Ford rear ends

Are ford rear ends better?

I am going to buy a new rear end of my 68 camaro, thinking about a 12 bolt, untill someone said Ford rear ends are better.

Is this true and can I add one to a 1st gen camaro?

MTmace

Ford 9" is stronger stock than a 12 bolt, but eats more HP. You can put a 9" under just about anything; aftermarket suppliers will be glad to supply you for $$$. Only factory 9" that will fit your 68 is one from a 67-70 Mustang. The spring mounts are slightly off, but rubber spring bushings will flex enough to allow it to work. Wheel pattern is, of course, different.

You might want to consider an 8.5" 10 bolt out of an early 70's Nova. Will bolt right in place (if you have multi-leafs), parts are readily available, will cost much less than a 12 bolt or 9", and is plenty strong for most applications.

I currently have a 10 bolt with a single leaf, is that the same as the Nova's 10 bolt you were speaking of?

Thanks for your help,

MTmace

The 10 bolt used before 71 was an 8.2 diff. Not too weak, but parts are not as readily available as parts for the 71 up 8.5 diff. The 8.5 diff is called "corporate" because it was used by all GM divisions. You'll find it under Firebirds, Camaros, 442's, etc. The 8.5 is a good bit stronger than the 8.2. The Nova diff is only one that is a bolt on for your 68. The Nova 8.5 diff is multileaf (all the ones I've seen), so you would have to change springs.

Is it possible for me to use the multi leafs from the nova?

Thanks for your help, it sounds like the 10 Bolt nova will be the best option for me given the cost and benefit.

MTmace

That I have no personal knowledge on. You might want to ask at this site:

http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=005619#000003