Stock skylark rearend

[Jim]

Is there a aftermarket posi for the stock  skylark  rearend how good are the axles.i picked up alittle project  and am thinking  buick drivetrain  supension. Just wondering how bad the weak spot really is.jim

[gssizzler]

Yukon, Auburn gear, Eaton all make posi units for the BOP 10 bolt 8.2 rears!
Auburn is the only one that makes a second series for 2:93- 3:23 ratio and original
Ring and pinions have to be used! 3:36 and up ratios are available new! If you are
Building something with a lot of horsepower either get a built 9 bolt or build a early 12 bolt with
all new parts!

[Jim]

I'll  use either a 401 or a fairly stock 455 the rearend is the right size  and in inventory thought maybe I could upgrade it cheaper then buying a 12 bolt.jim

[WkillGS]

The resident rear axle specialists (on V8 Buick) are Jim Mitchke (Monzaz) and Brian Trick. They can set you up with the correct parts. Jim has a website at www.jdrace.com  , he's in Ohio.
Brian Trick is in Erie, Pa. thetrickfamily@yahoo.com

It's important to know exactly which rear you have. There are differences in rear wheel bearings depending on whether it's a GS/Sportwagon rear or a standard Skylark. 66-up rears are a little wider, about 1", and use larger diameter axles and bearings.
They aren't big fans of the 8.2 for heavy duty use. It really depends on how you're using the car, and even what tires you use. The 8.2 should be fine for street use and street tires.
But if you are going to invest a lot of $$ into a rear rebuild, you may want to consider starting with a better unit, such as a 71-2 8.5 rear.

[jmos4]

Hi,

The 8.2 is a good street axle, one thing to note Buick had a version and Pontiac a different one internals are the same except I think pinion bearing but the Pontiac version also has a extra casting rib that supports the pinion more than the Buick version that doesn't have ribs.

A interesting note that Oldsmobile used the Buick casting in cars with 2.78 & 3.08 ratios and the Pontiac from some 3.08 and higher ratios.

This was the 65 A-body 8.2 which is the narrower one 66 up are wider by a inch or more a side and 64's are the same width as 65 just have smaller control arm bushings.

Regards,
Jim

[Jim]

Hi ,our gs doesn't really need much attention  this winter .so  another project  came up 40 olds business coupe .I stripped  my 65 skylark coupe to the bare frame will use the front and rear stubs and build a new frame for it  then buick power  .both frames  are 46" wide and 58" track at rear so I'm thinking I can fit some 225 tires inside the stock fenders.jim