[71Nova400]

I need some help figuring out the spec's of my Nova's rear end. As far as I know, I bought my Nova with it's current 400 small block....the block and rear end were from a donor 76 Impala. It is a 10 bolt with 3:73's , and I want to purchase a locker for it. How do I know what style and what type of locker to buy? What guidelines do I follow to figure out the size, spline, etc....?? I know for a fact that it is a stock rear (peg-leg), and I want to get some positive traction to the ground.

Is it a simple formula that requires me to just measure the differential case....Do I have to open it up? What I need to find out is, what locker I need to buy. Any advice and information would be great. There are different sizes that I have seen, (7.5, 8.5, etc) and I want to make sure I get the right one the first time and not have to make multiple trips to the auto parts store.

Thanks

so-cal Jack

 

[Nova_Guy]

Look at this page it will show you the different styles of 10 bolts that came in Novas. I think a 76 Impala 10 bolt would be the 8.5 style.
http://www.novaresource.org/axle.htm

 

[71Nova400]

Very helpful information. Thanks.

It's not as complicated as I thought.

so-cal Jack

 

[Philip]

Has the housing been narrowed to the same width as a Nova? Before ordering axles it would be good to pull them and measure to be sure of the length. When you are ready to purchase a "locker" consider getting an Eaton posi unit. Much better than a locker if you do any street driving. The stock axles have 28 splines, but it is possible to upgrade the Eaton posi to 30 spline side gears. Of course you will have to buy new axles.

 

[71Nova400]

The housing was just a straight swap from the 76 Impala. I do not think any changes or upgrades have been done. The Eaton locker appears to be the locker of choice, and probably the most expensive I've seen so far. It must be worth it.

thanks for all the info.

so-cal Jack

 

[big gear head]

An Impala rear end will not fit in a Nova. It had to be modified to fit, or it isn't an Impala rear end.

Are you looking at one of the Lock Right or E-Z Lockers? You will have to inspect the inside of the differential case to see if it has any wear on it. If the rear end has been subjected to many one wheel burnouts then the differential case might need to be replaced. These locker kits require a set amount of clearance between the drivers or they will not work. If the inside of the case is worn then the clearance will be too much and it will not lock up, or it might not even pull at all.