I have a 54' Special that I am trying to swap out the Dynaflow and torque tube for a 10 or 12 bolt and TH400. The problem is The rear end is approximately 53 inches from backing plate to backing plate. o No: Does anyone know of a rear end that is that width or will I have to have one made by moser$$$$? :spank: The problem is like all home car lovers I am working on a limited budget. All help will be appreciated. If you have one for sale send me a PM. Mike
A '72-79 8.5 Nova (X-body) r/e is exactly what you need. I build these up as posi rears quite a bit. '73 & later X-bodys will have multileaf perchs. The perchs will prob have to be removed & realigned for your '53, so if a chassis builder is not doing the job moving them, you might read up on pinion angle. Few other things... -In a search, be careful as many '76-79 X-bodys had the weak 7.5 rears... they're junk, not worth building. Easy way to spot the 7.5's is they don't have 3" diam axle tubes. Believe they're 2.6" in diam. -Shy away from weak '68-71 8.2 Nova/ low horse early Camaro rears, unless someone gives you one p - '73-74 X-bodys used the Chevy (Spicer 1310) u-joint flange - '75 & later X-bodys all (except Sevilles) used the larger 3R u-joint flange. - Most '72-74 X body rears will have 2.73 or 3.08 gearing. On a really tight budget, you may be able to get by with a used rear with that ratio used ring & pinion. Will mention, often after 35+ years of use, the original carrier bearings & races will be pitted & tracked, so smart to r/r what's needed. -Always smart to pull c-clip axles before purchasing. More times than not the original c-clip axles will be pitted in the bearing lands & will need replacing. If in an old yard with multiple 8.5 Nova rears, its worth pulling a few rear covers & dropping the c-clips to get a pair of nice axles. Axle saver bearings are not recommended. -All the above 8.5 X body rears used 4 3/4" bolt pattern axles. If you need same length 5 on 5" bolt pattern axles, watch for a '77-79 Seville. The Seville is just a gussied up X-body. Hope this helps, need further info feel free & drop me an e-mail... resto_services@yahoo.com :3gears: Roger
I think all of the Sevilles had rear disc brakes so that is an added bonus when you start making some serious HP.
Thank you Thank you for all your help! :TU: Just got back from the junk yard with a 74-75 Pontiac Ventura 10-bolt. It is out of a V-8 car, I think it may be limited slip, when the yoke is turned both axles turn forward? o No: Anyway, doesn't matter got it for $100 complete drum to drum :eek2: . It measures 54'' from BP to BP which is 1'' longer than my original but I think I can make it work. Thanks to all the great Buick people out there. This is a great website!!!! :beer
