Can i use the COMPLETE differential off of a '72 elky on my '80 without modifying the driveshaft? I know i can't use the whole rear assembly, but how 'bout just the pumpkin?

Thanks

I'm not really quite sure what your asking here...the parts from your 80 are not interchangeable with the parts from the 72 no matter if it's a 10 bolt or 12 bolt rear. The only thing that might be useable "as is" would be possibly the driveshaft.

actually, you can use the whole rearend, housing and all. you will need some different control arms and different wheels. 72 rearend is wider so you need wheels with more backspacing to center the tires. can't remember who makes the control arms right off hand but if you decide you want to do this i'll find the link you need to go to. hope this helps.

From what I have read, you will need adjustable control arms because the upper ones will need to be shorter. Like greasy , I am also unsure who makes them.

Jegs carries adjustable upper control arms part on page 162S of their current catalog as does OPG Inc. The ones from OPG are made by Hotchkiss. Jegs run about $155 and the hotchkiss are about $300 for the sets. Hope this helps. :D

The company that makes the control arms to put a 3rd gen Elky rearend into a 5th gen is called South Side Machine Shop. However when I tried to log onto their site I couldn't connect...they may be no longer in business but here it is www.southsidemachine.com you could also try Ziptie Motor Sports http://ziptiemotorsports.8k.com/index.html

A good friend of mne has been woring for GM since the mid 70's and seems to think that a 12 bolt is a direct bolt in for a 5th gen except for the control arms. I wouldn't know I haven't done the swap. :nervous:

a 12 bolt is a direct bolt in for a 5th gen except for the control arms. What exactly does that mean? The control arms, which are bolted in, are what holds the rearend in.

it takes different control arms.

Yep you can do it, you need the kit from SSM to do it though, I've read a little on this and you will have to weld on different shock mounts and i think maybe relocate the spring pads on the axle tubes. The kit comes with everything you need (new control arms, shock mounts, etc.) you just need to be able to weld.

I see...does anyone know whose making these aftermarket control arms?

i believe it is southside machine. they have moved and the kids took over after the dad retired. don't know if they have a new web site yet.

Here's the URL that Summit lists South Side Machine Co. (http://www.southsidemachine.com/) It's not comming up at the moment.

I know Edelbrock makes some adjustable control arms for 10 and 12 bolts.

I found the instructions on the net for the SSM 12/10 bolt swap, Here's the link make sure you check out the different figures 1-6 gives you a better idea of whats involved.

SSM G-Body 12 Bolt Swap Kit Instructions (http://home.hiwaay.net/~ppatter/ssm_instructions.html)

Chris