CutLS

iTrader: (6)

Anyone change their rearend in their swap? I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to need on my 72 Cutlass. I'm pretty sure I have a 10 bolt, 8 1/2 rear end. My cutlass has non c-clip axles already but I want to upgrade them with the diff but keep it non c-clip. I've made up many mind and am going to go with the Detroit Truetrac diff.
Who makes the best gear set? I've read some good things about Motive Performance. The only other brands I've heard about are Richmond and Strange.

Do the new axle brands sell their axles with the bearings on there already? Who makes the best axle?

71403

"BOP" non c-clip rear or a Chevy rear converted to non c-clip?

Gear brands are like beer everyone has their favorite. Comes down to the quality of the steel, how it was machined and how it was installed.

For street stuff I'm preferential to good used OEM components.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

The most cost effective way is swapping the whole rear end. Although I put a C clip chevelle rear in mine since they're generally cheaper and more available.
Check over at classicoldsmobile.com on gear swaps,

tfi racing

iTrader: (2)

Just remember that oddball Olds diff is a different beast than a Chevy one,most parts won't interchange even though they look very similiar so confirm what you have.It may be cheaper,easier and typically stronger to grab a 9" Ford conversion...

oange ss

iTrader: (50)

i've had good luck with Yukon products

MikeFSKSpeed

iTrader: (37)

Richmond/Motive Gear has always been good to us.

1989GTA

I have a '71 BOP rear in my 1965 Buick Skylark. With the 30 spline axles it has plenty of strength for anything I will be doing. Parts are readily available.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

IMO, there is no better A-Body gears or diff, there is just good or cheap gears and parts, any type of rear end can be in a A-body, which make a Rear end a Rear end. As stated, everyone has there favorite brands.
You need to make sure you have a 8.5 vs 8.2. A 8.5 will have some wings extending out from the rear carrier about the 4 and 8 o'clock positions (under the tube area). Try a search for Rear End identication on the web to research.

For many applications.. A well built 8.5" can carry you safely into the 9's.

I would recommend going to 30 spline diff and axle if you can find it for your applicatoin. Truetrac is a very good and strong all round diff.. I have used both Motive and Richmond gear and have no problem... What is more key is who is setting it up !.. if not done well.. it is going to start howling and fail early.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

Me too. With a motive gear (which has been noisy). Has held up to many mid 10 second passes.......so far.