I know there's a ton of posting on this subject,but after searching, i'm still not getting definite answers on a few questions i have on the subject.I've got a 86' Camaro with a drumbrake/non-posi rear that i'd like to swap for a rear-end out of a 97' camaro with posi/disc brakes.I also have 15x7 Z-28 aluminum wheels.In my searches,i've found that 4th gen rears are wider,i might need a different proportioning valve,I might need to fab some brackets for the e-brake,and my wheels might not fit the disc rear end.I can get the rear for around 250$ and would really like the disc brakes,but if i have to get different wheels, i might just see if i can just get the posi unit out of it.It would be nice if somebody who has swapped these EXACT rears could clear some of this up before i buy.thanks.

 

Yes, the 4th gen rear is longer, so the wheels will stick out further on each side (about 1 1/2 inches each side) - a search on here will yield you pics on the look - it's not that bad.

On the wheels - can't help you as mine are the 16's - I swapped in a 2000 LS1 rear, but again, I have 16's - just take a wheel off and put it on the rear in question to alleviate any doubt.

On the proportioning valve - yes you need to swap - dealer carries them usually - just ask for a proportioning valve for your year car with rear disc brakes.

On the E-brake, just make sure the rear comes complete with all cables still attached (many places cut them when removing). You can then use your in-car cables, and attach to the 4th gen cables (in the tunnel under the car) with little stainless steel wire rope clips from Home Depot, they are cheap, work great, and it's an easy way to get the job done. They look like small muffler clamps, just mash both ends in them, and tighten (I used two on each cable). There is an example pic of the clips here

 

Thanks for the reply.I'd still like to know for sure if my wheels will work or not though.If i had Iroc wheels, i'd have the rear end home by now.If it sounds like i'm attached to my rims,it's because i am.I spent along time finding 4 good wheels,cleaning,polishing and hunt up center caps for them,and i love the look of them.Is there anybody out there who's used 15 inch wheels with disc brakes in the back?I know the rotor will fit,but not too sure with the caliper on there.Could some parts be taken off other gm cars to go to 11 inch rotors from the 12 inch ones on there now?

 

97 should be the PBR discs, which several have run 15's on. As stated, pull one of your wheels and see if it will go on. camaronewbie's post was right on.

 

Thanks Shagwell.That gives me some hope at least.I've got a spare rim in the garage that i'll take to the yard and try.By the way,Shouldn't the 4th gen rear have better axles?(more splines).

 

I had the 4th gen rear and the 15 Z stock rims on my 85 and they fit fine. About the wheels sticking out the rear it was not bad at all.

Have fun and good luck!

 

compared to a 86 rear, yes, it should. 10-bolts were 26 spline until something like 1990, then recieved 28 spline.

 

The wheels fit,All kinds of clearance!I want to thank you guys for the help and encouragement.I'll probably pick up the rearend this weekend.This will be a nice upgrade for my car with the posi and discs once i get it cleaned up,i've seen times when i wished my stopping was better(WHOA) and spinning one tire is doing nothing for my 1/4 mile.While i was checking the clearance,i did the old rear-gear check by spinning the wheel once while counting the pinion rotations,ended up with about 2- 3/4 rotations.2:73.Can't have everything i guess.This is where it gets weird,i jacked my car up to see for sure what my car has for gears,I thought all v6(which my car was originally) after a certain year were 3:42,but i couldn't even get 2 full rotations of the pinion when i turned the tire once.I did it 3 times because i couldn't believe it.I must have been doing something wrong because my car reads about 2000rpm when i'm at 60 mph so that would indicate a 3:42 from what i read.My speedo might be alittle off,but not that bad.Although when i bought this car,somebody had welded in (yes i said welded)a 350 th tranny,so maybe they changed gears to compensate for only 3 speeds.

 

There is only one true way to verify whether a rear end has posi, and what the gear ratio is, and that's to take the cover off, and see the posi unit, and get the gear ratio stampings off the gears. Any other method is pointless!

I wouldn't buy it until you pop the cover, verify the posi, and count the gears or check the ratio stampings - you may end up with another dud!

 

When I put the 4th gen rear in my car, I had to use 4th gen wheels since my car is lowered. The fenders would sit right on the tires with the stock rims. I had rear drum brakes and didn't change my proportioning valve and it seems to be great. I though I was the only one to extend the ebrake cables with those type of clamps. I got lucky and my rear had an auburn posi and GM 3.73 in it. I'd definitely pull the cover to check before you pull/buy it.

 

I'll definitely take the cover off before i take it home.It rained all day,so i decided to wait until the first of the week.Thanks again.