Hello,

Getting the bird close to rolling. But of course there is more.

Now it's time for the rear end. A few guys tell me to install a lock up system in the 8.2 , but I have read some forums that it is not ideal.

I think I would prefer to just swap the entire rear for an 8.5 w/posi. Does anyone have or know of an available complete re built bolt in unit for a 68 coupe ,prefer disc brake ,but drums are ok to. with springs, no problem.
geared in 3.08 to 3.23 range. I have a wide ratio low geared 4 speed (3.42 1st)so I was advised to keep these gears. I do have a line on a nice unit out of a 69 camaro just need to put in different gears. but will a 69 axle fit the same? What about shock position and multi spring perches? Are the first gen camaro's the same as 68 Birds. 68 has staggerd shocks correct?

I can find lots of 8.5 diffs but they are all from 2nd gen cars. I do not have the facility to do the mods needed.
I will arrange all shipping, the vendor only needs to wrap it and put on pallet, load the truck and sign the papers.OR, any suggestions?

Please PM if anyone has available.

Thanks
TW

What rationale did these guys state that it's not ideal?

Keep the rear end and install an Eaton with a 3.36 or 3.55 gear.

Unless you find someone who already modified the rear for a first gen, the expense of the mods to me is not worth the 8.5.

AFAIK, nobody sells rears with leafs as a package. I have seen completely new 8.5's with POSI and your choice of gear with discs for $2700.

What transmission?

I was told and have read that the lockers are more suitable for the strip, for street driving they engage and dis engage while cornering and are very load and clunky. I don't personally know anybody that has used one.

The tranny I have is a BW ST-10 with the 3.42,2.28,1.46,1.00 ratio.
Will a 3.36 gear fit into the 8.2 housing? I thought I read some place that only up to 3.23 will fit. I guess I need to go back to the Eaton web site and look a bit closer at applications for Pontiac

Thanks,

The carrier is what matters...higher gears require a different carrier or a ring gear spacer...but wouldn't recommend spacers. The 8.2 housing will accomodate any gear.

I asked the question because some people misconstrue a locker as posi...but assumed you meant posi because nobody uses a Detroit locker on the street.

Determine what gear you want based on your driving style and go from there.

A high 2 low 3 gear will work with one carrier, and the 3..55-4.33 use another.

Plenty of Nova rear ends (8.5) that will bolt right in 70-74. If your lucky they may already have the gears and posi in them. The eaton is also a good way to go with your 8.2.

The '72 up Novas and their corporate cousins were available with the 8.5. Sometimes you can find them relatively cheap.

http://www.novaresource.org/axle.htm