I'm trying to find members that have done the 2nd gen 8.5" swap into their 3rd gen. From what I have read so far, you have to weld the brackets from your 7.5" to the 8.5" and also make a torque arm mount. Are there any other significant differences that need to be accounted for when doing this swap?

 

The axles are different lengths.

 

Do you know the difference in the lengths? Are the 8.5" rears narrower? I'm not quite sure. If you or anyone know where I can get the specs on the 8.5 I would be grateful!

 

You sure? I've always thought that the 2nd gen 8.5" and the 3rdgen 7.5" were the same width - or at least close enough not to matter?

Anyway, the 8.5" is worth it for sure. Its quite a bit stronger than the 7.5" rear. The 8.5" is very nearly as strong as a 12-bolt rear (8.5" gear VS 8.875" gear), which is alot stronger than the 7.5". Its also quite common as well, so you don't necessarily have to use expensive/exotic aftermarket stuff to use it.

 

Thanks for the replies. I know of several of these rears (still installed on 2nd gen camaros) sitting in nearby yards going to waste, and have read that they are a good alternative to the aftermarket 12-bolt and Ford 9-inch.

 

They are a good alternative. They are a pretty tough rear end, with the same kind of aftermarket as the 7.5" or the 12 bolt. Its lighter than the 12 bolt and quite a bit lghter than a 9" too IIRC.

 

I think they're ~1/4" SHORTER (less width), vs the 3rd gen rear. ie, not enough to be noticeable, as people run the 4th gen ones that are 2" wider.

Yea, you can move over your brackets, or if you have a chop saw, and a drill press buy some 3/16" steel, and make new brackets.

I think the 8.5" actually has a slightly better aftermarket selection than our 7.5" rear.

There was a few threads a little while ago where people posted, who had done it. Try to find it, I know I posted on it/them, as did 83_Crossfire, etc.

 

Thats because nobody buys a STOCK muscle car with an 8.5", breaks the thing right off the bat and either sells the car or buys a 9"/12-bolt

 

Actually there are A LOT more people running modded 8.5" 10-bolts than you think. I know of atleast 3 mid 9sec cars that have been running their 10-bolts for several seasons at the track, no problems.

The thing is, you're back to needing upgraded axles, carrier, proper gearing, and a support cover, plus the labor to put it under the car, so you're back to the cost of a 9"/12-bolt swap.

If you really want a decent rear that's a low budget install(though still requiring custom installation) look a the ford 8.8's.

 

Well, both 8.5" 10 bolt and Ford 8.8 require the same modifications as far as TA, and brackets, except the Ford 8.8 requires different wheels, or an adapter, along with the width probably being wrong. So you may have to shorten it.
Then you're REALLY wondering why you went through all that trouble.