[chiphead]

Chris,

I'm studying this same swap now in a '67 LeMans. The differances are that my car is a coil sprung suspension, and yours is leaf spring. From what I can gather, the 8.5" units might be 1 to 2 inches wider from drum to drum. Have not been able to get exact measurements tho. I do know my 8.2" rear is 54.5" from axle flange to flange. The driveshaft may need to be shortened 1" to 2", as the pinion yoke sticks out further from the front of the 8.5" rear. Not sure if spring pads are different locations for 8.2 vs 8.5" leaf spring rears. I do know the brakes from your 8.2 will fit the 8.5. I don't know what cars are good donors for your car. I think you're looking for 72-up firebirds or other BOP cars with leaf spring rear ends from those years. Watch the shock mounts too, as they changed over the years.

I wish somebody would come on here and tell us what years 8.5s will fit our cars, and any length differances there are.

What is the ratio of your 8.2"? I'm thinking of rebuilding my 8.2 if I can find a 3.55 carrier.

robertg