[woods]

hey there's so much good info on this site I don't hardly have to ask any questions!
I've found out lots about chevelle rear ends, and the one in my '68 is an 8.2" 10-bolt. I want a posi so I figured I might as well look for a 12 bolt from a 64-72 GM A-body while I'm at it. Guess what- they cost a boatload. I know the 8.5" 10-bolts from 70-72 chevelles might be a good option for me, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any other vehicles, like maybe some later 70's cars, which would have a strong rear that would bolt right up to my chevelle. My goal is of course to score the strongest rear end possible for the least amount of cash-
thanks

[1969NovaSS]

I dont think the chevelles in 70-72 had the 8.5. They didnt come standerd till 73 but those are 1 inch longer in the axles but the mounts line up I believe. Maybe someone else will chime in that knows for sure.

[woods]

yeah- if the mounts are the same, I could deal with it being a little wider, I guess. thanks

[Hippie]

Some '71 and by '72 many Olds and Buick A-bodies had the 8.5" 10 bolt. Not the easiest to find but they're out there and are a bolt in. I've seen special control arms to swap a '64-'72 A body rear into a '73-'77 but not the other way around but the difference isn't very much so somebody with some shop skills could probably make it work pretty easily.

[k-star]

What is the intended usage of your car???

I have used the 8.2 10 bolts in 400 hp applications with zero issues....They really are not that bad of a rear...


Keith

[woods]

The intended use of my car would be to thrash it as hard as possible on public roads without getting arrested. Also, there's an eighth mile drag strip real close to me.

I did see a used Eaton 8.2" posi unit on e-bay a couple weeks ago for pretty cheap, but i did not jump on it because I was not sure if it actually was for an 8.2. There is an Auburn 8.2 posi in jeg's for like 330 bucks, so this is actually the way I'm leaning towards going. Or finding an old factory 8.2 posi unit. I thought there might be an easier solution with a total swap, maybe something will pop up.

The motor in my car is a 350 with a t350 trans, and I'm sure it's nowhere near 400 hp so I suppose my 8.2 won't be too bad after all. Some 4.11 gears in there should make it fun to drive huh?

thanks for the good response guys i like this site a lot-

[M&M CUSTOM]

The widths of GM A-body cars vary for which generation they came from.
The 64-67 axles are the narrowest, and are the same width as the 78-87 A and G body cars, if I remember right these are 58 flange-to-flange.
The 68-72 axles are wider at around 60 inches.
The 73-77 axles are the widest at around 62 inches.
The differences in the control arm mounting points and angles make them NOT directly interchangeable, but a little tweaking with the correct aftermarket arms will allow just enough mounting point angle changes to allow the swaps to become nearly bolt-in.