new here, have question regarding rear axle for '62 f 85, front has 69 Nova 5 lug so I want to change out the rear to a 5 lug and get bigger wheels/tires. Also need to firm up the suspension and ? lift the car a bit. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

As an aside. The "new" rear end, I believe a Nova (5 lug) is a 3.43, but is the stock 62 F 85 a 3.03 or what? I'm thinking I don't want to go as far as 3.55. Can't seem to find the stock ratio in the manual.

 

Stock ratio would be 3.08 or 3.23 or 3.36. Right side of the housing cover will have a capital letter and 3 digit date code. A=3.08 B=3.23 C=3.36. If there is an X in a circle after the date code then it's a posi unit. This is 63 F85 info, but I believe it's the same for a 62.
By the way, switching the rear end assembly from stock to one from a Nova would be a difficult major undertaking, better take a long look under your car to see what your going to be up against first.........

 

62 rear end ratios are 3.08 3.23 and 3.36, though i havent seen one with 3.08's yet. do you already have a rear end? if not get your rear axle and drums drilled to match your front pattern, easier than trying to fit a different rear end
^^^treed

 

thanks very much for the info. I checked the housing previously, no number, hence the above question. It's a 10 bolt, probably 8.5 right? don't have info otherwise. The front end is actually a 68 Nova 5 lug w/14" wheels. Simpler I suppose than a rear end. But, besides the 5 lug for matching the front wheels, I wanted a bit of a bump in the ratio to possibly better handle the 283/T350 combo when my right foot gets heavy, and without doing too much damage at the pump. Also, I just put a couple of photos up in the album, and will put more up as I get into the innards. If you can think of any that would help answer questions I'll try and get them up.

 

No it's not a 8.5 ring gear, not even close, much smaller and the differential is unique to the 61-63 years.
The pinion is positioned lower in relation to the ring gear to help make up for the lack of room in the driveline tunnel because the floor pan was based on the rear engine Corvair for these cars. BTW, don't check the housing, but check the housing COVER for the ratio.

 

yes the inspection cover, passenger side next to the axle tube. Its stamped in so may need to do some scraping. i did put a narrowed 8.5 in one with stock frame side mounts but it required i relocated the upper mounts, ended up not liking the finished product and am now doing a back half. If i were to do it again id start with an s10 rear