Gm 10 bolt 8.2 to 8.5 on Camaro 68 questions

[Dewil]

Hi!

my old 8.2 rear end is finished and I read an article about how a Nova -74 8.5 rear end is a direct swap.
I have one and just wonder how direct the swap is!

* can I use the existing (8.2) U joint and transmission yoke with the new 8.5 yoke?
* are they the exactly same distance from axle center to U joint center and if not how do I make it work?

just want to know so I don't place an order for stuff just to find out i need to wait for other stuff to get it to work.

please also give me your thoughts on what i plan to fill the housing with:
30 splines axles, true trac diff, 3:23 or 3:43 pinion and ring gear, new summit och moser diffcover.

its for a -68 Camaro with a 383csb engine and a th350 transmission and approx 520hp, street use.

epreciate any help and tips!

[ccmc]

On a 1969 the u joint was the same. I had to buy new u-strap bolts for the u joint to differential though. And you will have to shorten the drive shaft.

[Z06vet]

You should be able to measure the pinion yokes and compare them. Most of the time the 8.2 has a smaller yoke. Usually have to shorten the shaft about 1" , but always measure with it installed & at ride height. Good choice of internals. If you plan to keep the TH350 either ratio would be decent but I might lean toward the 3.23. If OD trans is in your future I'd go 3.42 or 3.55 if available.

[hotrodneb]

I did the '74 Nova swap...bolted right into my Firebird. On the trans end the 8.2 yoke/driveshaft should go right into your 350 trans. On the diff end, I had 2 yokes on final install and neither of them fit. A short trip to a good rear end shop and you should be able to swap for what you need if you don't have it already. I only needed to shorten the driveshaft as mentioned above. I just cheaped out and filled my housing with eaton posi, 28 spline and 342 gears. Also the 4 gen rear disc conversion worked well.

[70camaro406]

When I swapped an 8.5 (from a '79 Z28) in place of the 8.2 in my '70 Camaro, the only thing I had to do was get a split universal joint and install it into the stock driveshaft, since the pinion yoke was larger. You can get the split universal joints from any parts store...the two that clamp to the yoke are slightly larger than the original two pressed into the driveshaft.

[Dewil]

thanks for all the replies. Will measure and see if I can get hold of a shop that can help me shorten if neccesary.

[Dewil]

Hi!
It's been a while and not much has happened since I got my second dughter two years ago. Anyhow, I feel the inspiration coming along and Im trying to get myself up to speed on My halted project.

I have the new 8,5 Nova rear axle mentioned earlier with all the stuff that Will go in it.

i plan to to do a dse mini tub and also install a G bar four link.
How do I know what backspace I can get away with before tires start to rub against the four link bars?
Going with 15" wheels.

Please ask if My question is vauge!
Thanks