What is the strut looking thing that runs from the rear axle pumpkin to the trans? It runs parallel to the driveshaft and sits up in the driveshaft channel.
I know it has something to do with the suspension in the rear or vehicle rigidity, when I swapped my motor I dropped the trans and that strut broke off. I tried getting on the gas (maybe 1/4 pedal) alittle bit to pull out of my driveway to go for a test drive and I felt the rear end of the car sag to the ground and it felt like the axle twisted.

It broke right by the rubber bushing peice that attaches to the trans, what if I were to use a peice of steel box and made my own to be solid instead of have that bushing in it?

 

Torque arm. Keeps the rear end from rolling up. A necessary piece. Many after market versions are available, though by your description, it sounds as if you've broken the mount and/or attaching points for the mount.

JamesC

 

I redesigned the bracket that broke and added the rubber bushings. Seems to be doing the trick, pudding around it works fine. I'll know tomorrow if it will hold up when I smash the pedal (it was already too dark to fire it up and give it a real test drive, open headers and my neighbors don't get along too well).

 

Yep, it's the torque arm. This is the third gen quirk that prevents you from easily upgrading to a stronger rearend. Unless you do a lot of modifications, you have to use the few different, weak, stock rear ends that have the bolt hole bosses cast into the ring and pinion housing for a third gen camaro/firebird. They are unique in the camaro/firebird, and basically, GM world.

 

welcome to 2009, you can now buy bolt in chevy 12 bolt, ford 9" and dana 60 rears.

 

Yep, if you have the skills and tools to modify each one of the rear ends you mentioned, or can afford to pay for one from an aftermarket vendor, (perhaps $2400.00 or so for a drop in, turn key unit) you can "enter 2009".

If, on the other hand, you want to do the traditional hot rodder excersize of finding a reasonably priced used performance or semi- performance part out of another vehicle from the same manufacturer to install on and improve your ride, perhaps with slight, somewhat economical modifications fairly easily done by an average guy in his average back yard garage with only average tools, you will find the third gen rear end setup to be a major stumbling block.
This is quite different than what you could accomplish on a first or second gen Camaro or other Chevy fun cars like say, a Chevelle or Impala with a more normal type of rear end.

I own both second and third gen Camaros and they both have advantages and disadvantages, and I love them both.
But I stand by what I said and will ad even more-

The rear ends in third gen Camaros and Firebirds are pretty much junk compared to the rear ends found in earlier and more powerful (right from the factory) GM performance cars of the past, and it is very hard (compared to working with a leaf spring or two, three or four link rear suspension) to find a way to replace the torque arm axles and/or mounting fixtures with better parts.
Maybe I should also add that "easier" could possibly mean "cheaper" as well since it is very possible to find a stronger, better rear end for sale used at a reasonable price. If you can find a stock- type third gen rear end for sale used, even if rebuilt, it will still be a weaker unit than a 12-bolt or 9" Ford axle. And it is still much harder to put either one of these stronger rear ends in a third gen due to the torque arm compatible axle and it's mounting fixtures. Possible, yes. But usually not as easy or as economical.