Topic: Any GTO/Lemans experts?

[y88rick]

i used to have a bucket seat 72 lemans years ago and a 70 gto both were cool

[iceman]

Bird76, ... The pic on "reply 27" tells the whole story, or at least all I need to know.  That is a 8.5" rear. it is from a newer car and a g-body. not to mention the sway bar. it's definately 70's or 80's for sure.  Look at the mis-alignment of the upper control arm as it's centered on the axle bushing... as in NOT. The rear cover is exactly like the one we all have in our (70's)'birds. Good rear and tough, just the geometry won't jive as the suspension will bind up and not travel well. Should ride like a bread truck in the rear which is a shame 'cause these cars ride nice. A rough dimension from plate to plate is 54 1/4" roughy, depends where you measure exactly. I did some checking on my car to comfirm what I'm saying. Mike

[iceman]

[iceman]

[iceman]

I hope the pics help. This is a 8.2" rear in the car that was factory. It's my LeMans Sport convertible that's keeping my from getting my TA going. I was hoping to have paint in it by now and as you can see, I'm along way off. The PO of the car replaced all the suspension. As you can see by the rust on all the newer pieces, that is from an open transport last winter to move back to Michigan. The scale on the frame and floor pans shows my interest in a rotisserie. Anyone notice the hood? How about a Shaker? It's happening. I also showed a pic of the horrifically fitting aftermarket quarter skins that require alot of massaging to line up and a floor pan patch. Thought I'd share. Mike

[SavingTheBird76]

Thanks for the pics...it helps me out quite a bit.
The current rear end will be a great spare for the 74 El Camino I recently bought.
I just need to hunt down a 64-72 rear end.
More pics when you get a chance?
I love restoration photos.

[Burd Turd]

If you can find what month and year had your year of GTO numbers guide in HP Pontiac mag, I prob have it.

[SavingTheBird76]

Since I'm going through the trouble to remove the complete rear end I might as well get the gears that I want/need.
I believe 68-72 all have the same dimension/setup..54 1/4 according to Mike's measurement.
I've been pricing them locally off craigslist...$200-$800 for posi....obviously the $800 version is totally rebuilt with new parts.
I'm debating whether  to go with a 12 bolt Chevy type or the 10 Bolt bop...stronger housing verses the stronger axles.
Price is going to play a factor...as I'm already a month behind on my obligations.
Most likely taking a $500 per month pay cut....I'm going to need some side work to finish my projects.

[joe d]

if you are buying used i would buy complete and not just used gears

[SavingTheBird76]

I need the complete housing and carrier...I just want to stay with a posi type.
Rear ends rarely give me any problems...but most are 40 years old and could use a few replacement parts.
Hopefully I'll come along with a nice deal somewhere.

[iceman]

Thanks for the pics...it helps me out quite a bit.
The current rear end will be a great spare for the 74 El Camino I recently bought.
I just need to hunt down a 64-72 rear end.
More pics when you get a chance
I love restoration photos.

 Just an FWI....
You'll need a '68-'72 rear or you'll run into different length issues. Unless you come across a '65 12 bolt rear... BIG $$(Buy and flip it)
Also, the Olds 12 bolts are actually 10 bolts on the ring gear and 12 on the cover. Don't shy away from the Pontiac 8.2". It can be built pretty stout. A friend of mine ran in the 9's in the quarter with one with nice parts in it...HTH and good luck. Mike

For the record, what do you plan with this car? Curious....

[SavingTheBird76]

I just like drivers...the racetrack is only 15 minutes away.
It's been a long time since I had a high performance car on the street...I miss it badly.
I like doing smokey burnouts and filling the back seat with smoke/
The new cars today have no soul..I hate em.
I want to drive all classics once I get my fleet running correctly.

[SavingTheBird76]

I got the rear end removed today.
The code on the rear end is zy-1977 308 posi.
Any ideas what vehicle it came out of?
Malibu wagon?
I took off the cover,and removed the lubricant and had a look see.
pretty clean inside...not much of anything besides fluid.
whats the best way to clean the posi unit before refilling and adding a new cover?
Thanks.

[SavingTheBird76]

I transplanted the 308 posi into my El Camino and discovered the problem.
Here is what the rear end spring perch looks like on the original.I need to remove these perches and have them welded correctly to the new rear end.
The other joker welded them too far forward rather than centered over the axle tube.
I still need to figure out what it came out of so I know what to order for brake parts.
The drums are different as the set off the 74 has a thinner area at outer edge of drum.
The rear shoes were the same...as I used the best parts from each rear end to complete the posi setup.
The 308 unit had all new adjusters and hardware,but the shoes were falling apart.
The drums off the 74 were like new,nice and thick,the others from the donor are rough.

[joe d]

some of the older gm drums though different in appearance were the same, often you would get a new one and it would not match the old one, sounds like you have some older ones with large cooling fins