[projectjohn]

I need a little help identifying the rear end in my 1972 Chevelle. The car I believe that it has it's original 10 bolt rear end. What I would like to know is what size ring gear this rear end is. From what I have found I have narrowed it down to 2 different sizes a 8.5 or a 8.2.

I have looked at several site about how to id this rear end without taking it out by the pinon nut or the cover or the housing, but that has come out inconclusive. So if anyone knows what the stock rear end size was could you pass that on to me.

Also if you know what types of posi units fit it that would also help.

Thank a bunch

John

[JamesRS]

Here is a page that will help you identify what rear you have.

http://www.novaresource.org/axle.htm

[M&M CUSTOM]

[projectjohn]

Thanks for the picture, but that is what I was using and it was not working out.
1- The cover on my rear end is like the 8.5" rear end in the picture that was posted ( Thanks again)
2- My rear end does not have the squared off lugs at the bottom on the case, but mine is smooth like the 8.2" in the picture
3- The pinion nut is 1 1/8" like the 8.2 described in the photo

After looking at that nova resource page I see that in 71 novas it as 8.2 and in 72 novas it was the 8.5 I wounder if that would hold true for my 72 chevelle??

Thanks for the help

John

[TORI1]

I'm 99.9% sure if it does not have the "squared lugs" at the bottom quadrants it is an 8.2"....

[jimfulco]

I think I have an 8.5 in a '75 Grand Ville that has had the big ears almost completely ground off, but then it could just be some kind of mutant 10-bolt.

And just to complicate matters, I saw an ad for a rear end girdle (heavy cast cover with reinforcing bolts), and the ad said it would fit either one, so the covers might be interchangeable.

But I don't think the 8.5 was available on a Chevelle until '73.