i recently got a 10 bolt from a 71 cutlass.i was told its a 8.5 and i beleive it is.it has the strap type u joint retainers w/the hex head bolts, has bolt in axles,looks bigger than my 8.2.but it doesnt have the 2 big square lugs on the bottom of the pumpkin and the rear end cover looks different than most 8.5s ive seen.on the front of the housing where the tubes go in there is an o on each side so i thought i wonder if this is one of those olds o type rears but those are the fake 12 bolt(really 8.5)correct?im just wanting to make sure of what i have....thanks
Sounds like the 8.5 but someone ground off the corners. Here is a pic of one I have detailed. It is from a 71 Cutlass. When changing from the 8.2 to the 8.5" you will have to shorten your driver 1-1.5"
d.m.d, There are 3 different '71-72 8.5 A-body rearend housings. You have one of the 2 less common versions, neither have the big "lugs" on bottom of the hsg. On the cast center housing, to left & rh sides of the rear cover, there will be only one plug weld hole (on each side). Above, George posted a pic of the most common version of the 8.5 A-body rear. On the hsg, on the left & rh side of the rear cover, there will be two plug weld holes (on each side). :3gears: Roger
