Rear axle fitment

[michaelbluewolf]

Newbie to this site. Long time Chevy man.
I have a 1983 Malibu CL wagon that has the original 2:41 rear axle in it. I located an axle out of a 1966 Chevy Chevelle that is a great deal [sic] it is an open axle with 3:08 ratio gears. it appears to be a 8.50 size axle. I mearsured from backing plate to backing plate and it was 53 inches. Just wondering what everyone thinks about using this rear axle? the trailing arms look to be in the right position and since the G body replaced the A body it looks like it's a bolt in. Anyone know any difference or problems????
My original rear end has the pinion seal leaking and I really don't see the point in spending any money in the rear axle. So, what do you think. I use this car as my daily driver, Has a mild Goodwrench 350 with a TH250c transmission, A/C, P/W, cruise and tilt wheel.
Thanks to all who respond. Mike
OK so I looked and researched seems 64to 70 Chevelle 10 bolt axles ar 8.20 right?????

 

[pontiacgp]

I have one from a 67 chevelle and it's an 8.2. It's the same width as yours tho and you need the conversion uppers and lowers with a spherical bearing on the axle end. JBrue has the 68-72 version which is wider and his lowers fit ok. I have the UMI conversion uppers and the UMI lowers which they custom fitted a Roto Joint so it would pick up the angle at the rear end. I've attached a photo to show the angle at the lower. The spring perch on the Chevelle rear is on the front side of the axle tube but the spring will fit ok.

 

[Kansas Bu Wagon]

This is what i plan on doing in my car. Did you have to do any thing to the drive shaft or did it go right in with the umi kit?

 

[pontiacgp]

the drive shaft length is good although you'll need a conversion u-joint. The UMI conversion uppers don't change the geometry unless you adjust them to do so. The UMI uppers with the joint, I chose the Roto Joint, gets rid of the binding that the OEM uppers twisted to compensate the bind. Here's another picture of the rear the UMI uppers and lowers. I like the UMI parts, they fit well and are well made..

 

[UMI Sales]

Thanks GP!

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... th=8_60_68

Our uppers are intended to match the angle of the ears vs chassis. As GP mentions, the lower mount can benefit from some angularity improvement on some housings and is suitable on others.

Our base kit uses non-swivel lowers but we can build a semi-custom Roto if you're so inclined.

Hit me at [email protected] for a quote. Or on here as well.

Thanks!

-- Ramey