Second Gen Firebird 8.8 rear swap

[srh3trinity]

I was wondering if anybody knows of a donor 8.8 rear that might work for a Firebird. From what I have found, the second gens have a rear width of 62.5. It seems like the Explorer rear is too narrow, but I see conflicting measurements on the web. The fox mustangs are close, but have more brackets to grind off. My car will have a Ridetech setup out back and I will be running C6 brakes. Open to thoughts and input.

[srh3trinity]

Maybe a mod can move this to the Drivetrain section. I had never noticed it before today.

[zbugger]

So, this is for a 2nd gen firebird? Is there a reason to swap to the 8.8?

[srh3trinity]

Yes, second Gen Firebird. I am going to have to go through the factory ten bolt anyway as the car is a factory Pontiac 350 2 barrel car and I doubt it has posi or decent gearing. I have been seeing more talk about the 8.8 as a nice alternative to the 9 inch. I know these older 10 bolts are better than the newer ones, but you can find factory 8.8 rears with posi, 31 spline axles, decent gears, etc.

[BonzoHansen]

IMO it is probably easier to build he correct 8.5" 10 bolt that is in the car already.

some reading
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231920
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=230740