8.5 in rearend

[64nailhead]

From what I've read, when my 7.5" rear goes, it should fail related to the c-clips; the axel will no longer be retained, and the axel/wheel will leave the car. What I am really worried about though, is for the rear to come apart and come through the back seat maiming my passengers.

Bzzt - the c-clips are a concern no matter of the rear - in drag racing. Unretained axles is dangerous. An 8.5 won't solve that. And if you 'blow up' a 7.5, then the passengers will be safe. If a 7.5 fails it will be gear failure or an axle failure. The stock 26 spline axles are toothpicks compared to an S10/S10 Blazer/Bravada 28 spline 7.625 axle. Now compare them to an 8.8 axle and they look beyond puny.

Using an Exploder 8.8 is 110% a deal that requires fabrication and alot of it. Ask me how I know. But it's worth it from a strength stand point.


I've said this numerous times here, a 7.5 at 350-400wheel HP (equates to 400-500 crank HP), will live for a looooong time, if not forever, without a sticky tire. If you have a true 350hp motor, then keep the 7.5 and buy a set of decent axles (Moser - $300) and forget about it.

 

[doood]

Upon better inspection, the rear for sale in Bedford PA has bent bracketry and has been converted for c-clip eliminators (evidence is 4 nuts and bolts in flange). Facebook Marketplace is the wild west. Guy doesn't even know what he is selling.

1. The rear for sale in PA has busted bump stop bracket
2. The rear for sale in PA the LCA bracket looks repaired or modified with plate like the shock mount got ripped out in the past
3. The plate on the axel that the brake line goes through has been modified and probably has c-clip eliminators because of the nuts and bolts. The part where the wheel cylinder goes has been lopped off

 

[scoti]

Upon better inspection, the rear for sale in Bedford PA has bent bracketry and has been converted for c-clip eliminators (evidence is 4 nuts and bolts in flange). Facebook Marketplace is the wild west. Guy doesn't even know what he is selling.

1. The rear for sale in PA has busted bump stop bracket
2. The rear for sale in PA the LCA bracket looks repaired or modified with plate like the shock mount got ripped out in the past
3. The plate on the axel that the brake line goes through has been modified and probably has c-clip eliminators because of the nuts and bolts. The part where the wheel cylinder goes has been lopped off

Or somebody had rear discs on it @ some point?

 

[gnvair]

How does this dirt track 8.5 look? Seller says is g-body rear. Likely has mini-spool. Has 1/2 inch lugs. I'd buy it, pop the cover, see what I have, replace ring, pinion, axels, carrier... According to the seller, the stock car came from Virginia and they used an 8.5 for stock car there... He needs to run a 7.5 in Pennsylvania where the car is now. He hasn't run it or opened it.

That's not a G body rear. Several clues....the brake backing plates have 4 bolts visible and the old small axle flange. The lower control arm mounts are not correct. The brake hose mounting at the top of the housing rather on the left front of the center section.

 

[doood]

Or somebody had rear discs on it @ some ponot a g-body rear.

That's not a G body rear. Several clues....the brake backing plates have 4 bolts visible and the old small axle flange. The lower control arm mounts are not correct. The brake hose mounting at the top of the housing rather on the left front of the center section.

I figured out something was off so I passed. Thanks for confirming.


This one looks Like the real deal except very crusty and without brakes... I'll go pick it up Saturday morning.

 

[Rt Jam]

Just for your information. Bolt on C clip eliminators, while technically will get you past tech.
It is a band aid solution to cutting the ends off and going with a big Ford bearing.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Right on. My aversion to the ford is a disbelief that the driveline angles and centering of the rear are easy to get right. I know I would get these things right without any fiddling if I got an 8.5 from a 442. I'm interested in the puzzles and satisfaction in solving them aspect of car restoration and mild mods (so long as I'm not first to do the mod), but when it comes down to it I'm lazy and the car only gets 5% of my attention span any given week.


looks like a 12-bolt cover

Also keep in mind that only Aero generation Crown Vics/Panthers will work as donors. Aeros are not as common as they used to be. 1997 was the last year for Aero production. The newer and more common Whale generation Crown Vics/Panthers have a redesigned rear suspension so their rears won't work well for G bodies. Shame too because the Whales were upgraded to rear disc brakes. The lowest gears Crown Vics had were 3.55 which was only offered as an option for P71 police package cars. Regular Crown Vics only went as low as 3.27.

 

[doood]

I lucked up and found a unicorn 3.5 hours away in CT. The Buick rusted away long ago. It's an open diff unknown ratio Spins freely. I have no idea why the brakes are missing. $1300 And 7 hours well spent. Should be able to get this under the Monte for $2500 all inclusive If I Learn how to build it this year. The brothers I bought it from threw in a drive shaft In case I need later. That was the extent of my negotiating. You can't really negotiate when you're desperate enough to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning on Saturday and drive 2 States away.

 

[g0thiac]

Turns out, my Holiday 88 has this desirable rear end.

Since we are talking 8.5 gears, what are my posi and open diff options- I am guessing finding an Eaton unit won't be as much of a search or price?

Thanks guys. -Chris.

 

[gnvair]

Turns out, my Holiday 88 has this desirable rear end.

Since we are talking 8.5 gears, what are my posi and open diff options- I am guessing finding an Eaton unit won't be as much of a search or price?

Thanks guys. -Chris.


View attachment 219548

A Holiday 88 would be a B body. Not the same rear if you are talking about putting it under a G body