[Need4Camaro]

I don't really need a new Differential right now but I am inquiring for information purposes.

• What are the factory limits of our Differentials on an SS and how long do they typically last?
• I haven't ever replaced the fluid in my Differential @ over 100k miles. Is mine ready to grenade? Is it still a good idea to replace the fluid?
• What are the weak links of our Differentials?
• What are the upgrade options for our Differentials? Can the be upgraded?
• Are there 'street-able' Rear-axle/Differential replacement upgrades for 6th Gens that keep all factory functions?

[david_acm]

The manual says to change your differential fluid every 45k miles. A lot of folks on the forums, myself included, change it way sooner because the first change has the fluid coming out pretty nasty from break in. I would do one immediately simply because it's such an easy job to do.

Page 311 on the manual (312 on a PDF reader)


https://www.chevrolet.com/bypass/pcf...P.pdf#page=312

[dpevans]

Really need to change the fluid, changed it at 1k and will do every year before track season.

[dmcmahan60]

Change the fluid because it will be black and look for metal shavings.
Weak points is the differential itself because it is a non serviceable part with a welded carrier and no aftermarket parts available.
There is an upgrade available but it is of 6k for it.
Don't let it wheel hop at the drag strip and you should be ok.
Hopefully some others will chime in and help

[BluinSC]

I've already had to replace the one in my SS at 60k. New one with labor is $3k at dealer.


Change it Asap.

[Kamero6]

I'm looking for a replacement 3.27 for the future...

[Need4Camaro]

Kinda strange GM didn't make it a serviceable unit. Why no aftermarket options?

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I don't really need a new Differential right now but I am inquiring for information purposes.

• What are the factory limits of our Differentials on an SS and how long do they typically last?
• I haven't ever replaced the fluid in my Differential @ over 100k miles. Is mine ready to grenade? Is it still a good idea to replace the fluid?
• What are the weak links of our Differentials?
• What are the upgrade options for our Differentials? Can the be upgraded?
• Are there 'street-able' Rear-axle/Differential replacement upgrades for 6th Gens that keep all factory functions?

In order:
1. You won’t reach the limit. I haven’t. How long it lasts is directly related to maintenance and how you drive the car.
2. As others have said, replace it right now. Every other year is what I do regardless of mileage.
3. The standard SS non-eLSD is surprisingly strong. There is no typical “weak link”. Driveshaft and half-shafts are the first two “weakest” spots in the SS drivetrain that will expose themselves once you make more power and run sticky tires at the track.
4. Only upgrade is a GForce 1320 9” Ford differential. Big bucks and complete overkill for 99.99% of all Gen6 Camaros.
5. If you’re using the car for street use, no upgrade is necessary at all.

Hope that helps.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

Kinda strange GM didn't make it a serviceable unit. Why no aftermarket options?

Originally Posted by Buddy Shagmore

The only service it needs is to change the fluid every so often.
Aftermarket options? Maybe get some titanium gears in there?
Sorry, seems like an odd question.

There is one aftermarket option out there, and only worth thinking about if you’re blasting 1000+ WHP on sticky tires on a constant basis, and that’s a Ford 9” diff from GForce. On a typical street driven SS it’s not worth considering. See my post above for more details.

[Need4Camaro]

Thanks for the input, so it sounds like as long as they are maintained, they can handle some generous abuse.

[Need4Camaro]

I have another question. If I buy a used unit, I need to aim for 3.w3's for the SS right? What happens if I go for 3.42's?

[Mark114]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I have another question. If I buy a used unit, I need to aim for 3.w3's for the SS right? What happens if I go for 3.42's?

I don’t think 3.42s were ever an option for the 6th Gen Camaro. Here is a thread that lists differential options.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=584316