8.2 or is it an 8.5 10 bolt?

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by lark69, May 20, 2005.

  1. lark69

    lark69 Well-Known Member

    a friend of mine who has set up a lot of gm rear ends told me 8.5 rears dont always have those squared castings at the bottom of the pumkin like you see on most.and some people say 71 on up have a 8.5,but ive seen 71 and 72 cars that look real original and appear to have 8.2 10 bolts?what gives?????????????????thanks
     
  2. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Easiest way to tell is the 8.5 pinion uses 4 screws and 2 straps to hold the rear u-joint in place. The 8.2 units use two U-bolts.
     
  3. oPh

    oPh Well-Known Member

    There were three different versions of the '71-72 8.5 A-body rearend housing.

    Version 1)
    Most common style built...
    Axle tubes designed to receive A-9 axle bearings, & the squared off "lugs" @ 8 & 4 o'clock on the cast housing.

    Version 2)
    Axle tubes designed to receive A-9 axle bearings & no squared off lugs on center hsg. Just built one of these with 30 spline Moser axles & a new Eaton carrier.

    Version 3)
    Axle tubes "swelled" to receive A-10 axle bearings, & no squared off lugs on center housing...

    The last two versions, also, have a different cast center housing than version 1...

    Having ground the 8.5 "lugs" to look like 8.2's on waaaay too many 8.5 housings, & with the above 3 different factory versions of '71-72 8.5 A-body rears... can't say its smart to ID such a 10 bolt just by its lack of the "lugs"...

    :3gears:
    Roger
     
  4. lark69

    lark69 Well-Known Member

    ok my friend has a 10 bolt from a 72 chevelle.he says its a 8.2.it takes the straps instead of u bolts to hold the rear u joint.isnt there a difference in the size of the bolts or something?
     
  5. Iceman8.6

    Iceman8.6 Well-Known Member

    Which 71-72 A-body 8.5 got the big A10 bearing? I've never seen one of those. Every one I've seen got the A9 bearing.
     
  6. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    I believe the wagons used the larger rear bearings. Oph will know for sure. I do know the wagons had larger rear drum brakes than regular Skylark/Cutlass models.
     

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