Hello Everyone,

I need some help selecting a rear for my camaro (69). Long story short, I've had my 69 for roughly 15 years sitting at my mom's house. Now that I'm debt free, financial stable, I dug into this last year once the pandemic hit. It's completely gutted, no engine, no nothing. I've stripped everything down and I finally reached the rear.

It currently has an 8.2. I ended up going with the ride tech 4 link and i plan on this being strictly weekend cruiser. No track, no racing, none of that. Maybe i'll get brave peel out or floor it but that'sit.

-I thought about having someone rebuild my 8.2 but saw threads that it may not be a good idea?

-I saw Currie sells 9" crates fully assembled with the ride tech brackets and willwood brakes but its pushing $4k. Is that worth it?

-Does Mosier offer something similar?

I am leaning towards doing an LS swap. Nothing crazy, maybe push about 300 HP. I also have the most basic welding skills but I can also pay someone to weld the brackets?

my bad, im referring to the whole rear differential

 

also, removing my current axle and its leaf springs, is it simply jacking the car up and unbolting? Is there anything I need to look out for? Nothing is going to fly out and smack me?

 

Chevy 8.5 and 12 bolt rear ends are options for you And 8.5 can be found in a 1973-4 Nova ..and are bolt ins 8,2 rear ends are pretty weak .

 

So,I managed to get my old 8.2 removed. Cleaned everything up, coated the underside of the car, and I'm about to install the ride tech cradle.


Still unsure about what direction to go with as far as the rear end. I searched for 8.5 and 12 bolts and have little luck finding any here in LA.

I found a complete 12 bolt rebuilt with wilwood disc brakes that will run me 3k. (ebay)

Another seller has a complete ford 9 inch with standard disc brakes for 2.5k. Also on ebay. Both sellers have perfect feedback.

Then there's my crusty 8.2. I know they are weak but will a rebuilt be safe to have as a daily driver? Again, this car will not see any tracks or drags.

 

That 10 bolt 8.2 will be fine if you aren't drag racing or serious hotrodding a lot.
You didn't say if you are running a stick shift or and automatic?
Behind an auto without a big cam and high stall convertor it should hold together just fine.
That said a 12 bolt would be better and a 9" better yet but it gets expensive as you know.
My 2001 SS has a pumped up LS1 making 400 hp at the wheels and a six speed stick and I still have to stock 10 bolt posi rear end.
It's held up fine so far and I don't baby it,that said I try not to dump the clutch hard too often at a stand still.
The car is fast enough that if I slam second gear it goes up in smoke and wants to get sideways. lol

 

I'm going automatic. It's definitely going to be a weekend cruiser but with the option to daily drive if something happens to my Honda.

I've checked around and most rebuilds for my 10.2 with labor is roughly 1K. Which will allow me to invest the rest of my funds to the front suspension.

 

Welp, looks like I was mistaken. The thread at LStech where they were crapping on a 10 bolt was directed at the 7" rear ends. A rebuilt 8.2 should suffice for me. Now to find a reputable shop to take care of the dirty work.