May be upgrading 8.5 rear, have a couple of questions

[87SS]

Due to my direction change in motors, I want to start looking at upgrading the 8.5 rear I have. Currently it is stock with a LPW cover and brand new drum brakes on the rear. I was going to go for the S60 Dana 60 rear from Strange, but Strange told me they have stopped making them for the G Body. :evil:

I am currently running adjustable upper and lowers and prefer to stick with these arms I have, so I was thinking of either going with a Moser spool/axle/C-Clip Elim kit (33 spline max) for the 8.5 I have and do a disc brake swap, or go with a 9". I am clueless when it comes to 9 inch rears, how hard is setting up the center section and ring gears? Either way, I am looking for 35 spline min and a spool, even though it will be on the street once in a while.

 

[79malibusbc]

why not a 12 bolt from moser or strange :-k a 9 inch is the most expensive route

 

[Anonymous]

hey do you have the stock 28 spline gn axles and side gears? im looking to fix my gn 8.5.

 

[87SS]

Figured the S60 or 9" would handle more power, utilize my existing rear suspension control arms and could be ordered with the larger spline axles. I really want to upgrade it and forget it, which made the S60 perfect for that. Since the S60 is no longer made, I figured the next step down on the reliability scale would be the 9".

I just hit Moser's page and looks to be around $2000 without brakes for a 12-bolt and 33 spline w/spool. I need to see what some of the GN guys are running on beefed up 8.5s over on TurboBuick since I could probably do this one up for $800-$1k. I have heard low 8s, but that could just be talk.

 

[bowtie81]

talk to TOMS78BU he's gonna be selling a 12 bolt from his car. a 12 bolt is just a strong as the 9 is. and the 12 bolt takes less power to turn it and it weighs less too.

 

[87SS]

Thanks bowtie

 

[bowtie81]

your welcome 87ss. heres the link from tom talking about selling the 12 bolt
http://maliburacing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=77689

 

[MonteMike79]

I run a Moser 12 bolt under my car, the 9" is a little more expensive then the 12 bolt. I payed about 2600 all said and done for it after shipping and all. That was without brakes, you will have to get backer plates, shoes, and wheel cylinders from a chevelle or any other A body car.

 

[87SS]

Thanks. Maybe upgrading the 8.5 isn't such a bad idea for the price. Been researching on other sites, a lot of guys going in the 8s with them, but ring gear strength seems to be the issue after so many runs.

 

[bowtie81]

spend a little extra and go with a 12, youll feel better you did in the long run. guys are running 7's with a 12