What to look for when buying used 10 bolt?

**StuntmanMike** · 03-16-2009, 02:21 PM

I'm looking to pick up a 3.42 ten bolt for my 2.73 A4.

Can anyone give me some pointers on what to look for when looking at a used axle?

Also, is there a quick way to verify that it's actually a 3.42 rear?

Thanks!

**oldmanZ28** · 03-16-2009, 04:12 PM

For starters,compatability with your existing 3 abs or 4 channel abs/tc system.

**ls1camino** · 03-16-2009, 04:19 PM

^^^ What he said, but then again, I got rid of my ABS and TCS.

On a related note...I just took my 10-bolt out of my car in favor of a 9".

Pros:
- Has a brand new set of 3.42 gears
- No whine at any speed.

Cons:
- The axles are out because I took the backing plates off to put on my 9"
- It doesn't have backing plates (you can take the ones off of yours and put them on this one),

**thearborbarber** · 03-16-2009, 04:45 PM

These are the folks I just bought mine from;

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/pick_a_part?_rdc=1

**StuntmanMike** · 03-16-2009, 06:45 PM

Thanks LS1 Camino, but I've actually already found one locally. It's a 4 channel, so it'll work with my ABS/TCS. Supposedly has less than 50k on it, and is already out of the car.

I was just wondering if there's anything else I can check.

Is there a tag on the cover with the ratio stamped in?

**chuckie669** · 03-16-2009, 07:21 PM

Do you know if it was from an auto or M6 car? They should know.

**bigrondownhiller** · 03-17-2009, 11:51 AM

Rotate the pinion and see how much play is in the gears. You can also rotate the pinion and count how many times the axles rotate compared to the pinion. If the pinion goes around about 3 and a half times to the axles 1 time then it is a 3.42.

**StuntmanMike** · 03-17-2009, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by bigrondownhiller

Rotate the pinion and see how much play is in the gears. You can also rotate the pinion and count how many times the axles rotate compared to the pinion. If the pinion goes around about 3 and a half times to the axles 1 time then it is a 3.42.