[rc1971ss]

hey every one, have a question. i have a 1971 chevelle with a 10 bolt open rear. just wondering what came on the 71's stock, a 8.5 or a 8.2. i thought i heard once that the 8.2 were in 60's cars, and also if the 8.5 is 28 spline on the axle shaft.

Thanks Rob.

 

[fj68malibu]

It's probably an 8.2, but this will help you figure it out.

 

[rc1971ss]

thanks for the pics fj68malibu, my rear cover is just like the 8.5, it dosent have that diagonal cut on the top right like the 8.2 has. and the ears on the bottom aren't on mine. i guess the best way to find out is either see what size pinion nut it has or just pull the cover and see.

Thanks Rob.

 

[mmurphy77]

I've seen some 8.2s with the curved edge on the cover and some without (smooth cover). The telltale sign is the "lugs" cast into the housing at the lower corners. If you do not have these lugs then you have an 8.2. The 8.5 came into use in '73 (some late '72s were known to have it installed) so if you're rearend is original to the car it will be an 8.2.

 

[trroscoe]

One way to tell if you have an 8.2 or an 8.5 is to check the pinion nut. The 8.5 has a larger pinion nut. I think it is 1 1/4 and the 8.2 is 1 1/8. My 70 Malibu which had the original rear that was indicated on the build sheet had the smooth cover that looked just like the 8.5 cover. You can't go by what the cover looks like. If it does not have the squared off ears on the bottom its an 8.2.

Rick

 

[manveru]

check the nut. best way to tell. my 71 cutlass had an 8.5, so who knows you might get lucky

 

[rc1971ss]

thanks every one for the input, it probley is a 8.2 but ill pull the drive shaft and check the pinion nut.

thanks Rob