Rear axle options

[86Cutlass350]

Hey all,

I was just curious as to what my options are in terms of upgrading my rear axle. I currently have a 7.5 inch 2.14 open differential axle, and even with the mild 350 listed in my signature, I'm needing a posi pretty badly. A locker for this bad boy is like $250, and I'd imagine it would be better to upgrade to a 8.5 inch with better gears and either a stock posi or an aftermarket locker.

I'd imagine an axle from a Monte Carlo SS would swap in and be better, but I honestly can't seem to dig up enough stuff on whether that's possible or practicle.

So what have you other Cutlass owners out there done to address this? :?

 

[Furtrader]

You want the 8.5 from the following:
84 H/O(83 has 7.5)
Grand National 3.42
442 3.73

The Monte Carlo SS has a 7.5

Info is what I recall,not etched in stone.....

 

[86Cutlass350]

What about gears. Does anyone make any gear sets for the 7.5? What would I need to do to get something like 3.43s or 3.73s in mine?

 

[SBCregal]

Can't you put gears out of any other 7.5" into your rear? f-bodies, other g-bodies, s10/blazers etc would all fit i'd assume. Someone correct me if Im wrong.

Ryan

 

[betsy84]

80 s10/blazers posi's are a straight swap. Look for RPO code G80 = Posi.
There are 7.5" ring gears that you can buy. You can also get a Posi out of other 7.5" fbody's with 26 spline axle (pre 88 I believe). I just picked up a full rear end, Auburn posi 3.23s, all i need to do is bolt it in. When you get a posi you should either replace your LCAs or box them. If you're mostly driving in the street 3.23s or 3.42s would be good. 3.73s will give you a lower top speed, worse gas milage esp on the highway.