How to Identify a 14 Bolt Rear End

The 14 bolt rear end refers to a heavy duty rear end commonly used in larger GM trucks and vans (3/4 ton and up) in the 1970s through 2000. It has a unique differential cover that distinguishes it from other rear ends on half ton and other light duty pickup trucks and vans that use a 10 bolt rear end. The 14 bolt rear end has a beefier ring gear to produce more torque and sustain the girth of the vehicle for heavier payload purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large wheel chock
• Heavy duty floor jack or truck jack
• Heavy duty jack stands (2)
• Safety glasses
• Creeper

1. Place a large wheel chock in front of one of the front tires.

2. Lift the rear of the vehicle using the heavy duty floor jack or truck jack and place the jack stands under the rear axle to support the vehicle.

3. Put on the safety glasses and crawl under the rear of the vehicle enough to allow visibility of the rear differential cover. The 14 bolt rear end has an offset hexagonal shaped differential cover.

4. Count the bolts holding the differential cover to the rear end. If it has 14 bolts, it is a 14 bolt rear end. This does not determine the size of the ring gear because there are a few different size gears used in a 14 bolt rear end. In order to determine that, the differential cover would need to be removed and the ring gear measured.

5. Lower the vehicle once you've determined the rear end bolt count and remove the front wheel chock.

References

• The 14 Bolt Bible

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