Possible rear end swaps?

[Reddzedd]

The time has come again to progress on my not-so-little '78 Malibu build.
As I'm sure most of the people on this forum know, the 7.5" rear end that came in G-bodies is one of the weakest GM made, and can't hold up to a substantial power increase, at least not for long.
I've done a few sparse research sessions over the past few months, and am starting to narrow down on a 9" swap from QuickPerformance, like this one.
Of course, that is just an idea for now.
What I'd like to know is what rear ends/rear end kits people have swapped into their G-bodies, especially those who have done the famed big block swaps.

 

[GuysMonteSS]

After blowing up the 7,5 behind my big block I got a 9 inch.
Mine came from Forrest and Forrest Racing in Kitchener Ontario.
The price was right and it’s been bulletproof after 15 years of abuse.
A side bonus was that it came with bigger drums than stock for better stopping power.
Guy

 

[Streetbu]

I used a Buick Grand National 8.5" rear end. Bolts right in, just have to shorten the driveshaft 1"

 

[gnvair]

As most people who have been around these cars know, a stronger rear end is not a cheap proposition.
You should realistically plan to spend $1k plus on any true "bolt in" whether it is one of the many Ford 9inch rears, Moser 12 bolt or Dana 60 or even a posi equipped 8.5 10 bolt from an 84-87 Turbo Regal or Olds Hurst/442. Other options such as 65-72 A body rear ends, Fox body Ford 8.8's are not true bolt ins as they require special adaptive control arms, welding coil spring perches, rims with different back spacing, etc.
People typically look at the cheapest option and don't think about other items such as brakes and drive shafts that also have to be taken into account.

 

[565bbchevy]

You should realistically plan to spend $1k plus on any true "bolt in" whether it is one of the many Ford 9inch rears, Moser 12 bolt or Dana 60

Any aftermarket complete bolt in rear will be more like $2,000 +

 

[pontiacgp]

I have an 8.2" A body rear. It's from a 67 Chevelle so it's 2.5" wider than a G body rear. I have the UMI conversion uppers and UMI lowers with a Roto Joint on one end to install the rear end and the driveshaft has to be shortened 1". From what I read the rear end can handle up to 500 hp. If you use the 68-72 Chevelle rear you don't need a Roto Joint on the lower control arms and the UMI conversion upper will work but that rear end is 4.5" wider than the G body rear. The 10 bolt and 12 bolt A body rears are the same width. I paid $600 for the 8.2 rear, it's an Eaton posi and had the 3.08 gears I was looking for.

 

[gnvair]

Any aftermarket complete bolt in rear will be more like $2,000 +

Maybe you should read where I said $1k plus.

 

[565bbchevy]

Maybe you should read where I said $1k plus.

Yes, I read it IMO $1k plus would lead someone to believe it is possibly well under $2,000 but maybe I am wrong.

 

[Doug Chahoy]

I went with a QP 9. Just under $2,000,00 Glad I did. One thing I’ve wondered is, how much power can a stock 8.5 handle ? The average purchase price of an unknown quality rear seems to be $1,000.00. Then if you have to rebuild it for whatever you need/want, your probably talking about the same amount of money. Thats why I went the route I did.

 

[gnvair]

I went with a QP 9. Just under $2,000,00 Glad I did. One thing I’ve wondered is, how much power can a stock 8.5 handle ? The average purchase price of an unknown quality rear seems to be $1,000.00. Then if you have to rebuild it for whatever you need/want, your probably talking about the same amount of money. Thats why I went the route I did.

I know a lot of Turbo Buick guys running into the 10 second range at 3500+ pounds on a 8.5 with stock axles and carrier. Fastest I know of is Cal Hartline who went mid 8's with axles and spool on a G body 8.5.