How far off is the LT1 caprice rear compared to the factory third gen 10 bolt? I'm trying to see how easy a complete LT1 engine, trans, and rear swap will be before I start. I know about the engine and trans however I'm not to sure about the rear.

 

The rear end would require a LOT of special fabrication to work, since the suspension is as different as night & day.

 

That's right, it would be a big job making the Caprice rear end work in the 3rd gen. None of the suspension is the same and the F body has a special center casting that works with the torque arm.

 

Thank you very much more questions to come we are restyling our pds DARE car from body parts, engine/trans, paint and interior. More questions to come and will post pics along the way

 

Even if you could swap the rear, you'd still want a better axle ratio, so you'd still be doing a gear change. Your third gen's axle is plenty strong for the LT1/4L60E combo, but if you're using the Caprice LT1, it has the iron heads, even if it is a police version. Go ahead and do the LT1, but get some aluminum heads, then get a 3.73:1 gear set.