Armyman2445

iTrader: (17)

Has anyone ran a 8.5 10-bolt before. How much better does it hold up to a 7.5?

8a8mfh

iTrader: (3)

They hold up a lot better, but no one makes one for a third or fourth generation f-body.

Armyman2445

iTrader: (17)

well then I guess I'll have to make it work. Call it a hybrid

8a8mfh

iTrader: (3)

Well keep us updated. There was just a thread here about using fords 8.8, a lot of people have made them work. My question was why no one tried this with GM's 8.5. I'd like to see one.
FWIW I rebuilt a 28 spline ford 8.8 and a 28 spline GM 8.5 around the same time and noticed all the bearings and seals are the same exact part numbers, except for the pinion seal. Seems they are similiar in strength, the GM carrier looks stronger.

keliente

iTrader: (22)

I would not even waste the time. If you are serious about racing do not pass go do not collect $200 go straight to a 12 bolt or 9 inch. You'll waste a lot of time and money getting an 8.5 to magically accept a torque arm and then you'll be like dang, should have just spent that extra few bucks and got something that drops in and is worth a crap.

chicane

They are just as strong as a 12 bolt.

But..... Kelly however, makes a valid point. How much money do you have to throw at an 8.5" ?? If you have money to burn, I'll gladly take your money or...... I say go for it and build it.

Armyman2445

iTrader: (17)

All I need is time and a welder. and a measuring tape. I dont think it will be that bad. But who knows. Only one way to find out. I just want to do something different everyone has a 12 bolt and few have 9in.

keliente

iTrader: (22)

I could see this point if we were talking about paint jobs or a stereo install...but when it comes to drivetrain personally I would rather have something that is tried and true!

chicane

Well the only one I have seen pull this off is Summers Brothers. The tricky part in the torqe arm.... and theirs was built off a custom aluminum rear cover. I havent seen one in a few years but its is still in their catalog. I have done a few of them over the years and it worked out rather well, considering.

The thing to pay attention to is having the housing straightened after all of your welding is completed.