I read the sticky about 10 bolt rears. It seems to tell me that I should be in good shape. I found a 97 z28 posi rear with the gear ratio I want and PBR discs in great shape. I have two 3rd gen 10 bolt rears but bad posi and wrong gears or drum or cast iron calipers. I want the narrower 3rd gen rear. It seems that I can swap the carrier and pinion and brakes from the 4th gen rear into a 3rd gen rear and use the 28 spline axles from one of the 3rd gen rears. I understand about setting side clearance and lash. Is this doable? Take everything from the 97 rear except axles and put in or on 3rd gen 10 bolt rear.
I also noticed the 97 rear had 2 flex lines for the rear to the body. It does not have a T. Can I rebend line to put in a T to match my current setup?
Any thoughts on this or things to watch for.
I want discs and just found out that this PBR brake set up will fit with the 15 inch wheels I will be using and is obviously a much better brake than the older delco moraine cast iron caliper rear.
Please do not flame me for using 15's as I am going to use the 15 X 8 79-81 snowflake wheels and I can not afford buying the remade ones fron year one.

 

Yes, you can do what your wanting to do. But installing the R&P & setting up the R&P gear lash is "voodoo" & worth it to pay to have that done, even if you do the rest.

 

Nothing wrong with using 15" rims. The only real reason for using a larger rim is to fit oversized disk brakes which are probably more than most people need anyway. Using larger diameter rims and keeping a small 26-27" tall tire to retain a roughly stock tire height means you need to use a smaller sidewall with does nothing for performance except in high speed cornering and makes for a rougher ride.

As mentioned above, it sounds like what you intend to do will work just fine providing one of those 3rd gen diffs is a 90-92 for the 28 spline axles. 82-89 will only have 26 spline axles. You may want to check to make sure the caliper mounts are the same or can be switched over.

 

I would like to say thank you to both Blackenedbird and AlkylIROC.
I totally agree with you Blackenedbird about setting up a rear diff.
First I have friends who know what they are doing setting up ring and pinion. But is worth stating anyways that ring and pinion work is best left to someone who knows what they are doing. I like hearing the words of the wise as one little trick I did not know caused me to nearly lose a finger on a C3 rear leaf spring.
To AlkylIROC I am probably older than many on here and so am rather old school. I appreciate when others can accept what I am wanting to do. In that respect I am not a big fan of 17 or up wheels but must admit that many of the cars on here do look good with them. I am building it my way to suit me but that does not mean that my plans can not change. I am set on these wheels and was sure I would have to use the older delco calipers. I was suprised to find that these wheels fit. I knew some 15's cleared but not about these.
As for the 28 spline axles I do have my original complete 91 V6 rear in good condition. I was hoping to use those axles. As for the caliper mounts I am now wondering if the backing flange changed from either earlier disc to 97 LT1 or 91 drum to 97 LT1. If so an it is only a little then I should be able to make it work. This is a complete 97 rear. It has uncut Ebrake cables and complete brakes and rotors. It came out of a roadworthy drivable car.
I do know of various changes to the backing flange on the earlier 8.5" Ring gear 10 bolts through the years.
Should I be able to Put a T in for the brake lines?

 

OK have been reading alot more and have decided that this is what I am going to do but may need new mounting bracket. As this isn't the brake board I will ask specific questions there.
Thnks to both members that responded earlier. AlkylIROC mentioned the possible problems I might run into.