I recently purchased a 72 Riviera peg-leg with a built up 455 and would like to upgrade to a limited slip rear end. After reviewing the many threads on this topic, I find the first thing to do is identify what I have... Is this a 9 3/8 rear end?
Yes, the 72 riviera would have the 9 3/8" rear. http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/9-3-8-rear-differences.71740/ Actually an Olds 9 3/8" rear, http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/1972-buick-riviera-rear-axle.318385/
Thank you. If I understand the many posts on posi rear ends correctly, an 8.5" GM Corporate posi would bolt right into the housing I have?
No, I think they mean the entire axle. The 8.5 rears came in some big cars, and would bolt in. Post number 15 from the second thread I linked, Monzaz said, "Might as well just use a 10 bolt 8.5 rear same deal and it bolts right in. 1971-1976 10 bolt 8.5 rear is a direct bolt in from any FULL size GM car. riv Electra Catalina Bonneville 98 88 olds etc. Look for the LOW HP motor cars. 350 2 bbl 400 etc. Centurion Chevys Impala Caprice etc should have the 8.5"
Unless you get lucky and find a posi from a 71-73 big car 9 3/8, you would be better to find an 8.5 from a small block big car and install a posi/gears.
Belushi rocks! “What? Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!...”
2 different movies...lol Animal House. Leave him be ...he's on a role!!! 1941 - Check him for stilts..... Let me hear your GUNS! Love them both Boy we got off the subject!!! lol
1971 - 1976 all full size cars with 455 motor received this 9.3 / 9 3/8 rear 12 bolt cover 12 bolt ring 31 spline bolt in axles. The rear is considered a OLDSmobile rear end. YOU can use the gears from a 1965 -1970 BUT you will need the yoke with it and have to change the driveshaft etc...Might be more headache than worth when going out of era.
Mark, Cole is parting out a '71. Since this car came with the center console, it might be a GS with the limited slip rear axle: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/71-riviera.365543/#post-3159211
Just pointing out FACT . Don't want to become Confrontational , Combative or Argumentative Eric . It COULD but doesn't have to .
cough cough You got a hernia...lol. This is a discussion forum ...just say what you want nicely. We have parted out 1000's of rears and this seems to be the rule of thumb if you want to find a 9.3 you do not look under a 350 or 400 2 bbl. Nothing in this world is a guaranteed and since all these cars are well over 40 years ....who knows how many rears these cars went through after people tried to restore repair etc. lol. Jim JD Race
Exactly, and that's why I used the words "it might"... Anyway: Mark knows about Cole's post now, that's the only thing that really matters