[BuckSatan]

Hi guys,I am a newbie with a question.
I have a 65 nova with a 10 bolt rear(8.2)that after a small block swap decided to blow up on me. I have a 12 bolt rear from a 65 impala and I'm wondering if I can just swap axle tubes,and buy new axles to swap it directly in.....backing plate to backing plate distance would remain the same along with pinion angle plus I could keep the spring perches where they belong. What do you guys think?

[poncho62]

Thats a lot of work, for little gain. The 10 bolts are almost as strong as` the 12 bolts. Personally, I don't know if the tubes and the bearings etc are the same size. I would put my money into the 10 bolt.

[302 Z28]

First off, the 12 bolt from the Impala is too wide. Second, the tubes don't just slide out of the carrier housing, they are pressed in under heat and welded. What you want to do is not possible for the average hot rodder. IMO the 10 bolt is not as strong as a 12 bolt. I had a 10 bolt in my 70 Nova and broke it after several drag strip sessions. Replaced it with a 12 bolt from a 69 Camaro and never had another problem.

Vince

[poncho62]

Only problem is, its near impossible to find a 12 bolt from a Nova or Camaro these days.....tres expensive when you do.

Granted, a 10 bolt isn't as strong, but they can be made to give good service with the right parts.

[Robinson Robin]

Originally posted by 302/Z28
First off, the 12 bolt from the Impala is too wide. Second, the tubes don't just slide out of the carrier housing, they are pressed in under heat and welded. What you want to do is not possible for the average hot rodder. IMO the 10 bolt is not as strong as a 12 bolt. I had a 10 bolt in my 70 Nova and broke it after several drag strip sessions. Replaced it with a 12 bolt from a 69 Camaro and never had another problem.

Vince

Lets not forget that there are 2 10 bolts that were used in nova's the 8.2" till 73 or so and the 8.5 73+. As for the 8.2 although quite strong the 12 bolt would be significanly stonger how ever if you compair it with the 8.5" 10 bolt strenth wize there isn't alot of difference. For 3rd and 4th gen nova's and camaro's that aren't to extreme the 8.5" 10 bolt is usually the best and most affordable choice the wreckers are simply loaded with them and they bolt right in and will take alot of abuse. The car we are talking about is unfortuantly a 65 and to my knalage there is not 8.5 that is a dirrect swap to the 1&2nd gen nova's. Personally I would put the money into another 8.2" 10 bolt and beef it up a little, if your running something to extreme for that go to a ford 9".