I have a 92 rs with a TBI 305 and700r4... Looking to upgrade my rear end and was wondering what if any are good swap outs.. Not really rich so going to go junk yard hunting first... At the very least I would like a posi set up with maybe disc rear brakes too... I heard 91 GTAs had simular set ups but was wondering if there were any others that came in this set up that would swap in or with very little work (Can handle brackets being welded) I just dont want to go and shorten or do carryness like that... Thanks.. Also would like stronger than my stock axle

 

All third and fourthgen rear ends will swap into your car without modification. The 82-88 rear disc cars may require a caliper "fix" kit to function properly (single piston iron calipers with 10.5" rotors). The 89-92 rear disc cars have PBR calipers (single piston alum with 11.7" rotors). The fouthgen 93-97 rear disc cars (LT1's) essentially have the same PBR set-up as above; the 98 up cars (LS1's), are also a possibilty. You might consider a search for more info there. All fourthgen rear ends are 2" per side wider than the thirdgens.

Because your 92 has a self-adjusting e-brake, you may have some difficulties in that area.

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You'll have a choice between a 9- and 10-bolt. The 9-bolt is stronger, but you may have problems locating parts.

JamesC

 

thanks for the replys! I did not know the axles were the same up until ls1's came out... That helps alot. Not to worried about my e-brake as it ajusts from "NO" to "Maybe" I'll work... LOL

Time to hit the junk yards. You don't know by chance how to identify the different axles and basic set ups with out tearing into them do you?

 

That's LT1's. The calipers themselves will tell you a lot. If they look just like the front calipers, they're 82-92. If they're finned alum, they're 89-97. 98 up also have a different look. No way of knowing gear ratio or whether they have a posi without looking.

Here's how to determine what ratio the rear is (jerk the diff cover and look): numbers are stamped on the ring and pinion:

41 : 15 = 2.73
40 : 13 = 3.08
42 : 13 = 3.23
41 : 12 = 3.42
41 : 11 = 3.73

JamesC

 

Viridis,
How did you make out on your axle swap? I'm also looking to swap as well. I have an '82 TA w/ a 350 & trubo 350 tranny. Any recommendations on what I should swap out with? I believe I have a 10-bolt now?

 

what is this "Fix" kit you speak of and what does it fix? Why is there a problem?

 

On some of the earlier model cars, the rear calipers were a problem (I'm a bit fuzzy on the details, but IIRC, the e-brake was used to adjust them and when the e-brake wasn't used....). At any rate, GM came up with a kit to fix the problem. I'd suggest most rebuilt calipers contain the fix. A search will provide more info.

JamesC