Hi, I pulled the rear end out of a 71 Skylark conv. 350/th350. I think is a 8 1/2". Square cornered lugs on the bottom of the housing, "U" bolts, not clips with bolts for the U-joint mounting. Any way to tell wither its a posi or not? (no tag). Can it be made into a posi unit? Thanks Bruce
I thought u-bolts were on the 8.2's. The other way to be positive if it's an 8.5 or not is to look at the center section where the axle tubes go in. If it's smooth, it's an 8.2. If it has four bumps at 3,6 9,12, then it's an 8.5. If it's the original rearend, it should be an 8.5. As long as it's an 8.5, it's easy to get parts to make it a posi.
I believe that if you turn the wheels/drums and they go in the same direction it is a posi. If they turn opposite it is open. - Bill
Sorry should of put this thread in "Got Gears" ou: Here's what I have its got bumps around the center casting where the tubes go in, not exactly at 3, 6, 9, & 12, but I think it's the same thing. It has clips and bolts to hold on the U-joint. Holding the pinion shaft, spin one wheel the other turns the opposite direction. So I think it's a 8 1/2 open rear end. Next question is it easy to put into a 64 Skylark
