Hello all:
I am trying to figure out how to tell if my 8.5 rear end has c clips aside from pulling off the cover. I bought it from a friend who had it in his chevelle and he bought it from someone else. It's been redone with Richmond 4.10 gears...originally had 3.42's... and all new bearings and so on. I was told it was from an Olds but not sure, I only paid 150.00 for it back in the early 90's. I know it's a 8.5 for sure as it has the square lugs on the bottom and a round irregular cover...now has an Aluminum support cover. Can you tell from looking behind the brake shoes behind the axle flange if it's a non c clip?. I just looked at mine while I was changing over to longer studs and noticed it has 4 bolts sticking out with nuts on them. I also discovered my wheel cylinder leaked and soaked the brakes and now I have to redo my rear brakes also. If anyone can help me out with this I would appreciate it. I have had this rear in my car for some time now and have wondered if it had c clips or not. I keep reading that Olds rears don't have c clips and Corporate ones do. I think mine is Olds but not sure how to tell.

Thanks,
Chris Mclelland

If it has the cover with a cut out on both sides then it doesn't have c clips. The c clip rear ends have a round cover.

It is round and the chrome cover that was on it had an irregular bump on it and was not smooth. The cover is round and does not have scallops on the sides like the Pontiac ones do.

The chrome cover is probably for the 8.2 10 bolt. These covers will interchange. Look at the ends of the axle tubes where the brake flange is welded on. If the tube tapers down slightly where the weld is then it has c clip axles. If it is the same diameter all the way to the flange then it doesn't have c clips. If you have the brakes off then you will see part of the axle tube sticking out into the brake area if it has c clips. If it is flush on the inside of the brake area then it doesn't have c clips.

Push/pull on the axle with the drum off.
C-clip rears have some end play ,while pressed bearings don't.

I appreciate all the reply's...very helpful. I think it may be c clip but I have to check one more time. Thanks again to all who replied!