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Great forum. Very educational…

I have a '68 Camaro convertible with a stock 8.2 rear and 2.73 gears. I'm looking to replace the entire rear end unit with an 8.5. I know I want either 3.43 or 3.55 gears with posi. Ideally I'd like to get the full assembly (brake set up and all) so it's basically a bolt in process. I wouldn't be starting this project until the fall so I do have some time...

A few questions:

- What would be the approx cost for such a set up?
- I don't want to shorten the current driveshaft that's on the car if I don't have to. Is that a problem?
- Any 8.5 I got from you for my Camaro would have multi leaf spring perches correct?
- How do you finish the housings?? Paint, powder coat??

Thanks!! Many more questions to follow…I'm sure of it...

dschribs, If you have time to complete more of your profile that would be greatly appreciated and welcome to the board.

10 bolt 8.5 gear ratios are as follows - 2.41, 2.56, 2.73, 2.93, 3.08, 3.23, 3.42, 3.73, 3.90, 4.10, 4.30, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, 5.38, 5.57

So 3.42 looks like what you are after.

- What would be the approx cost for such a set up?
A: Will depend onwhat posi and axle shaft etc. basic build is 959.00 multi leaf or mon leaf all the way up to a SUPER nova/camaro 30 spline strong as a 12 boltr chevy rear 1295.00 multi or mono
- I don't want to shorten the current driveshaft that's on the car if I don't have to. Is that a problem?
A: ALL 8.5 rears require you to shorten drive shaft OR buy a used one and have it shortened if you want to save the original...NO OTHER WAY.
- Any 8.5 I got from you for my Camaro would have multi leaf spring perches correct?
A: No we build mono or mutli leaf as the popularity of caltrac and slide a links these days. You can get either Multi or mono your choice
- How do you finish the housings?? Paint, powder coat??
A: We have the housings contracted out media blasted... then we prime the rear and paint it with chassis black paint...(semi gloss) Nothing special like the factory did and even then they barely painted the rears even...lol. We do not like the powder coating deal as sooner or later you will stuff the rear housing and then there is NO repair just a big dent and if not done right( LIKE MOST THINGS THESE DAYS) they peel and then your stuck with a mess. But again will do it if you want it. Just money right? Just kidding.

Hope that answer some of the questions.

It is always best to have a phone call discussion of al lthe details you are doing with your car so we can help pick parts you might want or need for the type of driving/racing and price range you are in. TAke care, Jim Mitschke

J D Race.com