G body 8.5 or ford 9 inch
- Thread starter 79regaldriver
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8.5s are pretty rare and expensive for what they are. 9 inches are available new, drum or disc, any gear you could want.
Or you could locate a 66-72 A-body rear.
8.2 used from 66-71
8.5 used late 71-72
12 bolt used 66-72
8.2 used from 66-71
8.5 used late 71-72
12 bolt used 66-72
Where are you located? I have an 8.5" 3.73 posi rear in South Dakota.
For the money buy the best a 9 inch and never worry about it again!!!!
A body rear is from 64 to 72, the 8.5 and 8.2 64 to 67 is 2.5" wider than the G body rear and 68 to 72 is 4.5" wider
If you're making under 800 hp then the 8.5" is still the best option. It is designed for the G body and still cheaper than a 9". Add it all up and 9" rears cost a lot more than you think.
The problem with the 8.5 is availability, they are becoming rarer everyday but sellers have known this for quite a while and have priced accordingly so if you plan on upgrading it with better carrier, gear and axles then you basically are buying an expensive housing where a bolt in 9" housing with upgraded axles and a few options sell for well under a grand.
Plus the 9" has the added bonus of a drop out 3rd member and the fact that the 9" has a very high level of aftermarket support.
Plus the 9" has the added bonus of a drop out 3rd member and the fact that the 9" has a very high level of aftermarket support.
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