Buick vs Olds = Rear ends

[GS69350]

Is a rear end (8.2?) from a 69 Cutlass the same as the 8.2" from a 69 Buick GS?

Thanks!

[Dave H]

69 Cutlasses bilt in Lansing had Olds maufactured 8.5 rears which were 12 bolt cover, 10 bolt ring gears. These were used fron late 67 through 1970. Canadian built and BOP plant Cutlasses sometimes used Chevy 12 bolts or Pontiac or Buick rears as they completely interchange. In 1971, they all went to the coorporate 8.5 design except for the Chevy 12 bollts.

The Olds rears completely interchange with the others from 66-72. 64 and 65 were a little narrower.
Prior to the Olds 8.5 rear, they used the Buick and Pontiac 8.2's (64-early 67).
Hope this helps.

[Madcat455]

OK, Now.... How do you tell the difference

I have a rear end that I was told came out fo a 69 Cutlass, exactly as described, 12 bolt cover, 10 bolt ring gear, 4.10 Clutch type posi with bolt in axles. I was told by a couple of mechanics that this was a 8.2. Then I read this. So are there any codes on the axle to look for that will tell, mabee measurments that can be taken somewhere that will tell if its an 8.2 or an 8.5. I am hoping for an 8.5 so I can use the posi out of it in my 72

But knowing my luck it will be the 8.2. so If anyone could shed some light on the subject, I would be very grateful


Jeff

[GS69350]

Jeff, the only way you can use that olds rear is if you take the entire axle, the guts won't fit any other carriers. The good news is that your 72 8.5" carrier is the same used for many years and Turbo regals and GN's gears & posi units are a straight bolt in.

But you probably knew that already..


Dan

[Madcat455]

yeah, I know about the good 72 8.5.. that is why I am not going to use the other rear end. but I was hoping for a "poor mans" way to get a posi for it if it would've fit...lol. oh well, back to the summit and jegs catalogs for posi's

But still, how do you tell the difference between the olds and buick 8.2's. I would really like to know what I have and which board to sell it on when I finally get it out of the car.

[GS69350]

Try www.442.com, that is supposed to be a real good source for Olds info.

[Madcat455]

Thanks Dan,

I tried to go there but all I got was a big Black screen with Big white words on the top saying "Acess Denied"...... Dejavu!!! Any other Way in there?? Or you think maybee server probs? There is another post in the Gear section that gives some decoding of numbers on the axle. when I get it out I will compare with those... that should tell me exactly what brand I have...lol. Now just have to wait for some free time to do all this in :gt:

[baking]

Try www.442.com, that is supposed to be a real good source for Olds info.

It looks like a comma got inadvertently placed in the link after the .com, so it won't work if you click on it. Did you try just typing www.442.com in the address bar?

[Madcat455]

Yeah, at first my browser wouldn't even try... then I typed it and got the denied screen at the site. I am going to try again to see today.

[Madcat455]

Yep... had to be site probs last night.. got in fine today.