[andyg]

Looking for some input from you all on my rear axle.

After the power tour this year, the axle is making lots of noise. I believe the car has 178k on it judging by the condition it was in before I tore it apart. The posi has been hit or miss for awhile on actually being a posi.

I guess my main question is, is it worth having the axle rebuilt or just order a new assembly for about $2500 from moser or strange. I need the car to be reliable, and never expect it to make over 350-400hp.

Thanks.

[67gtospud]

You could put a new posi unit in along with new axles for a lot less than 2500. Especially since your planning on staying under 400hp. Would also be a good time to change the gearing if you so choose.

[b-man]

350 or 400 HP easily kills the 8.2" 10-bolt rears these cars originally came with, rebuilding one is not worth the investment.

Upgrade to a rebuilt 10-bolt 8.5" corporate rear out of a '71-'72 Old or Buick A-body at the very least, or simply order a nice new 12-bolt.

The properly rebuilt 8.5" corporate rear can be had for about half the cost of a new 12-bolt and is nearly as strong, plenty for your needs.

[tempest1964]

Adding to what B-man said, I have found a guy online named Brian Trick. He rebuilds and sells 71-72 8.5" rear ends. He is highly recommended on the reviews I have seen. As an added benefit, these rear ends have the same shape cover as the 8.2 rears. So they look stock. I do recall reading that the drive shaft would have to be shortened 1/2-1".
Good Luck
Tony

[mchell]

The Pontiac 10 bolt should easily serve you well in that power range... As witnessed by your estimate of 175,000 miles

Not sure what you mean by " noise from axle".... Could be as simple as a bearing... I would investigate before spending a dime... You might find something fixable to get you another 175,000 miles and A LOT LESS THAN 2500

If money is not a concern and you want something shiny and new... Then by all means get a new piece


Corporate 10 bolts aren't growing on trees anymore.....nor are 12 bolts ... junk that needs total rebuilds are sky high these days...seems everyone's got a gold plated "slightly" used one they'll sell for the right price

[andyg]

Mine currently has a bad vibration over 65mph. The wheels have been balanced and the DS is new. Combined with the leak in the pinion, some metal in the oil, and the noise I think the pinion bearing is failing.

I know the 8.2 has served it well so far, but the biggest issue is finding someone local who could actually rebuild it properly. I would like to do this in a cost effective manner, but if a new one will wind up marginally more I would just go that route.

Any estimates on what a rebuild would be? New carrier, axle shafts ect.. I would love to find an old timer that knows how to properly set the crush sleeve and anything else.

[max 93]

How far are you willing to travel ? I see you location is north of Chicago. There is a good guy in South Milwaukee that does transmissions and rear ends. I know several people that had work done by him including myself.

[andyg]

Milwaukee is close enough to go for someone who knows what they are doing. What's the guys info?

[max 93]

Pm'd you his info

[mchell]

Originally Posted by andyg

Mine currently has a bad vibration over 65mph. The wheels have been balanced and the DS is new. Combined with the leak in the pinion, some metal in the oil, and the noise I think the pinion bearing is failing.

I know the 8.2 has served it well so far, but the biggest issue is finding someone local who could actually rebuild it properly. I would like to do this in a cost effective manner, but if a new one will wind up marginally more I would just go that route.

Any estimates on what a rebuild would be? New carrier, axle shafts ect.. I would love to find an old timer that knows how to properly set the crush sleeve and anything else.

You will always see some metal....a seal leak is a small fix.... Why would you need axles?...if they aren't broke in half, it would be highly unlikely that they would need to be replaced....A vibration could be anything from tires, driveshaft, worn suspension parts etc etc etc...a new rear is not guaranteed to fix it.... You can chase vibrations for years

Sounds like you're not doing your own investigation and or work.... Which ever direction you go it'll cost you Bookoo to have someone do the work, whether brand new or fix your old

[Chicagogoat]

Axles in a BOP 10 bolt are stout usually just need new bearings and seals. I know of a couple of good shops in the north side here that could fix your rear. No need to upgrade to a complete new rear end if you're not drag racing it. In my experience you'll break a gearset before you twist or break a BOP axle.

[72LuxuryLeMansLa.]

Originally Posted by mchell

You will always see some metal....a seal leak is a small fix.... Why would you need axles?...if they aren't broke in half, it would be highly unlikely that they would need to be replaced....A vibration could be anything from tires, driveshaft, worn suspension parts etc etc etc...a new rear is not guaranteed to fix it.... You can chase vibrations for years

Sounds like you're not doing your own investigation and or work.... Which ever direction you go it'll cost you Bookoo to have someone do the work, whether brand new or fix your old

A Little help with the French, or in my case Cajun French lingo, BooKoo as you spelled it phonetically is actually "Beaucoup" ......

Carry on!

[mchell]

Originally Posted by 72LuxuryLeMansLa.

A Little help with the French, or in my case Cajun French lingo, BooKoo as you spelled it phonetically is actually "Beaucoup" ......

Carry on!

Yep ... My French is so bad I didn't bother .....my way of having a chuckle....as least you knew what I was implying!!

[andyg]

Originally Posted by mchell

Sounds like you're not doing your own investigation and or work....

Not sure how so. I replaced the ds because it was dented badly and out of balance. I am guessing that the many miles I put on it with that dented ds is why the pinion bearing is failing. Unfortunately I need a professional for the axle as I would not feel comfortable setting the pinion crush sleeve and gears as to not have whine.


One of the axles on the rear is new already and the rebuild is looking like a good option.

Thank you all for the info on people local to me.

[convgto]

I just got mine on recommendation from this forum, got it from monzaz on ebay, which is jd race and restoration richfield oh. complete 8.5 rear, reasonable prices. check him out. ken