I just tore apart the rear end and pulled out my Posi clutch packs. I read on the Chevy Punch article if the clutch plates are shiny they need to be tossed.

Mine are shiny across most of the area but the outer part is not shiny. However, I have the criss cross pattern on the clutch plates as shown in the following pic, but they are just shiny. It looks like the coating is worn off the top of the plates.

http://www.chevypunch.com/round1/volume3/12bolt_26_hires.jpg

How do you know if the plates are toast? Do the entire plates have to be smooth with the criss cross pattern worn off?

Which of these looks like your clutches?
http://thumb7.webshots.net/t/28/29/0/29/13/2474029130041712107ksnHAw_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2474029130041712107ksnHAw)
That piece of information in the Chevy Punch article came from me, which I picked up from Tom of Tom's Differentials way back in the '70s.

Looks like between the first and second one. There is the band around the outer part but it's not as wide as the second. It's shiny like that though.

Sounds like I need new clutches. What would you recommend for 496 street motor ? It has the stock springs and looks like the spring carrier has some wear on the outer plates. Also the shaft that holds the c-clips from moving looks like it has wear too.

So now I'm wondering if I should upgrade to the 33 spline axles and new carrier if I'm going to have to shell out cash to get this one back to new again.

A new set of clutches is $110 and a new cross shaft is around $30. If you want to upgrade to the 400 pound springs and plates then they are around $45. If the gears are good and the case isn't worn then it should be all right to rebuild.

Freddie on the subject of clutches what are these? They were in the GN rear I purchased.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/P7010006.jpg

Those are clutches for the 8.5 10 bolt Traction Lock. Looks like they are in pretty good shape, or new.

Thanks, so there isn't any friction material on one plate, just the embossing. These were the best I could find in the set. Most do not look this good and one is stuck on the side gear. That rear was toast big time.

A new set of clutches is $110 and a new cross shaft is around $30. If you want to upgrade to the 400 pound springs and plates then they are around $45. If the gears are good and the case isn't worn then it should be all right to rebuild.

I'm not sure I need a new cross shaft, but it looks worn.

Do you sell these? If so where can i get them from?

Yea, I sell them. I've got 2 sets on the shelf.

Phillip, there is no friction material on these clutches. They are just steel plates with a pattern on them.