rear end swap ?

[cApRiCeRiDiN84]

I was thinking about swapping in a new rear end in my car but im doing all this on a budget so i was wondering what all cars would be a good rear end swap for my car .

[silicon212]

Need More Information.

What is your budget? How much work are you willing to do?

An 8.5" rear axle or a 7.5" rear axle? 5-on-4.75 or 5-on-5 bolt pattern?

Generally, all made between 1977 and 1996 are interchangeable to a degree - the driveshafts for a given transmission are 1" shorter for an 8.5" rear axle compared with one for a 7.5" rear axle.

You can bolt in a '94-'96 rear disc brake setup from a 9C1 car, it will bolt in, but keep in mind driveshaft lengths (if your car has a 7.5", your driveshaft will again be too long for the 8.5"), and wheel mounting (5-on-5 vs. your '84 5-on-4.75 pattern, you will need new wheels).

[cApRiCeRiDiN84]

Well I dont want to change the rear end to a new model caprice cus then like u say i would have two separate lug patterns. Im thinkin about just putting 3.42 gears in the stock 7.5 but im not sure if that would be a good idea or if i just need to replace the whole rear end since mine is probably from 84 . im planning on doing the 350 crate motor and just want something thats going to be compatible with that but until that time i also want it to do good with the 305 thats in my car now .

[silicon212]

To be honest, you're probably going to be happier with 3.08 gears over 3.42s, due to gasoline costs these days. In my case, there wasn't a lot of difference in performance from 3.08 -> 3.42 -> 3.08. Certainly not enough to justify the 6mpg loss of economy, although some of that has to do with my engine, and its designed powerband, as well.

If you're building a higher torque engine (300+), you're going to want the 8.5" in that heavier car if for nothing else than to maintain longevity. If you drive it softly you will be OK with the 7.5, but if you're like me (even at 38 I should know better LOL), the power of the engine will tempt you to punch it a few times and the 7.5 just ain't up to it for long.

Personally I love to gun the throttle while I'm in the middle of a turn. The power rush and the looseness that sometimes develops in the rear end, the torque hookup in 1st gear on the 4L60/TH700R4, the dulcet tone of a moderately potent 350 being dumped into duals under wide open throttle - I'll shut up now.

The trick you must master is to do this while avoiding a burnout - not easy to do with all that torque - it takes finesse and will prevent an exhibition-of-speed citation in most cases.

[MrBrown]

what is the actual length of the caprice rear end? Is there a web site that shows the different sizes and lengths for gm rear ends? I saw a 12 bolt rear end for sale in jegs thats made for the G-bodies. Any input?