The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Buying used rearend questions

Been thinking about buying a new rear end.
I recently rebuilt(opened cleaned painted put back together)mine but it is from a 50's chevy car. I would like to put in a crate 350 soon and am not sure how my existing rear will do. also I keep thinking why add the expensive crate and have a beat old rear end.
So....
I came across this ad on Recycler.com

10 Bolt Chevy Disc rear end from 1985 Chevy Iroc.Ask for James. $250

Sounds perfect. But being extremely uneducated in this area what questions should I ask? What should I look for?
Thanks,
Sean

I just bought a 10 bolt rear from a guy that was sabout to scrap a 87 blazer, paid 150.00, reason I bought it because it was the exact width for my 51,3100, plus it was six lug ,same pattern as front.most late model rears don't usually go bad .If the rear has oil in it and not two or three hundred thousand miles you should be ok. good luck. old navy 51............................

Sean-

This discussion comes up often. There seem to be several important factors. One, the plate-to-plate width needs to be pretty close to your exisiting rear end. Second, most indicate that gear ratio is key for a smooth low rev ride after the swap. Third, check out the rear end U-joint measurements as you try to match the output from the new motor-tranny. You may need to search for an appropriate driveshaft as well. Finally, consider all the "mating" you have to do with systems (brakes, shock mounts, etc.).

See this page for more info: Chevy Trucks Rear Swap Info

I'd want to know gear ratio and whether or not it has positrac. Disk brake kits are more than twice that price.

Last I looked disk brake rears like you describe were going for two and three times that amount at swap meets. Its not a bargain if you can't use it, or its broken, but otherwise I'd grab it fast.

a 1985 camaro rearend has a 7.5" ring gear.i had an 84 camaro with a 305 ho automatic and broke one.i also understand its hard to get parts for the disc brakes.id check.chevy used the same basic rearend in the camaros from 1982-2002.

My 2 cents would be to find 2 wheel drive Blazer rear that will have 5 bolts or a firebird or camaro rear. Width will be just about perfect. Change your front hubs to 5 lug. You should be able to find a good rear for $100. Look for a 3:08 rear or there abouts for the Crate 350.

Just to add a little diversity to this discussion... I installed a '78 Cadillac Seville Rear in my '52 burb (about a 2.80 Ratio)..works great...designed for a heavy vehicle, I was able to hang Monte Carlo Discs wihout modification and it has an inherent sway bar

what'd ya use for wheels?
what offset?
my seville seems to be a little narrow...(76)

I used 15X8 nostalgia wheels from Stockton Wheel...the axle lined up perfectly with the stock mounting points...(I did, however, add 1" spacers to each wheel...

Definitly check the width to make sure it will fit.Secondly check the gear ratio,If your going to use a 350 or 400 turbo,you would probably want a 3.08,but if you go with a 700R4 a 3.73 would be nice or even 4.11 would work.I am using a 700R4 with a 3.90 rear which works out great.Nice pickup and you can cruise at 75 or 80 MPH.Also if your going to use a standard use something like a 3.08.