If you are going to use the brakes off the 8.2 then you should unbolt the backing plates before you remove the rear. I think that's why it been suggested here. Anyway if you do it this way you will not need to open the hydraulic system and thus not lose any fluid or need to bleed the brakes. Note that there is a hole in the axle flange for easy access to the backing plate bolts.
Also note that the 8.5 is slightly larger and you may need to shorten your driveshaft. You may also need a conversion u-joint.
Overall it's well worth it as parts are plentifully and from 2.73 and numerically higher all use the same carrier unlike the 8.2 which is very limited on which gears can be used on which carriers.
__________________
68 Firebird, trying a q-jet now. 434/10.5:1/997's/240-242 HFT/4L80E/2800 Yank/3.42's/ Vintage Air/ 13.0 @105 mph
70 Lemans, 350/350, A/C, mostly stock
14 Ram CC, 5.7 Hemi, 8-speed, 3.92 lsd
97 Trans Am, HPP Aug 2012 http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...tiac_trans_am/ ***Sold***
|