Which 10 bolt 8.5 inch (preferably) rear ends from other Chevy cars or trucks are a direct or near direct fit and have posi traction? Does anyone know the width of a factory 10 bolt 7.5 (stock) rear end? I am trying to strengthen my rear end, but not spend over $1200-2000 to do so. Also, can the 7.5 be built up enough for mostly street and very little strip usage? I have a mildly built 355 in my '86 Monte and I am not sure what direction to take. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

T919

 

8.5 10bolt from a Grand National is a direcr bolt in, i have heard that A body rears will work too

 

GN rear and also an 8.5 out of a 442 Olds will bolt right in.

Yes your 7.5 can be built to handle mostly street duty. I am going to take a stab and say you aren't pushing more than 400 hp out of your 355. A good solid rebuild with a aftermarket cover to preload the bearings (T/A perhaps), and a quality LSD and it should live for a while. When you putting slicks on it, that's when you are going to really hurt stuff.

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't even think about an A-Body rear end. I will try out and let you guys now if it blows.