Hey all! I currently have a 69 LeSabre 400 here that I am going to be putting a 455 into, and am looking to upgrade the rear end. I believe it currently has the 8.2 Buick rear in it with 2.93s in it (NJ code), but the problem is its an open diff, which would be doing the big block a disservice . I've looked into getting a posi carrier from Fabcraft (Had a very nice conversation), but there were not any available for my gearset, so I'm stuck looking for used gears and a carrier. I'm curious to see of anyone has any experience or thoughts on what might swap into the car with relative ease to replace the Buick 8.2 down the line. From what I've seen it looks like some Wildcats came with 8.5s? But I'm not 100% on that. I've looked at some other B-Body cars, but the suspension seems to vary quite a bit. (I.E. the Impala has the panhard bar.) Hoping to find something that has bolt in axles as well, as I do enjoy my quarter panels . Thanks guys! -Sean Diff5 by Sean Hawkins posted Aug 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM Diff4 by Sean Hawkins posted Aug 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM Diff3 by Sean Hawkins posted Aug 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM Diff6 by Sean Hawkins posted Aug 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM Diff8 by Sean Hawkins posted Aug 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM
Unfortunately the only bolt in interchange are the 69-70 Wildcat and Electra 9 3/8. No aftermarket gears or carriers available. 3.42 gears came in 67-70 Riviera GS they will fit in the Wildcat or Electra housing. Get the carrier too. It's not a easy swap from the 350 to 455 in 69-70 full size as the chassis engine mount is welded to the frame. Some cutting and fabrication needed. If someone is serious about pushing one of these cars I recommend fabing a 9 inch Ford or Dana 60 and be done with it.
The 8.2 rear is a strong unit that was used behind GS 455 A bodys and the axles bolt in no"C " clips. So for a daily mild street car shouldn't be a issue. 2.93 isn't a terrible gear for a 455.
Tom- I was thinking an A body carrier would fit in the LeSabre (only?) housing. I had thoughts of scavenging a 3.23 out of a 68 GS housing and trying it in the 68 LeSabre.
Thanks for the response on this, I had a suspicion that is wasn't the 8.5 (darn). Sounds like my best bet then is to try and find something for the 8.2 for the time being, but as you said, if things get serious I should have a 9 inch made for it. The 2.93 weren’t bad at all for cruising around, and the highway was definitely an option! Just wish they spun both! For the 350 to 455 swap, I should have clarified that we already did the conversion, just that were getting a motor built for the car as the old 455 we swapped in had rod knock . I'm think I'll make a post about how the swap was done, as there was not much info on it when we did the swap last year, but we basically did what you said in your response.
From what I little know about the Buick 8.2, I do believe that they are interchangeable (the gears and carriers of the same diff type) between the A-Body and B-Body cars, but someone please correct me if I’m wrong on that.
I have a 69 riv GS abandoned project with a 9 3/8 3.42 posi rear I plan on selling soon in northeast PA if interested. It’s a complete car with a 74 455 (not running). No title so best as a parts car.
Thanks for the offer Louie! If I wasn't so far away that could be something I would be interested in, it's quite the drive with me being in south MN. Thanks again though! -Sean
Yeah they sure do, yours is a lot shinier . If I had to guess you have the 9 3/8? Looks like you also have a rear sway bar which my LeSabre does not have as well, assuming yours is stock.
Oh I see you said you have an 8.2 diff in your post, sorry missed that. Yes Aftermarket sway bar 9 3/8”. You should have lots of options for gears etc.
There is a '70 Le Sabre at one of the El Paso yards I frequent. It had a 455 engine. Am guessing? it has the larger rear axle. If you can send a party to pick up and help pull, will help you get it.
I have a 2.78 posi 9 3/8 rear will fit...lol. Drum to drum. all reconditioned ready to go... I will put an ad up in the for sale area. oops this is for a Riviera... my fault. Rats
Sir, could you pm me more info and you cell number as I'm very interested. I have a 68 electra in need of one.
