Good day everyone, I'm looking at changing my 8.2 rear end for an 8.5 rear end. I have the option of getting a rear end out of a '75 trans am (Posi and 3.73 gears). I'm running a 455 with a TH350. I may be able to get both the rear end and a TH400 for around $500 CDN (which isn't bad). I was just wondering what I may be in for when looking at installing this into the Skylark. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Brandon
the Firebird is a leaf spring car, your Buick has coils and trailing arms. Its a no go. Plus Im not even sure the width of it is even the same. You will need a rear axle out of a 68-72 GM "A" body. You can go with a pre 68 A body rear but I think there is a 1.5" difference in width. I forget offhand if its narrower or wider.
You can use the posi carrier & gear set from the TA. Transfer those into any 8.5" diff from a 1971-72 Buick or Olds A body. Install that into your car & you are good to go (driveshaft mods needed).
Check with Ken from Everyday Performance here on the board - he has a rebuilt 8.5 posi ready to ship with your choice of gears for reasonable money...He has a place in the vendor section...
Check with Ken from Everyday Performance here on the board - he has a rebuilt 8.5 posi ready to ship with your choice of gears for reasonable money.He's done two rears for me, and does great work...He has a place in the vendor section...
Should the vendor still have the car see if you can get the front swaybar from it. It's a direct bolt-on less the bushings which need to be changed. Put it aside for now if you're not planning any suspension work soon. Coupled with a rear sway this turned my '71 into a reasonably adept street car. Long gone were the severe right & left body rolls in a turn. http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/swaybar.htm
