Use Camaro rearend or convert 10 bolt?

[Dusty4]

I would like rear disk brakes on my 56, and am going to buy a Camaro donor car. Would the Camaro disk brake rear work out, or shoud I convert my 10 bolt rear? I won't be pushing any big horses, but will sometimes haul a few hundred pounds around, or pull the boat (it's light, I can move it around by hand) Thoughts? Thanks upfront, Dusty

[bsgmcc20]

Being a camaro guy myself. what year donor are you going to use. the 67-69 are the shortest like 58" was mine. between flanges. check your length of your stock axle in your 56. other than not knowing the donor year. thats about all i can say with the limited question. hope it helps a bit.

[Dusty4]

I'm after a 85-92 Camaro donor car for the engine, tpi, and transmission. If the disc brake rear (later years) would work out, bonus! What do you think?

[bsgmcc20]

Ok if memory serves... your rear axle is 60" and your donor is 62" 1/2 That will give you a 1" 1/4 wider axle after the swap. So My thoughts are your going to have to get your rear wheels "offset" by that 1" 1/4 to keep them inside your fender lips. You need to make measurements and check motor mounts to start. Then work your way back. Tranny then axle last. So when you need to make an adjustment. you can take the Drive shaft and shorten or lengthen it. Hope this helps if i can help let me know.

A bit of a rush on my post on my way out to dinner ..

[Houston54]

That is a 3rd generation camaro. The rear axle is a 7.5 inch unit and is not considered very strong. The axle tubes are also smaller than the previous years. The width of the axle is 62.5 inches and with the right backspacing works on AD and task force trucks.

The axles typically used for these trucks are the 2nd gen camaro/firebird (60 inch wide), the 4x4 Blazer rear axle that has disc brakes, the Lincoln Versallies 9 inch and also Ford truck rear axles although you would have to have the axles hubs redrilled for your bolt pattern unless you are running a 5 on 5.5.

The dimensions to keep in mind are the width of the bed is 50 inches, the depth of the fenders is 12 inches so you have a total width of 74 inches and inside constraint of 50 inches to work with for axle and wheel back spacing.

Which ever axle you choose, if it does not already have discs on it there is probably a kit out there to swap them in.

[bsgmcc20]

Thanks Houston54 for the added details... I knew someone on here would have more info.

[Dusty4]

Thanks for the info, you saved me a lot of hassel!