I have a 71 nova with a 3:08 ratio rear axel. It is a stock limited slip, 10 bolt assembly. I have a friend who has a posi trac assembly, all it needs is the gears. Is it possible to put the posi assembly with the gears I have back into the original housing on the car or do you need a different housing. Just wanted to see if anyone does know befor I take it all apart and it might not fit.
Did your friends Posi unit also come out of a Nova? If not, there are 3 different 10 bolt sizes, 8.5 inch, 8.2 inch, and one thats like a 7.75 inch? If his size matches your size, it will work.
Check that link out and compare what you carrier looks like to the carriers on the page. If your is an 8.5 inch 10 bolt, it will work. My 71 Nova came stock with a 8.2 inch 10 bolt. Check your carrier and compare it with the pictures.
I'd be willing to bet you have the smaller 8.2 in your Nova. Mine had the 8.2 as well. I can give you another option to think about. What I did with mine was replace it with a posi rear end (the whole assembly) from a 1980 Z-28 Camaro. These are relatively easy to find (70-81 Camaro/Firebird) and are almost an exact match. They are only a about 1 inch wider in total. All that you have to do is cut off the spring perches and reweld a set of Nova perces on in the right location. I would have this professionally welded once you have the proper locations for the perches marked on the housing. Remember to make sure the rear end is centered and your pinion angle is correct. Then all you do is slide the rear end in place and bolt it up. Drop me an email if you have any questions about this swap.
s10-s15 pick ups blazers and jimmys (2wd only) had a later 8.2 and a lighter and heavier duty 7.5 10 bolts that are the same length as a nova rear, and they can both be made strong enough for around 450hp with good reliability as well
71 Nova rear end question
