A Split Of Opinion

Take A Look Inside

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BB: I have a 1969 Malibu with a 10 bolt rearend. From what I can gather it could be either an 8.2" or an 8.5" ring. It's an open differential and I have not pulled the cover to actually measure. Any clues as to how I can find out which one is in there?

RL: I'm not sure if that kind of information is on the build sheet or not, but try looking under the seats. I found one there for my '77 pick up. That might have some information.

DS: The 10 bolt rears on most 1964-72 Chevelles have 8.125" ring gears, and all of the ten bolts should have a smooth bottom. The 8.5" should have two square indentations on the bottom, and a recent issue of "Car Craft" had an article on parts identification.

S_: According to "Chevrolet By The Numbers", the 8.5" rear axle was first used on '71 Camaro and full-size cars. The only choices for Chevy "A" bodies from '64-May '72 is the 8.2" 10 bolt and the 8.875" 12 bolt. On the Monte Carlo in '70 only, the Pontiac Tempest style 10 bolt rear axle and brakes were used. Some late '72 Chevelle models could have received the 8.5" unit but they would have been built after May 1, 1972.

GM: According to the March, 1997, "Car Craft" magazine, the 8.5" started in 1970 and is identified by a bulge in the 11" oval cover, and big, square lugs on the housing below the cover.

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Archivist: Tom Wilson


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