Re: 1982 Malibu rear end

After measuring and remeasuring I decided to go get a rear end that I know
will fit. I got one from a 1975 Camaro and I know other guys that have used
this rear. Actually the 1970 through 1981 Camaro's are the same.
I will have to cut and weld my perches on the camaro rear, but shouldn't be
a problem.
Here is a link to my truck http://www.coopscorner.com/55truck/truckindex.htm
as you can see I have a long way to go.
Thanks for your help,
        Tom


"** **" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> A '55 Chevy truck. Now that is a classic!
>
> Can't you just measure with a tape measure the distance from the backing
> plate on one side to the other side, and compare the overall distance?
>
> What I would also be concerned with is the distance from the centerline
> of the differential to the area where the U-Bolts locate that hold the
> axles in place to the vehicle.
>
> If the Malibu differential has adequate clearance to bolt up alright,
> and it's slightly wider overall, it won't make much difference because
> functionally it doesn't matter, and who's going to know if the wheels
> are sticking out an inch or so further than they used to.
>
> However, you certainly wouldn't want a rear differential and axle
> assembly that was smaller in width.
>
> I can see some other areas that would require taking some stock in. The
> backing plates are fitted to the axle tubes, and therefore can't be
> rotated.
>
> If you have to rotate the entire assembly too much to fit it up, it is
> possible you'll have to refit your brake lines. But that's not a big
> deal. They sell all kinds of adaptors for that type of thing.
>
> Of course I am sure you realize that it's a good idea to replace your
> U-Bolts on the axle housing if they are old.
>
> My concern would be the distance between the hard points where the axles
> are actually attached to the vehicle, and of course the overall width of
> the assembly.
>
> I suppose you can't do what I would think of as the only bullet proof
> way to check it out, and that is to just lay them down side by side.
>
> My gut tells me you can't do that and that's why you're asking.
>
> If you can't, the next best thing is to take a paper and pencil, measure
> and write down all of your measurements, and then do the same with the
> one from the Malibu, or have whomever has the differential assembly do
> the same thing and compare notes.
>
> If you think of it let me know how you make out. I'm curious. Good Luck!
>