Last night I got an 8.5" rear end from a Turbo T. Paid $650 delivered from Fl. It came with the large rear swaybar and billet lower control arms. I don't remember the name, but I'll post pics tomorrow. If all goes well, I'll get the body off as well.

Now for my questions. The rear is a posi with 3.42 gears. How can I check it out to make sure it's in good condition? what do you guys do with your old 7.5 rear ends? I'll be painting it with por-15, so do I need to remove any parts during the process to do it "right"?

The rear is a posi with 3.42 gears. How can I check it out to make sure it's in good condition? what do you guys do with your old 7.5 rear ends? I'll be painting it with por-15, so do I need to remove any parts during the process to do it "right"?

Slap it on and proceed to do a 10 min burnout if it holds up then it's still in good condition :P

Seriously though, check for the obvious: leaks, lubricant level, lubricant discoloration (forget the smell, it will stink no matter what), check pinion bearings for weakness, scuffed gear tooth contact surfaces (metal in fluid), ring gear clearance, look for a misaligned or sprung ring gear.
Paint before you install it, change the fluid before you install it, much easier to do off the vehicle. You might also want to install a functional reinforced cover, will add strength, help with cooling, and make changing fluid down the line easier with fill and drain plugs
As for your old rear end take it to a junkyard to discard, they will be more than happy to take, adds weight to the scrap :) You also are going to have to have your driveshaft shortened

for the driveshaft I was just going to get the 4" aluminum one from a silverado 2500 gasser, have it cut down, and put my yokes on it. (little trick I learned on S10Forum :cool: )

hmmm thanks for the tip, now I will have to be looking out for one and snatch it before our forklift drivers bend the driveshaft lifting it up to move it around!!

Last night I got an 8.5" rear end from a Turbo T. Paid $650 delivered from Fl. It came with the large rear swaybar and billet lower control arms. I don't remember the name, but I'll post pics tomorrow. If all goes well, I'll get the body off as well.

Now for my questions. The rear is a posi with 3.42 gears. How can I check it out to make sure it's in good condition? what do you guys do with your old 7.5 rear ends? I'll be painting it with por-15, so do I need to remove any parts during the process to do it "right"?
How'd you find your rear end?

How'd you find your rear end?

He used both hands. :lol:

How'd you find your rear end?

He used both hands. :lol:
Is he blind? :lol: I was wondering cause I was having trouble finding a reliable source. I tried to go through a junkyard I found online and they ended up sending me a regal rear. I guess they thought I wouldn't know any better. So know I have a free rear that I don't want. I'm still interested in where he got his, I doesn't really matter though since I just picked up a 3.73 10 bolt today.

Yeah, using my hands helped. lol

I found the rearend on turbobuick.com, I got mine from a Matt Golden on there (that's his username too)

It was convenient for me because he was in Tallahassee and just delivered it up here to Albany, Ga

I didnt notice ur location, but there is sure to be one in your general region.