Pontiac Rear End Rebuild Tragedy! This car does NOT Resurrect!

All we have to do is a simple posi rear end and gear upgrade in the 1968 Pontiac LeMans, that's it! Easy! We already have all the parts we could need sitting here and ready to go. After another expensive trip to our friends at Jegs we've got our posi-trac carrier, our install kit, and ring and pinion set. Unfortunately, as with absolutely everything with this car, that's not exactly the situation we're finding!
This Pontiac Project has been fighting us from moment one, from the first questionable purchase of the car until now essentially nothing has gone to plan. Initially there was some hope we could get it ready for the 2024 Pontiac Nationals, well that idea has gone completely out the window now it's just a question of can we get the car done without going COMPLETELY upside down on spending?

[@HeadFlowInc]

Corporate 12 bolt differential highly recommended 👍👍

[@RustyZipper]

On a serious note- If it were me: I’ve learned that you’re often further ahead by spending more money up front and replacing everything with new rather than cobbling it back together. The repairs rarely last I’ve found. I obviously have no clue what the price points are and you’re so far upside down in this car 🤷‍♂️ I forget where Pole Barn Garage gets his rear ends from but he speaks highly of them and the prices he says are fair.

[@davidconnor377]

Wy are you laughing at that rear end ? If it never made it this far...you would be working on something not so good

[@peteloomis8456]

If you learn how to build rear differentials completely you can save a ton of money and I have been doing this for years and years and just did a 70 Chevrolet Elcamino that this guy I know is going to 5.3 LS it with a turbo so he bought all new Yukon parts for it . The GM ones are pretty easy but I like the Ford 9 inch and the Chrysler 8&3/4 because they have the side adjusters to adjust the ring gear back & fourth to get the tooth pattern needed once the pinion depth is achieved. The Dana 60 needs a case spreader to get them apart and to assemble the ring gear .

[@bluesman7475]

I bought a SD-455 new in 74. It came with a 308 gear because of the air conditioning. I was told that it was necessary because a higher numerical gear would throw the belt. After the warranty was expired, I had the gear changed to a 3.73. I also added hooker headers and a B&M transpak and a Holeshot converter. When it was stock from the factory I ran 13.8 at National Trails on street nights. With the headers, converter and new gears, it would run 12.20's all night. So my experience is that for 1/4 mile racing, give it some gear.

[@terryeustice5399]

Austin it has happened to all of us at some point. Sorry for the bad news. Rich knows his stuff. Thank you for sharing. 💕👏👊👍

[@vr6swp]

After hearing you say the body needs a lot of work and the frame isn't great, my (unsolicited) suggestion would be to find a better shell to hang your nice new parts on.

[@RustyZipper]

Or sell it🤷‍♂️ still a good car for a cruise in guy

[@mikecolemire3692]

The 8.2 is prone to break. See if you can find a used 8.5 and build it.

[@RustyZipper]

I’m not surprised that Austin’s rear end is nasty looking and all wallered out. I bet it’s seen a lot of action back in its day. Definitely been abused in the past on Saturday nights trying to impress the ladies. But he’s in good hands 🙌

[@LucoreAuto]

Hahaha ohhh this comment! It's definitely seen better days and not as young as it once was!

[@ednordhagen7827]

I agree with the previous comment. Find a good used 12 bolt posi with some decent gears and go have fun. They are easy to upgrade and the parts are relatively inexpensive.

[@LucoreAuto]

That's definitely an option the problem being a "good used 12 bolt posi" these days around here is about 60% the cost of a brand new entire assembly that we won't have any worries about at all. Decisions Decisions!

[@nharris6171]

Super sorry to hear about the rear end. Obviously a built rear end would be wonderful but crap are they expensive! Checked on a Currie unit during HRPT,, $4,600,

[@user-hi2ev7ug4l]

Could only image what the rear axle sounded like when it was rolling along.. good content and thanks....🔧🔧👍

[@mttrucking725]

I'd think in grand scheme a 9" from whoever would be called upon. Gearset for track an hour later different gears set for road. Plus plenty of aftermarket support if things go sideways. Yes lots of dollars but in long run

[@jkK-lw9lu]

Your pocket book, but once cry once😂

[@LucoreAuto]

Pretty much! Do it right, do it once! But maaaaan was really hoping to push this spend off for a bit longer!

[@user-jr4sw5cy2i]

Find another BOP for next year but do the build up here, Run the 3.36s and have fun at the Nationals.

[@707SLAYER]

Rule #1 never go on vacation when your in the middle of a project an your friend is still working on the project ...

[@RustyZipper]

That rule is completely negated because a true car nut always has multiple projects going on at once. Furthermore, Typical vacations for car nuts are to attend car shows, road trip / sightsee (travel in a car), or a planned trip to buy car parts or another project. Rarely (never) would a vacation not include something car related.

[@davidgough1161]

I am going to get a fresh beer for this one!

[@RustyZipper]

Better make it a double!

[@donald-1463]

Austin has driven the wheels off of the car get a complete rear end setup for the yellow one and swap out

[@merylpelosi8485]

Putting a Moser rear in this poor old Poncho would be akin to dropping a strawberry in a basket of turds. Never heard of a 350 HO. It would be one thing if you were doing all the labor on this, but buying parts and paying installation costs, you'll never break even.

[@bigchrisgto]

You can change that 3rd member just pull axles pop caps put posi on gear

[@LucoreAuto]

Problem is, axles and bearings are also completely shot. So you essentially are talking an entire new assembly aside from the tube

[@bigchrisgto]

Bearings should be changed when you do gears axles should also be upgraded of your doing any kind of racing I would do gears full spool and stronger axles go with a larger spline axle if you could

[@ramblingsofnothing7783]

Fix the frame rust or the new rear end will fly out. Looked like a decent amount of rot. 😢

[@LucoreAuto]

There are plans in the works for that!

[@mikecolemire3692]

Call Quock Performance about a complete one. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!

[@Hogiewan1]

Honestly, for the money it’s hard to beat a QP 9” already setup with the right width, spring perches, brakes, gear ratio, etc for the cost

[@LucoreAuto]

Yeahhhhhh its one of the major options currently being considered honestly

[@ryanhollingsworth1148]

QP 9" with 35 spline axles. Over build it and enjoy it

[@RustyZipper]

@@ryanhollingsworth1148 - what is the ballpark price on that option? 🤷‍♂️ (honest question)

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy LUCORE & Austin, ... Sorry about the 8.2 B-O-P Rear-End basket-case I'm sure it was SOLD as: " RAN WHEN PARKED" - right ? LOL COOP ...

[@ivycycles]

Ford nine inch, or 8.8. It will always be there to deal with any engine upgrades. Spend now, save later.

[@LucoreAuto]

That's really looking like the right decision, spend now and just get it out of the way. The bills are really starting to stack up on this build for sure though!

[@bigchrisgto]

I once had a 69gto it had a 8.5 corp out of a Oldsmobile I set it up with 3.90 mini spool with good axles had 455 with t400

[@davidwiley2913]

Call quick or Moser and get a whole bolt in unit,be done in no time

[@harpercasey49]

Im dreading the coming fight with my 3 65 model bop rear buicks. My drag and drive car is going to have to get a QP 9 inch without a doubt but the other 2 i worry about getting parts when things go wrong just like that kne did.. and they will go wrong

[@hydroy1]

Austin --- I got TWO Open BOP 8.2 rears here I can give you one rebuildable case for free. There is two problems. One, I am in SOUTH FL. and # 2 these BOTH are out of 1966 Cutlass Oldsmobile so the top, & bottom spring perch is a different pinion angle on 64 to 67 BOP so you got to use a pinion angle gauge & cut move & reweld the top & bottom perch for the different angle of the 68 to72 rear case to fit your 68 Lemans. I will call yall later.

[@RustyZipper]

Road-trip in the PT Cruiser!

[@leprechaungarage]

If I had the cash I’d just buy a drop in 9 inch from strange or whoever could get one to you quickest and save sone headaches .

[@miketoth306]

I think I would bite the bullet Buy a new rearend then ya know what ya got and it should be good to go 👍

[@LucoreAuto]

It's mighty tempting and getting more tempting by the minute

[@brandontittle5762]

In my experience big torque and high gears kills transmissions

[@LucoreAuto]

Built TH350 is sitting at the ready!

[@ednordhagen7827]

I'm in Texas. It's pretty easy to find a 12 bolt.

[@brucenaylor2043]

If you get the rearend it's done. For me everytime

[@LucoreAuto]

Would really like to have skipped this step at least for the event! Unfortunately, not so lucky

[@051570orion]

What I would do if I could would be spend the money for a moser but I never have the money so I usually do what I can afford to which take me forever . Lol

[@billpace3489]

Hey Austin just got done watching this and talking about Facebook marketplace. Well Facebook marketplace has become a joke I have a car on there that is a small tire car and a glide I had built by bubba that there are idiots on here expecting me to give it away instead of even making an offer and what's really funny is they're not even in the state of Ohio. I don't know what's worse the people Ripping us off or the negative nancys good luck with your rear end search hopefully you have better luck

[@RustyZipper]

Will you take $350?

[@GrandPitoVic]

WOW!!!! THAT REAR IS JUNK!!!!

[@LucoreAuto]

Yeahhhhh certainly not what we were hoping or expecting!

[@GrandPitoVic]

@LucoreAuto I know, that is a bummer for sure!!!! A nice new 12 bolt or Ford 9 inch would prob be a way to go. But man not cheap lol. I had a BOP 12 bolt in my 70' Olds Delta 88 and it was definitely diff from the Chevy 12 bolt. If you could find a cheap 12 bolt would be a way to go as well.

[@wvcorvetteman]

Austin you don’t want to spend more good money after bad. Is the frame solid enough for the power you’re talking? Looked pretty crusty under there. I hate the bad news it sucks when things don’t work out. Keep trying we’re pulling for you!

[@RustyZipper]

Should he consider selling it to someone who just wants a weekend cruiser? 🤷‍♂️ (honest question)

[@mrpenland]

years ago i had a 455 1969 skylark it blew out every b.o.p. i put in it, finally put a chevelle 12 bolt in it ,problem solved ,it always destroyed the spider gears in the b.o.p rear ends

[@rolliefoster2837]

...well crap - my early suggestion to build the rear end in the '68 & swap unit into the '70 may have led you into this debacle - if you can find a new complete B.O.P. 12 bolt, that would be the direction I would persue - Rich would know more about the difference in parasitic drag you encounter with a Ford 9"...best of luck, brother...

[@davidgough1161]

That looks as I would expect with a used car that Austin bought, He doesn't have a good track record.

[@RustyZipper]

One of these days he will pay Rich for a pre-purchase inspection 🤣

[@chadwynia5021]

Would run what you got and build what you want after the event

[@LucoreAuto]

That's looking like the plan, timing and funds just aren't with us to get this repair/upgrade done before the event unfortunately.

[@dalesteinecke949]

Call strange see what they have on hand

[@mikeburnett7028]

There’s always next year

[@LucoreAuto]

There's still this year! Not giving up yet!

[@davidgough1161]

Just BRAKES!

[@LucoreAuto]

Almost needed Just Brakes! (Always wanted to start a shop called Just Brakes!)

[@RustyZipper]

If I had a shop I’d call it “just breaks” as in: I’m always on a break so don’t bother me. 🤣 years back I had a lawn business called “fair weather lawn care” my slogan was: “our prices are fair and so is our work” I even had business cards made through Vista Print.

[@allstylinone5122]

What bearing?! 🤷🤣

[@LucoreAuto]

Whatever is left certainly isn't doing much!

[@jimwilfong4384]

373 gears and drive it

[@LucoreAuto]

The 70 currently has 3.36 which is PERFECT for cruising behind the 455. Unfortunately not the greatest for drag racing 😕

[@robacon6386]

Buy a Ford 9" from strange or quick performance that's ready to bolt in, yes I know it's not bop, that's my next move on my 455 powered 67 firebird

[@MrBayoubig]

is it a 8.2 rear end in the one yall racing? if so just put the 411 gear in it,if not trade the 411 8.2 gear for a 411 gear that will fit that rearend

[@LucoreAuto]

The one in the other car is a Posi 3.36, this one was going Posi 4.11. Carrier and gear set are here. But bearings and axles are shot too sooo...

[@troyheflick1736]

Call Jake from strange farm and be done with it!

[@freddiemoralez1536]

🎉🎉 AUSTIN U OF ALL PEOPLE YOU NEED MORE THAN A MONTH & HALF😮 PUT A BUILT REAREND IN NOT NEW BUT USED OFF FACEBOOK OR EBAY 🎉🎉

[@randysmith4381]

If u are going to build a rearend do it once n build a 12 bolt!.

[@707SLAYER]

How much did they pay you to drag it out of the field ...lol

[@LucoreAuto]

The whole story of this car, and how it ended up being purchased, and what it ended up being, could a video unto itself

[@andrewstoffel1170]

Having just seen under that car while Rich struggled I have no idea why you are spending any money on it at all!

[@edwardmohr5798]

I'd charge the boss triple time plus a weeks vacation. Do you need a tissue?

[@Eastendhunter9]

look for a 12 bolt A body rear or if money is not a problem go new

[@LucoreAuto]

12 Bolt A body isn't a bad idea... but for not much more, do you trust someone's old bits versus new and proper?

[@Eastendhunter9]

Just open it up before buying it.

[@mattspontiacta]

If you’re going to really get into drag racing I would replace it. 8.2s are weak and won’t last behind a strong 455. You will be replacing it sooner than later if you continue the drag racing scene .. which is fun but does get expensive. If you’re going to occasionally race the car it will last for awhile as long as you don’t pound on it., The MT slicks you put on it will really accelerate the destruction of the 8.2 it would last a long time with street tires. As far as gear ratio 4.11 is way to much for your engines power-band. You will run out of rpm’s in the 1/4 mile., Your engine is all done at 5300 rpm. If you were making power at 6000-6500 rpm like a LS Chevy then a 4.11 is perfect . But you’re not. Pontiacs make there torque down low so a lower numerically ratio works better in the 1/4 mile. I would go any higher than a 3.55 with your engine. With 3.73s I think you would be turning more rpm at the end of the 1/4 mile and not making anymore power. There are calculators that can give you that information. I run a 1981 TA pace car with Pontiac 461 with stock 6X8 heads , turbo 350 auto (3000 stall) and 3.08 gears . She runs consistent 13.2 @ 102 mph The track I ran at was Atlanta Dragway at 1028 ft elevation . At Norwalk which is almost sea level I would be high 12s . I could go to a 3.23 or 3.42 and probably pick a few tenths maybe , but 3.08 are perfect for cruising around. Plus with the all that 461 Torque and 3000 stall she gets in the torque band very quick. I give up very little in a 0-60 even with 3.08s Got a buddy who ran 12.50s @106 mph with a 1970 GTO stock 455 with 64 heads ( headers) , turbo 400 trans and 3.08 gears with DRs . Really depends on what your future speed goals with the Lemans are to what your next steps are .

[@HeadFlowInc]

Pontiac 8.2 is absolute junk! I blew my 1971 8.2 w/ 2.56 gears the very first time on BFG DR’s making maybe 340-350hp…. Gamble at your own risk

[@curtisendicott5989]

Have Babbitt bearing repair it