How big are 8.5 axle tubes??

[Malibu 361]

Anybody know off hand I don't have my rear here and can't... Thanks

 

[monzaz]

2.5 or 2 1/2" in diameter

 

[Malibu 361]

I thought they were 3" and the 7.5 were 2.5"

 

[monzaz]

GN and 442 1984-1987 original axle tubes are 2.5" just like the 7.5. That's a fact.

Jim

 

[kevind]

The 71-75 or so Nova 8.5 are the same size as a 12 bolt I think 3" I have never had one out of a GN but the older ones are 3"

 

[grizwald]

GN and 442 1984-1987 original axle tubes are 2.5" just like the 7.5. That's a fact.

Jim

this is the truth

 

[monzaz]

Yep the GN and 442 are the only 8.5 rears that have the 2.5 " tube that comes right out of the cast housing. The s-10 8.5 use the truck 3" tube casting and then the tube actually tapers down to 2.5. That is a strange looking tube also...lol Jim

 

[grizwald]

yeah...i just tossed an old 8.2 housing that had those tapered axle tubes. you gotta wonder why they would do that.

 

[monzaz]

??? 8.2 tapered housing? Do you mean at the axle bearing? That is normal... I am talking about right when it comes out of the 8.5 center section... About 2-3 " from out of the cast center it will taper down to 2.5 and be 2.5" tube for about 2 more feet.

Jim

 

[grizwald]

the 8.2 i had was 3" tube out of the center until about 1.5" from the flange and then it tapers down to 2.5".