From the Buick Performance Group web page on swapping out an 8.2 to an 8.5 on a 64 Skylark I get. "64 model A-bodys used their own specific upper rear control arms & swapping in anything other than original '64 rearend will require use of '65-67 upper control arms". I've got the body off the frame and I'm stripping the frame, so I took the 8.2" rear end out and put up the 8.5" for fit.. :Brow: I don't see the need for the later year control arms. Am I missing something. o No: The pinion angle looks to be about a deg or two below horizontal, I figure it will come up when the body's put in place. Thanks Bruce
I used the 64 uppers on my Skylark. I'm not sure what could be different between those and the 65-67. Notice the bushing in the 64's rear-end ears are much smaller. maybe that is what theu were thinking?
I also think some 64 rear ends had adjustable uppers with some kind of esentic (SP?) adjustment. My uppers have "PONT" stamped into the tops. I dont know if that means Pontiac but I removed a 8.2 Chevy rear end and installed a 12 bolt.
Great response, Ill keep going forward. The rear springs even fit, they need the addition of the rubber around the bottom coil to snug up the fit on the cup and thats it. :Brow:
The '64 A-Body rearends were cast with provisions for a small diameter upper control arm bushings. Due to this design, the '64 rearend upper control arms were stamped differently, with some '64 A-bodys (usually Chevelles) even using a primitive "adjustable" upper control arm. When installing later rearends into '64 A-bodys, I've always substituted either '65-67 upper control arms or aftermarket adjustables. :3gears: Roger
