I need advice on which rear axle assembly came on the 71 GS. The previous owner of my project car replaced the stock axle with a 1970 Chevelle 10 bolt 8.2", 2.56 because he wanted better gas mileage. I want a "factory correct axle for my resto. and am finding some conflicting information out there. George Nenadovich indicates that Buick Skylark/GS cars from 1968 to 1970 were 8.25" and in 1971 they started using the 8.5". Hemmings indicates that you can find a 10-bolt 8.5"in 1973 to 1977 Buick Gran Sports and then goes on to contradict that information by saying that 10-bolt 8.5"differentials can be found in 1971-79 Chevy II, Nova, Buick Skylark, and Olds Omega. HELP! Thanks, Bob Phelps
The 71 and 72 Skylark/GS came with the 8.5 10 bolt with bolt in axles. http://www.jdrace.com/diff_id/10b85.htm
Im not a rear axle guru, but I do know the factory '71 A-body GS rear had the cut-outs on both sides of the 10 bolt cover. Just something to look for