hello Buick family. I have a 1969 Buick skylark. The original rear blew about 2 years ago and I picked up a 69 posi rear with high 2 gears from a fellow v8 member named Bruno! We have had engine work done to the 350 and wanted to upgrade the gears in the posi we have.. according to TA the gears we wanted , 3:42 called for a bigger housing, which we wound up buying also from TA . We are at the point of installation and the rear guy says that the housing doesn't fit in between the axels ...? Is this possible ? Could it be possible that I don't have a 69 Buick rear end ? Why couldn't my original posi carrier be used ? I though this would be a simple job .. any help guys ?
You know the most common mistake made when dealing with Buick rears? Confusing the BOP 64-67 8.2 10 bolt with the Buick only 68-70 8.2 10 bolt. The early rears enjoy great parts availability, the 68-70, not so much. You say you bought this rear from Bruno? When was that, and where? I just called Bruno, and he doesn't remember selling a 69 rear. I think you should first identify what you have.
Bruno , I live in Long Island NY , I drove the black with orange stripe 69 Buick. You have seen me many times at the car meet at the train station in Nassau. I came to you for a 69 posi rear about 2 years ago with my father . You had a whole backyard of parts , some buicks in your driveway and in the garage . Doesn't ring a bell?
I will post a picture of the rear he sold me as a 69 posi , and I'm sure the DMs are still in my inbox . I bought this at his house in Long Island ny
Compare your rear to these pictures, http://www.jdrace.com/diff_id/10b82bop/Buick/10b82bopbuick_3.jpg http://www.jdrace.com/diff_id/10b82bop/Pontiac/10b82boppontiac_3.jpg Both are 8.2 10 bolts.
Will be able to compare when I'm home from school this weekend , @LARRY70GS , @BrunoD and help , or anyone else for that matter ?
So you bought TA part #'s TA 1780-RG342, and TA 1780-C ? If so, that is for the 68-70 Buick 8.2 10 bolt. You may not have that rear, it could be the 64-67 BOP 8.2 10 bolt rear. If so, the parts won't fit. That is why I say that you need to identify exactly what you have. Monzaz can identify the rear with pictures. I suggest you PM him and ask for his help. This is his website, www.jdrace.com
I think you can measure it also. the early rears will be shorter than the 68-72 rears. With the brake drums in place, from flange to flange it will be 60" for the 64-67 and 62.5" for the 68-72
The 68-70 rears had two different size main caps. The drivers cap is larger than the passenger. Been awhile since Ive been in one but I think the bearing is larger as well on the driver side. The caps should not look the same, there visibly different.
