WTB 8.5 rearend out of 1971-72 GM A body

[BKING33]

I don't remember seeing a cover with notches before. I do know the gasket part # is the same as the rear axle cover in a Squarebody.
I did look in some of my parts books and the 8.5 is only listed for a late model 72. I'll try to dig around my inventory to compare the 2 covers.
I think they are different sizes. Every 8.2 I had always had the v-notched cover just like a 12-bolt.

 

[Ricko1966]

@BKING33 thank you. The discrepancy is more than the cover its the actual housing,and depends on who you're listening to or believing. The Buick Guys say the protrusions on the rearend housing at 5 and 7 are the tell. The Chevelle guys say you have to pull the cover because 71-72 could have the smooth cover no protrusions and be an 8.5 or an 8.2. Then some of the magazines say they were in this or that by year.Then some rumors are there was a strike during that Era and you got whatever was available. And actually I appreciate everyone's time on this. Somebody was asking rearend advice,it reminded me I wanted an 8.5 because I've got a stash of 8.5 parts. But the rearend in the car whether it's 8.2 or 8.5 has been there 20 years so it's a pressing issue.

 

[BKING33]

Quick check you can do is measure pinion gear nut. 8.2 should be 1 1/8". 8.5 is 1 1/4". Also the ring gear bolts on a 8.2 take a 3/8 socket. On a 8.5 the bolts are 3/4" and are left hand threaded.

 

[Ricko1966]

Yep knew about the ring gear bolts, I just need to pull the cover. I've always thought this was an 8.2 until just the other day,thus why I put up looking for an 8.5 then found out it just may be an 8.5. Actually though I'm not that lucky. Since I started this thread I did find an 8.5 out of 72 Skylark,priced right 400.00 it is 17 hours away and my luck I will drive 17 hrs. and it will be an 8.2 lol.

 

[BKING33]

Took a look at covers and they do have same size bolt patterns. So the cover isn't really an indication of what rear you have.

 

[Ricko1966]

Yep,best bet is just pull the cover. Too many unknowns. Supposedly all 8.2s use ubolts 8.5s use straps for the ujoint,mine has straps,who knows if its the original yoke though. Pinion nut size is an indicator, If it has the original pinion nut.etc. etc.

 

[MrUSA1]

I always thought the Camaro got the 8.5 in 71 and Chevelle in 73, I own a 73 or 74 Buick Apollo rear that is an 8.5. The bottom line is an 8.5 is much stronger than a 8.2.

 

[Ricko1966]

I always thought the Camaro got the 8.5 in 71 and Chevelle in 73, I own a 73 or 74 Buick Apollo rear that is an 8.5. The bottom line is an 8.5 is much stronger than a 8.2.

Yep and there's the problem depending on what magazine you are reading, who you are talkingbto,what forumn you are on,the info is inconsistent as to what years and models got what,and how to I'd them. I am just going to have to open up the cover and check.

 

[MrUSA1]

I get my info from my Hollander Manuals.

 

[Ricko1966]

I get my info from my Hollander Manuals.

Ok,so what gm a bodies got 8.5s 70-72?

 

[BKING33]

As per GM parts catalog and some other books I have they started putting the 8.5 in late 72 Chevelle's and Monte's as they were phasing out the 8.2. Camaro's started running 8.5 in 71. I have a parts manual that was published in October 1970 and there is no listing of it. It is in my newer catalog published in 1983.

 

[Ricko1966]

Thanks,What about bop ?

 

[BKING33]

Not sure. I'll have to check at work. Have manuals for Pontiac and Buick.

 

[Grumpy]

My personal preference would be to locate a diff from one of the (Oldsmobile 350) diesel-powered A-body station wagons. Normally they were 12-bolt and were equipped with larger drum brakes. The ratios varied, yet were fantastic for a gas-powered vehicle on the highway.
I will try to locate a article where they displayed ALL of the parts that were the same between the 1964-19801 GM A-Bodies (except 1965, which apparently was a strange year) and many of the F-Bodies along with the Nova, Apollo (I had a 75 for years) Omega and Ventura. You could manage different upgrades if you were careful and still employ all GM factory parts (larger front disc brakes, and converting rear disc brakes from Trans-Ams with WS6 Brakes, etc..)

 

[Ricko1966]

WTB 8.5 rearend out of a 71-72 A body

An A body would be a Cutlass,Skylark,Chevelle,Lemans etc. Not interested in anything but those. The reason I state that is last time I ran this anywhere. I got all kinds of responses I've got a rearend out of a Mustang, a Camaro,etc.etc. I don't want to have to fab up anything I want to buy it put my internals in it and install it. If anyone has something please p.m. me. Thanks.

I do not want any rearend other than an 8.5 out of an A body 72 or prior,nothing else. I have my reasons.