I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a lot about rear ends (like as in a car's rear end), :laugh: but I do know where to go to ask for advice. Got a BOP 8.5" 10 bolt that was supposedly "built" a few years ago before I got the car. The problem I have is the passenger side drum is rubbing the backing plate because of play in-and-out in the axle. No play up and down. Would like to get some expert opinions before I dig into this myself or go back to the guy that originally worked on it. Thanks! Dee :beer
Don't think it's original. Haven't actually taken a good look at it myself. Taking the word of the guy I got it from. Is there that a big difference in the two? Dee
The 8.2 is very hard to find certain parts for relative to the 8.5. Since the 8.5 has a bigger ring gear I suppose in theory it is stronger. A real expert, among others, on this topic is Roger from injun territory --Board name OPH.
Dee, Very simple to id an 8.5" If you have screws and straps on the pinion yoke, you have an 8.5" If you have U-bolts w/nuts, you have an 8.2" With your current situation/problem, don't drive the car. I think your bearings and/or axle is bad. You will need to remove that side and get it inspected for wear.
Hi Dee, You can also I.D. the rear by looking at the rear cover. An 8.2 rear will have a round cover with clipped sides (ears) whereas the 8.5 rear will be almost round. Good luck, Bill P.S. Check the rear for run-out (in and out play). You could also have a bad drum:warped,bent or rusted.
Hey, you were supposed to have that fixed a long time ago! Is it possible that the backing plate came loose or bent? If not, then I would still be very suspicious of the bearing or a bent axle. Did you do anything that might have bent the axle?
I know I was suppose to get it fixed a long time ago. Got too many other cars that keep breaking! The axle has play in it, so pretty sure it's bearings. Probably too many Big Buick burn-outs before I got ahold of it (hint Mark!). I noticed it start making the noise after hitting a small pot-hole. It usually makes the noise after getting warm, so bearings are a BIG possibility. Otherwise everything else seems ok. Got a free dyno event next weekend. Need to get it fixed quick!
Dee, I know a great buick person from your area that has been setting up rear gears for about 22 years if you need some help. He works with Wayne. :TU:
We pulled the cover this weekend and everything looks ok there. Didn't get around to pulling the axle due to all the neighbors stopping by to talk cars and a bad cold/flu setting in. It never fails that I meet lots of neighbors when I get out there and start trying to work on something. Anyway, after we get the axle out, then I'm going to start getting ahold of people if I get stumped. o No: Anymore progress on your black beauty?
