I know that I will need a new rear axle with this engine swap (305 stock-383 stroker 425/450 in 1989 IROC), and I found this one, but not sure if it can handle the torque.

'82,'83,'84,'85,'86,'87,'88,'89,'90,'91,'92 camaro/firebird drum brake rearend. 3.23 gears, posi, 7.5" ring gear. complete rearend drum to drum.

Is there any way I can find out before I buy it, yes I know buying from a junk yard can be risky, but if it's better than what I got I'll do it.

 

It's no different that the one that's already in your car except for maybe the gear ratio.

 

Thats kinda what I figured, so I'm looking at a nice 4th gen rear end with posi and disc brakes with 3.23 gears. All the seals replaced and its been blasted and painted for like $600

 

For what it's worth, the 4th gen rear is no stronger than the 3rd gen rears. Same ring gear size. If you look around, you could probably snag a 4th gen rear in good shape from a junkyard in the $150-$300 price range. The one you're looking at for $600, you're basically paying $300 extra for the blasting and new paint.

 

Well, the extra 300 was mainly for shipping, it was about 350, but there really aren't any good junkyards around here. I might be able to find one this summer if I get lucky. I'll keep my eye's open.

Other than that what other rear ends would you suggest. I know i've read of Ford bronco has a good one that would be compatible. Other than that I'm clueless. I want something that can handle the torque that I'm throwing at it, but I know nothing about sizes and what's compatible with the third gen's. I know the car will be mainly for street use, not a daily driver but more of a weekend warrior, so I want to keep the numbers around 3.42, but I know if I get it from a junk yard I would want to have it looked at and maybe swapped anyways.

 

buy a crate rear from someone or a dealer.

 

Thats the back up plan, but I kninda wanted to avoid spending that much money.

 

As far as trolling junkyards for a rear, your only viable option is a rear from a 3rd or 4th gen f-body, due to the torque arm. No other vehicle uses the torque arm setup so any other junkyard rear won't have the provisions to hook it up. There's been a ton of threads on here about swapping other junkyard rears in, and unless you're exceptional at welding and fabrication, it's a major PITA to fit one up. So yeah, if you need something stronger than the factory rear, the only other realistic choice is spending roughly $2K for an aftermarket 9 inch or 12 bolt that's been custom made to fit a 3rd or 4th gen f-body. The "Bronco" rear you're thinking of is probably the Ford 8.8 inch rear. Those have been successfully retrofitted by a few people, but it does require major fabrication to get them to work.

 

That sux, but I do admit I have really noe Fabrication experience or welding experience, So I guess that I will just have to save up. it's probably the safer route anyways

 

i'm purchasing mine from www.justrearends.com, i talked to them today. they have brand new rears with torque arm brackets, disk brakes, etc. it would be a complete rear end perfect for your car, all u have to do is choose the ratio u want. i believe i'm going with a 4.56 but i haven't decided, just started a thread to see what people thought.