Looking for some advice on an axle choice. have a 1964 cutlass with a 1969 455 "C" heads, hotter cam and dual quad setup, trans is a mildly massaged 700r4 (out of a late model truck). this is how it was set up when i bought it.
this has the stock rear axle in it and I want to upgrade to a posi. nothing is numbers matching so that part does not matter. also I do not plan on racing it, but I do plan on the every so often tire smoke.

since I didn't win the lotto I need to decide the best way to do this. looking for something that will last and have good drive-ability / dependability.
was thinking of just changing the center carrier, but would it make more sense to get a different axle all together (12 bolt maybe) or is the 10 bolt "P" axle strong enough? the tire clearance is tight so I don't want a wider axle
what ever axle I use, I do plan on all new bearings and seals!
also anyone have a good recommendation for an axle shop near Milwaukee or close shipping distance?

 

I believe the 8.2 is a decent rear for strength,my first olds was a 65 442 4 spd and i dragged it with small slicks and didnt break it.my .02

 

Both these rears will hold fine for what you are doing and you can get parts for that rear...IF that is what you have.
You really should post some pictures or casting numbers etc before making a final decision and sending it to a shop assuming you have an original rear under your car.

You will also need to know what ratio is in the rear to get the posi unit or are you intending on buying NEW gears also?

Jim
JD