will the axles from a 7.5 10 bolt swap into a 8.5 given they have the same number of splines??? thx in advance
7.5 8.5 axle swap Yes but the c-clips are where you will need a trick. 7.5 28 spline axle to a 8.5 side gear will require you to make the outer diameter of the c-clip increased... Do not know if anyone makes something for this. Mig it and gring it for a back yard fix. I do not recommend any of this but It can be done. Jim
Re: 7.5 8.5 axle swap Resurrecting an oldie... Jim, the outer diameter of the c-clip needs increased because it otherwise wouldn't hold? I wonder if I could cut some out of similar thickness sheet steel and just grind to precision?
Both are correct. What axles were you needing that you need to go to 7.5 axles or vise versa It would be easier to use 8.5 28 in a 7.5 diff then the c-clips only need to be ground on the outside diameter to fit tthe c-clip retention recessed area of the inner side gear. If you are really good at tigging or migging you can do the outer diameter of the 7.5 c-clip then grind back to needed size. Now this is all unorthodox and should be taken with consequences that it could fail. Another way out would be c-clip elimination bearing blocks to solve the failure problem. All depends on what you are using this for and what you want to accomplish.
Heat treating will be done by the welder if your going that route. And remember if you do not know how to weld you could over heat the c-clip and make it brittle...Just be careful experimenting. Like I said you have to accept that this is experimental and that anything could happen. Ok? Jim
Jim, the reason I ask is that my car originally had a 7.5", but was swapped for a factory 8.5" posi w/ 3.42s with 5" bolt pattern. I have an extra 7.5" at home from the same chassis platform, but with 4.75" bolt pattern axles... just figured swapping axles would be easier than redrilling the flange, or even buying new axles. I may just buy new ones, though... I'd rather be safe than sorry. :laugh:
If you want 4 3/4 bolt pattern just use 73-77 axles from a A-body GM. They slide right in . I sell custom 30 spline axles for 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern. I just sold my last 3 axles to a dirt track car guy in Nebraska or I would sell them to you. I get these rears in all the time...so if you can wait a bit I am sure I can get you some. Jim
Both... Jim That rear is built like the a-body if it is 8.5 . The only difference is the 71-77 full size car may or may not be slightly wider at the lower control arm points which would be a 1978-1989 wagon rear. So depending on the over all width of the rear yes I can get you NEW 30 spline or 28 spline axles if you need for your car. I might even have some in stock that will slide right in. Just need a double check on the axles shaft length so we are not wasting your time. jim
