3rd gen rear in 4th gen?

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Will a rear end from an 80s Trans Am work with a 4th gen? All I'm looking for is a yes or no. If not, why? What's different? I obviously have no clue so Im attempting to educate myself a little here...plus I found a rear end from a 350 Firebird for about $250, which is a hell of a lot better then $800 for an 02 Firehawk's rear end. Also better then 650 for the spider gears and carrier from the dealer and paying someone else to set up the gears (Not to mention if I actually need the ring and pinion after all...or bearings...etc).


That's quoted from someone else. I am curious as well and can report back too.

[Tru2Chevy]

It will physically bolt into the 4th gen, but it's approximately 2" narrower on each side. Standard 4th gen wheels won't work with a 3rd gen rear in the car.

- Justin

[WildBillyT]

It will physically bolt into the 4th gen, but it's approximately 2" narrower on each side. Standard 4th gen wheels won't work with a 3rd gen rear in the car.

- Justin

Yeah. He may be looking for a straight yes or no answer but that's not the case. YES it fits, NO it's not an exact fit.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

I just saw someone post that on another board so I posted here for 2 reasons:
1) To help him
2) To let me learn because I had never thought of that

[Pampered-Z]

Will bolt in, no ABS reluctor and if car has TC then that won't work either. Also will need different wheels with proper offset. I don't think any stock wheels will work so he would have to go aftermarket.

[Syzygy]

wouldnt it be a near exact fit with 3rd gen wheels on a 3rd gen rear on a 4th gen?

[ZeroCool8891]

couldn't you use spacers and then use the 4th gen rims.

[WildBillyT]

couldn't you use spacers and then use the 4th gen rims.

Spacers that big are a bad idea. You would need to use wheel adaptors for that. They run about $150-200, and if you add that to the cost of buying the wrong axle you will end up with enough money to buy the right one outright.