I'm thinking about switching to a positraction rear end. How difficult would it be? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.
In order to answer how difficult it is: Do you mean swapping the whole axle, or just the gears in the differential ?
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One answer is "Yes", the other answer is "No". So, Randy gave the right answer to the question in the title of this thread:
I could write a detailed description about all the little details involved in doing a swap (...complete rear end), but I chose to simply answer the op's original question. Suffice to say it does involve a lot of work, and presents an opportunity to restore all the rear suspension components for improved ride and handling. Take a good look at the '68 Shop Manual to see what would be involved in doing a swap. :TU:
I'm going to go through the rear suspension components anyway. Get rid of the rubber bushings and add a couple of inches on the rear shocks. Are there any other posi rear ends that will work as well, like a chevy or something that's more common. In case I cant find a GS available? Thanks.
Unfortunately, a complete Riviera posi rear end are Riviera specific, and do not interchange with any other models. :TU:
So far i have added a sway bar from a Buick Grand National. 86. and i used the progressively wound rear coil springs that I found on it . I had to bend the sway bar in a little at both ends. Broke a large vice in the process. I would not use heat. I used a floor jack handle. It lowered the car just right. I put better rubbers above the springs as well.
My recommendation is to pull the driveshaft as well as the complete rearend out of a donor Riviera. There were subtle changes to the rear pinion flanges across years, but this may also be true with in the same year from standard to posi? My '70 Riviera has a '68 Riviera GS posi rear. I was smart enough to pull the driveshaft to rebuild and noticed the difference in the pinon flanges and the brake drum center bore&axle flanges o No:. As stated by others, the rear & posi unit is Riviera specific. Unless you're ambitious enough to fabricate a more common rearend mounting for your car. :TU:
btw, was just at Desert Valle Auto Part in AZ. There was a boat tail with a posi unit. Mounting looks the same so maybe the internals are the same. Maybe call them if you are interested. -Chad
