What kind of rear end?!?!?!?!?
What kind of rear end?!?!?!?!? Ok I have a 63 Chevy II and its a straight six. I want to do a carbed LSX conversion but the problem I have is that the drums on the rear end are four lug. Im not sure of the gear ratio but would it be capapable to keep that rear end change the axles and the gears? Or would my other option be to just put in another rear end? What kind will bolt right up with little or no modification???
you can buy a 12 bolt rear end for it from one of the many rear end manufacturers. just call or look around for a used one. you could also use a mustang 8.8 rear end as they are very strong and good rears, but it would take a little fabrication to do that. either option would hold up to plenty of abuse and provide lots and lots of choices for different gear ratios.
The explorer 8.8 rear ends are supposed to be close drop-ins, Versitles/Granada V-8's had 9" rears that are drop in. Don't think there are any direct GM rear ends with the exception of the 64-7 and up 10" 5 lugs. The rear end will hold up fine if you don't beat the crap out of it.
Typically, the standard rear end gear is a 3.08.
Also, Maverick Grabbers have a 8" ford rear end with 3.50 gears, that is a direct drop in.
Typically, the standard rear end gear is a 3.08.
Also, Maverick Grabbers have a 8" ford rear end with 3.50 gears, that is a direct drop in.
I'll probably get flamed for this because everybody hates 10 bolts...but I just did the same conversion on a '63 Nova so I'll chime in. I found a complete 5-lug 10 bolt from a '65 wagon for $50 then had it blasted, painted, seals, bearings, fluids. Probably had $350 into the whole thing. It was direct bolt in and holds up fine to the mild 327 in the car. Like ssduane said it will hold up if you don't try to kill it. I got lucky and the donor rear end was 3.42. You can also sell your complete drop out rear for a couple hundred bucks. I've seen 3 or 4 of the 5 lug Nova rear ends since for a decent price.
Throw this advice out if you are going to put some $$$ into it though and get a built 12 bolt.
Throw this advice out if you are going to put some $$$ into it though and get a built 12 bolt.
Last edited by Leevon; Dec 18, 2008 at 11:51 AM.
It all depends on what your expectation is for the car.. daily driver, cursising or are you going to beat on it every once in a while.
As stated.. you can live with the 10 bolt rear end and might even put a posi with some mid 3.xx ratio into it.. and with the light weigth of the Nova.. it should hold up just find for a DD or crusier.. and a few burnouts at the local hang out once in a while.. but that is as far as I would take it.
keep us posted.
As stated.. you can live with the 10 bolt rear end and might even put a posi with some mid 3.xx ratio into it.. and with the light weigth of the Nova.. it should hold up just find for a DD or crusier.. and a few burnouts at the local hang out once in a while.. but that is as far as I would take it.
keep us posted.
