Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for MORE wrenching? 
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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,005 Posts1,055,264 Members48,418 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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#52575 11/18/2005 6:32 AM | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | I have heard and searched that mid 70's nova diffs are great in width compared to the stock diff of a 53 half ton. I guess a 75 is as mid 70's as you can get. I have found a 75 nova diff with good brakes and 3:73 gears and the stock nova springs. I haven't decided what tranny I'm gonna use yet, but is this something worthwhile for when the time comes? What needs to be done with the springs/perches? Who has swapped to a mid 70's nova diff? Thanks Much! | | |
#52576 11/18/2005 4:02 PM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,031 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,031 | http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=010333
Jim & Caroline The highway is for gamblers, better use your good sense." Gooday-that's my 1¢ answer due to the lousy economy ~ cause I ain't got - no . mo . doe Every Shaver | Now Can Snore | Six More Minutes | Than Before ... | Half A Pound for Half a Dollar | Spread On Thin | Above the Collar || BURMA-SHAVE
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#52577 11/18/2005 4:30 PM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | CCH,
I did that swap with a '76 Nova rear end...I fabricated new spring perches, but it was a VERY close match and the axle width was perfect. Look at my '51 Chevy pickup, Big Black, in the Gallery...you can almost see the rear axle. On an unrelated note..my father was born in Edmonton.
Stuart | | |
#52578 11/20/2005 3:22 AM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 299 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 299 | I have a 77 Nova and as much as I like the car in most areas, I hate the rear wheel cylinders.They are held in with a clip and they tend to loosen up like the 78-82 chevelles.I used a rear end out of a 76 olds Cutlass ,it has the same width between backing plates.And it has conventenal wheel cylinders that are BOLTED in, I prefer them. Lothar | | |
#52579 11/21/2005 7:15 PM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 69 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 69 | these axles are the little baby 7.5"
except for 442 models
and GN's
theres a billion different models of gm RWD cars with same or darn close axle width as these X bodies and G bodies,
billions,
camaros, cutlasses, montes, bigger cars even, caprices, impalas, delta 88's
you name it and lot of these other ones have the 8.2 or the 8.5" axle which is a lot better to have, but most all of these cars' axles are 2.21, 2.41, 2.73, 3.08, crappy highway junk,
good luck
Randy the easter wabbit ! -here to help fellow enthusiasts as best as possible  parting some vehicles, 54 ford truck 57, chevy 210, 69 fairlane coupe HT and others, | | |
#52580 11/22/2005 1:46 AM | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | Put a 69 Nova under my 49 burb. Perches match up w/ standard leafs.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
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#52581 11/22/2005 2:45 AM | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | Thanks for the info guys. Turns out this is a 273 ratio, so a little tall for me. Your Father's not still in Edmonton is he automarc? How can I tell what the gear ratio of the axle is on the spot? Thanks!!! | | |
#52582 11/22/2005 12:18 PM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 311 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 311 | Take a piece of chalk with you. Put a mark at the top of the tire. Get up under the car and put a mark on the driveshaft. Turn the tire one revolution and count the number of times the driveshaft turns. This will be the approximate gear ratio.
Always get a 2nd opinion, especially if I am the source of the 1st opinion.
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#52583 11/23/2005 4:53 AM | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | Oh thats right. I seemed to have forgotten about that trick. Thanks!! | | |
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