7.5 to 8.5 rear

[Garrett1982]

I would limit what you do on a daily driver to keeping it mechanically sound. I have modified dd's in my younger days and it isn't worth it. keep it tip top until you find another reasonable dd and take the elco off the road to build it the way you want, doing it right the first time. May take time but would be worth it.

 

[Injectedcutty]

When i put the 8.5 out of a h/o in my cutlass i had my driveshaft shortened and rebalanced for $140. Been solid since and that was probably 10 years ago.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Everything will work but driveshaft needs to be shortened 1-1.5". I had a local machine shop shorten mine for $50. No need to rebalance it if the end is welded back on the same way it was cut off.

 

[MC96]

Its cool to be able to upgrade with all gm stuff, or even to steal the best parts of every g body and have a truly optioned out ride.

BUT

After you go through the whole thing youre only a couple hundred short of a 9".. And what happens when you want to change gear ratio..

Theres a lot more availability/ aftermarket support for a 9" also.

 

[wonderboy24]

Is that w expensive? My car is a daily driver so it can't take long either

with the rear and rebuild of it and new upper and lower control arms springs shocks .ect had 8.5 blasted and powder coated i have about 2000.00 in mine

 

[ssn696]

The 8.5 GN axle is identical from the pumpkin out, and the upper control arm mounts are also the same. The axle shafts are different - 28 splines instead of 26, length is the same - no issue if you get those with the axle. If not, Moser and others sell replacement/upgrades. Your 7.5 wheel cylinders, drums, backing plates shoes, etc. will bolt right on.

I have about $1400 in this axle, with new gears, bearings, a half-priced 30-spline Craigslist Auburn, and Moser axle shafts. I blasted it and painted it with POR-15. The brake tabs are unpainted - I'll be cutting those off to swap in a pair of Camaro disc brakes.

 

[wonderboy24]

i spend 2000.00 on mine i checked into a 9. with out control arms and disk brake set up is 2600.00 here then another 600.00 for the control arms. yes you have better selection of centers for a 9 them are crazy priced.