Quote:
Originally Posted by drewm
I am no expert on rears. There are several experts on this boards, and they frequently post and there is a ton of info available if you search on this site. However, it sounds (and looks) like you have an Olds Type "O" rear, which were made from 68-70, and are marginally stronger than a standard 8.2. However, they are not as strong as a 8.5 10 bolt from an olds or buick from 71-72. If you are going to drop a grand or more and rebuild a rear, I think a better starting point is the olds/buick 8.5 from 71-72. There are good 8.2's out there that would fit your car, but unless you rebuild, you are putting an unknown under your car.
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This is solid advice you can take to the bank. No reason to run an 8.2 unless it's cheap and in good shape or just a cruiser. I have them in both my cars but have broken them in my youth more than once. A member here, Ol'Pinion Head or Pinion Head is THE authority on rear end swaps and what works best on these cars. He's been parting/fixing/driving these cars for decades and has all the information you could possibly need.