1961-'63 Buick Special/Olds F-85 rear end conversion
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==Donor== | ==Donor== | ||
| − | A | + | A 1978-'88 Monte Carlo 7.625" rearend is about 0.5" narrower than the stock Buick Special rearend. Other similar G-body rearends should work as well. Lower control arm brackets will need to be fabricated. A jig for the placement of the brackets will be a help in getting the correct angle and spacing. While this differential is not known for its strength, it is stronger than the stock unit, and can be upgraded by using a better aftermarket limited slip diff. |
===Other possible donors=== | ===Other possible donors=== | ||
It has been said that a late '70s Ford Fairmont rearend is almost the same dimensions as the Buick rearend, but its strength may be limited. That leaves some other choices like obtaining a 8.5" 10 bolt with the control arm "eyes" cast into the carrier, or a similar 12 bolt, or a 8.8" Ford rearend (also equipped to use control arms), and then having the housing cut and the spring pads relocated. It has been found that a 1988 Mustang 8.8" rearend is 4 inches too wide, but could work if narrowed. | It has been said that a late '70s Ford Fairmont rearend is almost the same dimensions as the Buick rearend, but its strength may be limited. That leaves some other choices like obtaining a 8.5" 10 bolt with the control arm "eyes" cast into the carrier, or a similar 12 bolt, or a 8.8" Ford rearend (also equipped to use control arms), and then having the housing cut and the spring pads relocated. It has been found that a 1988 Mustang 8.8" rearend is 4 inches too wide, but could work if narrowed. | ||
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| + | ==Wheels== | ||
| + | ===Wheel bolt pattern=== | ||
| + | The original Buick wheels are 4 on 4-1/2" pattern. The GM rearend uses a 5 on 4-3/4" pattern. The axles can be redrilled to reuse the original 13" Buick wheels, or the front drum brakes can be changed to a 5 bolt pattern or better yet, swap the front drum brakes to disc brakes having the correct 5 on 4-3/4" pattern to match the replacement rearend. Or two different spare tires can be carried. | ||
===Wheel backspacing=== | ===Wheel backspacing=== | ||
| − | A 4.75"-5" wheel backspacing will give a good fit in the rear | + | A 4.75"-5" wheel backspacing will give a good fit in the rear wheelwells when using the 1978-'88 Monte Carlo rearend at the stock width. |
==Transmission adapters== | ==Transmission adapters== | ||
[http://www.ddperformance.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=206cPath=111_137 D & D] has adapters for using a BOP bellhousing with a T5 5 speed manual transmission along with all the other parts necessary for the swap. Another option is to use a TH200 automatic transmission; D & D has an adapter for that conversion as well. The floor tunnel along with the driveshaft will have to be modified. | [http://www.ddperformance.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=206cPath=111_137 D & D] has adapters for using a BOP bellhousing with a T5 5 speed manual transmission along with all the other parts necessary for the swap. Another option is to use a TH200 automatic transmission; D & D has an adapter for that conversion as well. The floor tunnel along with the driveshaft will have to be modified. | ||
| − | + | Clutch linkage== | |
| − | A fabricated cable clutch linkage is one option because of the lack of room on the firewall for a clutch master cylinder. That said, there may well be a way to use a hydraulic throw out bearing w/a remotely mounted clutch master cylinder. | + | A fabricated cable clutch linkage is one option because of the lack of room on the firewall for a clutch master cylinder. That said, there may well be a way to use a hydraulic throw out bearing w/a remotely mounted clutch master cylinder. If you can find it, the 1963 Skylark with the Borg Warner T10 4 speed clutch pedal and linkage can be used with a conventional throw out bearing and arm. |
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[[Category:Rearend]] | [[Category:Rearend]] | ||
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