76 Skylark X-Body

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by Floydoroid, Dec 15, 2018.

  1. Floydoroid

    Floydoroid Member

    In need to replace the rear end but having trouble deciding what to go after. Couldn't find markings on the housing (too much caked on crud), measured it to be 54" and it looks to be a mono leaf. THESE are my exact specs. I plan on dragging this car in the future with a Chevy 350 I am going to build next year. Will update this post tomorrow when I can go out and look at my spline count.
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    If your 76 Skylark had an 8 cylinder engine, it has the 8.5 10 bolt which is plenty strong. Provide a picture of the rear cover/pumkin and the rear u joint.
     
  3. partsrparts

    partsrparts Silver Level contributor

    If you are wanting to go with a 8.5 rearend one out of a 3rd or 4th gen nova will bolt right in. I'm running a 8.5 out of a 73 nova in my 76 skylark. And have a spare one out of a 75 nova
     
  4. pphil

    pphil Well-Known Member

    You either have a 7.5 or a 8.5
    If you need a 8.5 i have one in nashville

    scorr
     
  5. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    12 bolt camaro /nova will also bolt in... Remember the driveshaft from any other rear to a 8.5 will need to be shortened.
    If you have a 7.5 a 12 bolt will be a bolt right in no driveshaft shortening...Just a u-joint swap.
    The 8.5 is a pretty good choice IF you have one in there already. YOU can upgrade the heck out of it with 30 spline axles and 30 spline limited slip... If you need you can than c-clip elim if your car goes faster than 11.50 and full spool it too.

    have a 8.5 from an s-10 and run 10.50 with a trans brake and no issue for 8 years now. 3.90 ratio full spool , elim axles . That is the car in the avatar.

    As far as brakes... ALL the aftermarket econo kits are based from the caddy 77 78 79 era single piston caliper... THOSE kits are very reasonably cost effective and have ALL the part NEW which I think would be a MUCH simpler and cost effective way to go. I have installed lots of those over the years from The Right Stuff and they are very simple and straight forward install.
    Will see what you have when the pics are posted. 7.5 & 7.6 10 bolt.jpg 7.5 10 bolt 8.5 cover.jpg 8.5

    Jim
    JD
     
  6. Floydoroid

    Floydoroid Member

    Sorry for the late update. Here are some pics for you guys.
    https://flic.kr/s/aHsmp6DWgh
    The cover looks like a 7.5, which lines up with what's in my 76 Buick shop manual. 12 bolt to me sounds like the way I'm going to go.
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2018
  7. Floydoroid

    Floydoroid Member

    I also came across a 77-79 Seville axle housing + assembly. Would this be doable if I were to switch from my 10 bolt 7.5?
     
  8. Floydoroid

    Floydoroid Member

    What are the spacers and longer bolts are for? This is my first time replacing a rear end so some things I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2018
  9. Floydoroid

    Floydoroid Member

    Also as far as 12 bolts, if someone could point me in the right direction on where to get one online, that would be helpful. Not much as far as local listings.
     
  10. Floydoroid

    Floydoroid Member

    I suppose more so for driving, since the track is a while away anyways. Are there any other semi compatible rear ends I can search for like the Seville? What years, makes, etc.
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2018
  11. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    Ok there is a problem that MOST will not recognize with the Seville caddy rears. They are the same width...BUT first the spring perches are NOT correct pinion angle for Camaro Nova Apollo etc. They are zero degrees. Nova and Camaro etc are 4-5 degree up (positive pinion angle) from each other. Next most those rear were 5 on 5 wheel bolt pattern full size car wheel bolt pattern. and then some also had the round constant velocity yoke that will need to be changed too.

    12 bolt chevy rears. I sell them using Moser housings brand NEW , Yukon eaton posi gears bearing kits and axles inner parts.
    1999.00- 2175.00 All depends on how you want to pay. :)
     

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