is there any way to tell a 8.5" 10-bolt rear from the others without measuring the gear? thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

yes look at the axle tubes were they go into the center pumpkin.

on a 7.5/7.625 they are one size all the way into the the pumpkin

on the 8.5 the tubes get larger just before they go into the pumpkin


also the 8.5 has more of a round pumpkin were as the 7.625 is more square

 

thanks! looks like my dad's car has a 8.5" 10-bolt under it.