Is it true that the rear end in an impala ss is an 8.5" ten bolt? How much stronger is it than the 7.xx" in F-bodies?

 

Yes it is true. Yes it is a whole lot stronger. No it will not fit, in case you were wondering.

 

Anything will fit if you modify it. If you want a narrower 8.5 to work with, I know 2nd gen f-bodies had them.

 

what kind of fab work are we talking?

 

As in total make it fit fabbing.

 

The big problem is the lack of a torque arm mount. The rear could be narrowed, the various mounts for the panhard rod, shocks, LCA's and springs added. But then you'd have to figure out how to fab up a TA mount. One person who did all this on a GM 12-bolt, doing all the welding himself said he'd never even waste his time doing it again. Not enough money saved over just buying a 12-bolt that's made to fit.