Hello, I'm looking to swap my complete stock rear diff. (drum to drum) for a posi rear. Please advise what years will be a bolt on replacement. I think its 8.2 Can I use a rear from Chevy, Olds Pontiac ? found a complete rear diff from a 1968 Chevy Chevelle factory 4 speed (308 posi). Will it be a direct bolt on fit? Thanks, Robert
It will bolt in. Chevy uses a slightly different u-joint, clips on the outside of the caps instead of the inside like a Buick. It seems like someone makes a u-joint that is Chevy one way and Buick the other.
Phil is correct. Most parts stores should have the 1330 to 1310 u-joint. Well, maybe not most stores. I would probably avoid the chain stores. All they would give you is a blank stare., but Napa should be able to help you.
If it's not on their monitor screen,they won't have any idea. I use them occasionally,when swapping a BOP rear into a Chevy. Some people refer to them as an adapter U-joint or hybrid U-joint. If you don't have any luck,I can get them here. The only other difference with that 68 Chevelle rear,compared to your original,is the overall track width. The 68 rear will be 5/8" wider on each side,which will move your wheels outboard 5/8". If you have the original stock wheels,you will be fine,but if you have aftermarket wheels that are wider,and barely fit under there,you might want to check that.
Brake hose is different too. 65 uses 1/4" brake line, 67-up is 3/16". Edit: to clarify, the brake line on the frame, from master cylinder, is a different diameter. The hard lines on the rear I believe are the same diameter between the years.
You might be able to swap the 65 brake junction block to the 68 rear and keep the 65 style hose. Get a new hose while you're under there. Some rear brake hoses have the junction block as part of the hose, such as 67 Skylark. I think the 65 and 68 are the hose only, junction block is on the rear. Swapping the whole 65 brake assembly to the 68 rear is obviously more work. The 68 rear uses c-clips to retain the axles, so the cover has to be removed and the cross shaft removed to get the clips out.
If you want to reuse the backing plates,and not interrupt the lines & fluid,yes,you would have to pull the clips,but all of his hardware will transfer to the Chevy backing plates. You would just have to rebleed the brakes.
Why would you not just get your original rear built? Buy the posi gears etc ... Why put the Chevy rear in the Buick...PLUS you know the rear is a good runner to rebuild as it is in good working order already. Just more thoughts before you toss out the proper rear for the car. You can make ANY rear posi and any ratio there is not a limit in that. U-joints - all the chain stores have the conversion joints especially the chevy to BOP which is 1310 to Mechanic3R joint 1330 is the chevy large big block u-joint. which uses snap ring ends. BOP uses the inside c-clips that are pressed into a grooved cap 1 1/8" diameter. http://www.drivelineserviceofpittsburgh.com/universal-joints/ Step 1: Does your U-Joint take inside or outside snap rings? Step 2: What is the cap diameter of the U-joint? Step 3: What is the breadth of the U-joint? U-Joint # 1310 1330 1350 1410 3R Snap Rings Outside Outside Outside Outside Inside Cap Diameter 1.063 in 1.063 in 1.188 in 1.188 in 1.125 in Breadth* 3.219 in 3.622 in 3.622 in 4.187 in 2.556 in** Good luck, Jim J D
Thank You for replying and for the information. My 1965 is a survivor and I want to keep it original to Buick. I will have the original uint built. Can someone advise / recommend a shop (Long Island, New York). Thank You, Robert
Thanks for the info. I will call them on Monday. They are located within 30 miles of my house. Robert