64-70 Rear ends
 

Has anyone found an option for a full size rear end with 8 lugs? I've been searching for a 3:23 or 3:42 with Safe T track for a year now with no luck or the price so rediculous I can't buy simply on principle.

I looked at Currie's web site and they sell a GM 12 bolt that looks like it might fit, anyone try something like this?

CMill

I'm sorta confused
 

hey CMill421, what year and model Pontiac are you working on?

Depending on your answer, there are viable options.

I believe that the 12-bolt you found will not work in the big-Pontiac rearend...

as for the high prices, if the ante is too high, you may be forced to live with a one-legger with highway gears or get into an A-body.

...The 'big' cars are nicknamed "DarkSiders" for a reason!!!

EA,

It's a 66 2+2, I found out recently the 3:23 is a 2:73, not sure how it got on there???

No way on an A body!

CMill

"No way on an A body!"
that's a GREAT answer, CMill!!!

the rearend design changed after '64, and I believe '65 - '70 B-Pontiac rears and parts are interchangeable. So, ya just gotta comb bone yards in your area for '65 - '70 Cat, Bonn, Executive, etc., rearends... you'd be surprised how cheaply the later ones can be had and how many were Saf-T-Trac (aka "Posi").

If you haven't yet, I would suggest that you drop a thread in the Big Parts Wanted for a used gearset. Also, call Richmond gear - they MAY be able to hep.

Take a look under Big Pontiac Parts For Sale on this forum. Fat Cat has some rear end stuff up for sale.

CMill421 - you mention 8-lugs with the rearend. Just want to make sure that you know that all rears are the same and the 8 lug drums just bolt up to the axle using the stock 5 lug nuts. Pattern for all big Pontiacs is 5 on 5. Anything lower than 3.08's don't seem to come up too often regardless of price. You might have to settle for the 3.08 or even a 2.96 posi. You can swap out the complete rear to a big car 12 bolt, but you will need to relocate every bracket and use a conversion universal joint. By the time you paid for the new rear and all the labor and materials, I would bet the price of the Pontiac posi will seem more reasonable. The clutches and plates are the same in the Pontiac and 12 bolt, but the Pontiac is a little more beefy in all other details. I'd just keep looking at all sources for the Pontiac posi and gears.

Thanks for the info guys, it looks like I'll need to start combing the bone yards and hope for a find!

CMill

Heck, I just bagged a Catalina 3.23 posi off ebay for $350, only one other guy bid. They are out there I guess.

I WAS THE OTHER GUY AND GOT HOME TOO LATE!!! LOL :Peace::smash:

Oh yeah,
Also look for anything that had a manual trans... Thats where you'll find the taller ratios...:Peace:

3:23 Posi for $350, you're lucky I didn't see it, I would have gone up to a grand for it in meduim condition! I check Ebay weekly I can't believe I missed it!!

CMill

I figured nobody saw it, or were scared off by "local pickup only". I emailed the guy and he said he would be happy to remove the gears and ship them. Just gotta ask. I just got off the phone with the guy and they go in the mail/UPS tomorrow.
I'll be going from a 2:56 peg leg to a 3:23 posi. That'll help the 455 dig in. :drive:

Yeah, I asked him the same thing... Good luck and enjoy!!!! :Peace: