but before I was going to get pics I was going to run over to the mall to get a front plate made. I was planning on getting on the freeway, just got a k&n air filter and I wanted to test it out, but some idiot truckdriver blocked me from the on ramp. So I took the back way, I was singing to the radio and having a good time like always. This was until I turn onto the street on which the mall was on. About 20 feet after I get on the road I hear a loud pop and my car started to slow down, I tried giving it more gas but it was like it was in neutral. Then there where some other loud noises so I slamed on the brakes, I locked up the front ones and slid a few inches. I got out to inspect my car when I see the my rear passenger wheel with axle is resting on my passenger door. She is at the shop they are going to take apart the rear end tomorrow and tell me what is going to have to be done.

I also got a scuff on my door where the wheel was, should buff right out

I thank God for that truckdriver so it wouldnt have happened at 70+ instead of 15 or less.

The Lord works in mysterious ways, the good thing is you're ok!!

You should be able to get a rear end from a Bone yard for around 150 if you don't tell them you have to have it. I think most G bodies will work. I'd just get another.

Stupid "C" clips, one probably broke or came off.

Well I went down to the mechanic's and turns out I really broke it. I am going to have to buy a whole new rear end but I found one at a yard for 200 and they are checking the gearing as we speak.

That k&n air filter must have boosted my horsepower so much it killed the rear end, lol.

The rear differential in the 5th generation El Caminos were 7.5" and they are pretty weak. I really doubt that the Air Filter pushed you over the top. The rear end is manufactured for about 350 Lb/Ft. of torque (About 275 to 300 HP) and that is only with an Automatic. Those rear ends are not good to have behind a standard you need at least a 8.5" behind a Standard and a decent 350 SBC. Torque converters act like a torque multiplier and can as much as double, maybe a little more, your engine's torque output at take off.

So going from something like a 305 to a 350 with a good amount of HP (Torque) then tearing up that rear end is a definite possibility. Most Power Plants do not have enough output to "really" do any damage. Something that is producing say 300 HP at the flywheel is only putting about 275 at best to the rear wheels and probably more. Conversely, the bigger (Stronger) rear end you get the more power it takes to get you moving so you loose even more power. It's sort of like getting that pay raise and finding out that put you in the next higher tax bracket and you actually loose money (net take home.) It is the same with the drive train. The stronger you make it the more power it takes to get you rolling (the more power it absorbs) and the net is always a loss. So if you go over the drive trains' specs with the power levels, you really should do it in a big way so you actually notice the output.

I really doubt that the Air Filter pushed you over the top.

I was being sarcastic that is why I put the "lol" at the end

Is the C Clip all that holds the rear axle in place? I have seen a few cars in my time broken down with the axle sticking way out. Is that a common failure at all? Is it something to worry about on a high mileage vehicle? Just wondering.

C clips even on the fullsize trucks, had one come in last week where the customer attempted to fix it himself. we towed it in with no axels, locker and all the nuts, bolts, clips in the bed of the truck. he lost most of it. so he got to buy a new rearend(rebuilt) $1800 :P

Well I got my baby back today, she is better than new execept for the scuff

You know what time it is now, PICTURE TIME!!!!!!!!!
http://paintballtimes.com/forum/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=2365