Rear end G body compatible?
- Thread starter 81cutlass
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Some B-Bodies have come with an 8.5. I'm not sure if late '70s cars did, but it is possible to bolt it in with adjustable upper control arms.
I don't have measurements but I am pretty sure the width difference between a B and a G is the big issue.
Doober said:
From a B-body forum I found sedans typically had 2 widths (not including wagons, cop cars, and the Impala SS)
The 1566mm axle (61.65") is used on 8.5" axle applications only, with both disc and drum brakes, depending on the car (taxi = 11" drum with 2.93 or 3.23, police = disc with 3.08 or 3.23)
The 1598mm axle (62.91") is used on 7.625 & 8.5 applications, both disc & drum, 2.56, 2.93. 3.08 & 3.23. Impala SS is the ONLY 1598mm axle with rear disc brakes, and is the only wider axle that used 3.08 ratio.
From the Malibu forums I found
G-body widths are 52.13"
both sites claim flange to flange - if that is accurate (it's a bigger difference than I assumed) that would be an aweful lot of back spacing on the rims.
I don't know about that G body measurement of 52.13. Here's a link to rear end widths...
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html
the measurements are relative so there is no need to know where the measurements are taken from. The distance from the backing plate to the flange of the axle is the same for all GMs of the rear ends listed
pontiacgp said:
I did see the "for comparison" disclaimer - so what's the B-body width when measure from the same point to same point so we can compare? It shows Early A-body as a feesible size (but that has been discussed on other threads). The OP is talking about a specific rear for sale and I don't believe backspacing is going to compensate for the difference in widths. I think to use a B-body diff, one needs to have the axles and tubes cut - so is that a cost effective means to secure a 8.5"? or is one better off ponying up the bucks and finding a GN or 442 rear? I'd love to know too, as B-body 8.5" are EVERYWHERE, many have disc brakes and can be had dirt cheap. I wouldn't even mind switching wheel bolt patterns.
the" recent" B body rear is 60" in most cases which is approx 2" wider than a G body. I have read there are some variations tho. With an inch more on each side I don't see that causing much of an issue with clearance. I have Mullin's wheels and I could fit another inch on each side without any problems
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