. You have a manual rear end? (dana 44)??? Bolts should be 7/16 right?

 

[BBShark]

The spindles on a C4 use 8mm bolts. I'm with you they look kinda small and the straps look like something that is used on a chain-link fence.

That said, I don't hear that it is a problem. Also I tried to see if the cast caps from a BB C3 stub axle would fit and the center to center is not even close.

 

[69427]

Yes, same for all autos and same for all manuals. You have a manual rear end? (dana 44)??? Bolts should be 7/16 right?

It's the stock C3 iron differential, hooked to the C4 spindles/knuckles.

 

[69427]

The spindles on a C4 use 8mm bolts. I'm with you they look kinda small and the straps look like something that is used on a chain-link fence.

That said, I don't hear that it is a problem. Also I tried to see if the cast caps from a BB C3 stub axle would fit and the center to center is not even close.

I was curious about the earlier cap usage. Looks like you've saved me some wasted time and money trying to retrofit the C3 caps. I suppose I could make some caps, but I don't recall if there's enough meat in the spindles to upgrade the bolt size too.
I appreciate the info!

 

[BBShark]

I just looked into this the other day and my recollection is that the C3 axle stub caps are about 1.8 inches c to c (3/8' thd) and the C4 spindles are ~2.1 inches c to c.

Seems like a steel cap wouldn't be too difficult to make. Certainly less difficult than the one Tracdogg2 made for the differential.