what has to be changed on a 2nd gen rear to swap it into a first gen?

just like the title says, what has to be done? shortened? springs relocated?

thanks

I really dont know, but the numbers on the rear end of my Camaro are from a 1970 Z/28. Im not sure if they changed anything on it to make it work, owners b4 me did it so I really dont know. It would be interesting if someone knew if anything was changed though :)

If memory serves me correctly the 2nd gen rearends are about an inch longer than the 1st gen. The 2nd gen will work in a first gen but the spring perches are further apart than the 1st gens. All in all it should work but you will have a little swing in the leaf springs to were they rest into the perch. Someone may be able to tell you better or I could be totally off on this but I am pretty sure I am on the right track.

If it's an 8.5 in ten bolt then you can find a early 70s nova rear which will bolt right into the first gen. Then just swap the guts over to the nova rear.

Ive looked at the rear I have, I could swear from looking at pictures the shocks are in a slightly different spot, but the springs I have line up with the mounts on the car. Wheels dont stick out of the 1/4s though so im not sure if 2nd gen rears are longer or not.

Just build a 9" and reap the benefits. You can actually do it pretty cheap. Doing one right now for my Nova backhalf.

Originally posted by FiefSS
Ive looked at the rear I have, I could swear from looking at pictures the shocks are in a slightly different spot, but the springs I have line up with the mounts on the car. Wheels dont stick out of the 1/4s though so im not sure if 2nd gen rears are longer or not.

Is there any chance your rear is out of a; say 70-72 Nova? If so they are the same as 68 & 69 rears.. In other words they will work just fine.

I am not 100% sure, but the casting number on the housing I check a while back internet said 2nd Gen Camaro 12bolt, and the number matched a few 70 Z/28's so I really dont know I could not find the number anywhere else. I dont wanna go climb under the car right now since there is crap piled around it, i will look it up again later when I get a chance though.