1966 442

Hello,

I am planning on using a 1971 "corporate" axle housing in my 1966 442. I have a couple of questions concerning this swap. Here goes.

1) I have been told that any "corporate" posi set up will fit in the housing. However, I saw an Aubirn Posi for a 71 and up Camaro and Chevelle for sale on the internet. WHen I asked the seller if it would fit a BOP "corporate" application, I was told it would not. Is this correct? Do I need a BOP "corporate" posi unit to work in my 71 Cutlass housing?

2) Has anyone had any experience mounting a "corporate" axle using the stock 1966 rear springs that are different than the later springs? I was told 67 springs would work but when I checked this out I was told the 67 springs would not work at the top end? Help?

3) Any driveshaft modifications necessary for this swap?

Thanks in advance for all your help. It is very much appreciated. Larry

joe_padavano

You can pretty much guarantee that if you ask a Chevy-centric vendor about Olds parts, you'll get an incorrect answer. The 8.5" axle used under the 1971-up cars is identical to the Chevy 8.5" ten bolt except that the stoopid C-clips were trashed and replaced with proper bolt-in axle shafts. The differential is the same. Just get an 8.5" differential with the correct spline count for your shafts. Don't mention the words "Oldsmobile" or "BOP" to the seller.

Allan R

??? Joe, somewhere I recall a discussion that a 66/67 axle won't work in a 70-72 Cutlass because of overall width. Wouldn't the reverse be true of putting a 70-72 axle into a 66/67?

joe_padavano

The 66.5 and 67 cars came from the factory with the same P/N Type O housing as was used in the 1968 cars. That's the same width as all 68-72 A-body rears.