I have a `71 Skylark chassis that I bought because I needed the frame and was hoping it had an 8.5 in it because I have read here that they came in all the `71-`72 cars. I've read the threads about identifying these rearends and it is obviously an 8.2 and has a June 6, 1970 casting date on it. If it isn't the original rearend it has certainly been in the car for a long time because it looks like it's never been out. Did Buick use leftover rearends from the `70 model year in some of the `71 cars? It's a shame because it has a real nice housing with very little surface rust on it. I scraped for numbers and found black paint still on it but the code stamping was too shallow to read clearly. I do know it's a 2.73 peg leg.
If it isn't original or you don't care, you might want to sell the 8.2 as the '70 guys are always looking for a correct rear (although they'd prefer posi). Then get a '71 8.5 and have at it as there's plenty of aftermarket support for the '71 and up rears. 6/2/70 is pretty late in the model year, so if you have an early '71 it's quite possible that it's a leftover and original.
It is very possible that with an early build date like that, they used up the left over 70 stuff, till they ran out. I have never personally seen an 8.2 in a 71, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. JW
Yes definitely 10 bolt 8.2 68-70 Most people say NO on the date thing BUT as it goes I never rule anything the factory does or does not do. Period. Jim
