1985 Caprice Classic Station Wagon

I am in desperate need of some assistance. Here's a little break down of my situation. My 16 yr old son purchased an 85 Caprice Classic Wagon w/ his b-day money. The guy wanted $900, Valentino talked him down to $550, yeah. Of course 2 weeks after the sale the noises start. The first sound, nails across a chalk board was easy, the sensor telling me the brakes were bad. Changed those. In the process of changing them I got a look under the wagon. My GOD, it looked like the seller retrieved this car out of the bay at low tide. The frame is packed with mud. I mean packed. Now there's the clink and clunk that I am thinking is the transmission and a bunch of other stuff. Now to my question. Is there anyone out there that knows where to get or just the name of a good manual for this fine piece of machinery? I really do love this car but I can not find a manual specific for it or any manual for any station wagon. I looked at the chiltons website, nothing. Also, I live in the bay area of Northern California and am in need of a transmission for the car if any one out there can send me in the direction of a reasonably priced trannie I would really appreciate it. I can put it in no problem, I just need to find one that is affordable.


Any help is greatly appreciated


Melissa :-)

I don't think you'll find a manual specifically for a wagon, but they are covered in the Chilton's General Motors Full-size Cars 1979-1989

Why would you want a manual? The auto trannies they put in those damn things are some of the toughest tansmissions ever made. If its clunkin around you might check the mounts. Unless its a slow constant clunk only when the car is in gear.

www.factoryautomanuals.com (http://www.factoryautomanuals.com) sells used factory service manuals. Beats the generic Chiltons and Haynes with a stick.

Thanks for the input. Now I have a rattle clink noise when I go into gear and when I take off from a stop.

Never mind about the rattle clink noise, I figured it out. It's the rear end. I do have a question. Does anyone know what other models interchange with my wagon?

Any other GM car that says caprice, kingswood, townsman, impala from 79 - 90. :biggrin: hehe

If you're looking for a rear end to swap you must stick with wagons for your sources. The wagon rears are wider than the sedans. Not sure of the actual difference in widths, something close to two inches IIRC.

If you're looking for a rear end to swap you must stick with wagons for your sources. The wagon rears are wider than the sedans. Not sure of the actual difference in widths, something close to two inches IIRC.

Correct, you MUST USE a wagon rear end.

The actual rear ends are the same width--the wagons frame rails are 2" wider C-to-C. Therefore, the trailing arm/shock brackets are located 1" further out on each side (to the outside of the car).

Shouldn't be too hard to find a rear. To find one with a good ratio may be a different story. The GM manual can tell you to look on the right axle tube front and then give you the codes to decode the ratio.

Good luck!

.. as they have a different wheel bolt pattern than the passenger car, plus they are much more heavy duty. They should be plentiful in wrecking yards, my guess is around $150 for a good clean used one.

Try this site for a yard near you.

http://www.car-parts.com

Bob