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Ok, I have the same delima for my 69 as it has an 8.2 rear.
Have you considered an 8.8 fox rear?
Or what do you think the total will be for the truck 12 bolt swap?
Yes, you can do an 8.8, but its a 4 lug pattern and id rather stick with the 5 bolt. Depending on the rear end you pick up which can be $400-$700+ ive been told it can be cut down and with new axles for around $700 + if you change the differential and gears. Do you have a picture of your 8.2"? From what im reading on the novas my 76 has either a 8.2 or 8.5" but it doesnt look like an 8.5.
If your car came originally with a 6 cyl, it's a 7.5 a v8 was an 8.5 or someone could have swapped them out.
8.8 fox rear $100 on clist same width as gen 1 camaro and gen 3 nova, new axels 300, posi and gears go cheap from 8.8s from what I've seen.
It's what I may do to my 69 if I don't find an 8.5 cheap.
The car is all original. My uncle bought it new in 76 and i've had it since I was 15. 350 motor with a turbo 350 tranny. It just doesn't look like a 8.5". If i could get a 8.8" with the same dimensions I would defiantly be interested and just change the axles out.
A nine inch can be done for around the same money. It is a much better rear end. I am not sure which vehicle would be the correct width but you can cut down the tube yourself. It's pretty easy. Also, you can weld on Camaro style ends and run fourth gen Camaro disk brakes. That would however, leave you needing 16" rims in most cases.
@codyvette...I ended up picking up a 8.8 out of a 89 foxbody today from a junk yard. I think the width is very close on them. Going to swap out the 4 bolt axles to a 5 bolt and so i can run a 4.75 bolt pattern wheel.
truck 12 bolts are not same as car 12 bolts - they are weaker - pinion is much thinner - kind of the problem with the 8.2's.
White 02ws6 I was going to suggest looking for the nova 8.5 rear they are the reason GM stopped making car 12 bolts I have build alot of 8.5s and they will take alot of abuse the 8.8 is fords copy of a 12 bolt and they're pretty easy to setup but only done 2-3
truck 12 bolts are not same as car 12 bolts - they are weaker - pinion is much thinner - kind of the problem with the 8.2's.
White 02ws6 I was going to suggest looking for the nova 8.5 rear they are the reason GM stopped making car 12 bolts I have build alot of 8.5s and they will take alot of abuse the 8.8 is fords copy of a 12 bolt and they're pretty easy to setup but only done 2-3
This - an 8.5 is not a weak rear end. Of course it's all relative to what your doing with it power and traction wise.
I have a narrowed rear I am going to sell soon and probably save you money in the process. Is this more for a race setup or street?
Its mainly street but it will see the track. What kind of rear end is it? I already bought everything for my 8.8. I just have to take it to the shop and have them do the work.
07-28-2017, 08:32 PM
Narrowing a rear end 
