I'm stuck in California guys. I need to know what options I have for replacing the stock 10 bolt rear end on a '69 Skylark. What other cars or makes are cross compatible? I want to find a 12 bolt Posi preferably 3.73 gears. I could go as far as Arizona if need be. Does anybody know of sources here other than OPG? I hear OPG's have fitting issues, though I've yet to confirm the rumor.
Your Skylark is a GM A body. GM A bodies are Chevelle, Cutlass, Lemans, and Skylark. Any rear from 64-72 A body will bolt into your 69 Skylark. You may need to shorten the driveshaft and/or use a different u-joint, and there are very minor differences in overall width. If I was you, I would look around for an 8.5 10 bolt out of a 71-72 Skylark/GS or Cutlass. Those are bolt in axle rears that will swap right into your car. You can buy parts for the 8.5 everywhere. Monzaz and Brian Trick builds rears. Not sure what the shipping costs are. https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?members/briantrick.24887/ https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?members/monzaz.3880/
Yes, it's what I run. Mine is beefed up with Moser 30 spline axles and 30 spline Eaton Posi. A stock 8.5 is a strong rear. Are you planning on going racing with sticky tires?
Hector Carillo has a 12 bolt in California listed on his Facebook page. Well known on this board as well.
Any 71-72 Cutlass/442 or 71-72 Skylark/GS will have the 8.5” 10-boltbthat you are looking,as long as it was never swapped previously. ALL of those cars rolled off the assembly line with them. Chevy and Pontiac did not.
WOW I have GOLD in my yard. 1000 for OPEN non posi 2.73 rear ends....lol. THAT IS INSANE! Welcome to callie
If you are strictly street any rear from that era will work fine as long as you rebuild it. 8.2 Pontiac are still pretty plentiful and will look very close to the buick 10 bolt 8.2 from the back...SAME cover used the casting just looks a bit different BUT most can not tell at a glance and many parts are in the aftermarket for the rears. 8.5 is a good choice also Many rebuild parts for that too and up-gradable to 30 spline axles. and many different posi units. 12 bolt Chevy is another many part available rear...JUST those housings are ungodly expensive... I sell Brand NEW 12 bolt chevy rear Moser Engineering HD housing for 2500.00 New everything 1350 yoke alloy axles gear choice eaton posi everything NEW NO BRAKE...but your drum brakes can bolt right up to this rear no mods. Jim JD
Yes,the 68-69 Skylarks and Cutlasses that were built in Canada all came with the 12-bolt Chevy. I have also found a lot of 1970 Skylarks built in Frammington got them as well. I have 4 here right now.
Pontiac GTO, Lemans 1967 - 1972 or Grand Prix 1969 -1972 Those will look very close to the original 69 Skylark rear and you can find internal parts like posi gears etc Just some more selections for you. If everyone is so worried about the 12 bolt chevy c-clip axles install disc brakes and that will solve your concern about axles coming out of the housing if they break. I took stock GM 35 year old axles in My 19712 Monte SS 4000 lbs car to 12.00 with slicks and 2500 stall no breakage that was also with ring gear spacer on a 2 series carrier and 4.10 gears. 20 years ago... lol. I have since upgraded to aftermarket CHEAP-o Summit axles and they are doing the job now since.... With any rear...Try to up grade your old parts. You have to remember too many heat and cool down cycle over temper the metal parts too. Jim JD Race
