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Are there any big block only tell tale signs. What differentiates a big block rear suspension from a small block? My car has a sway bar in the rear. Is there anything else I can look for?
Thanks
Tony
I believe that big block cars have steel retainer blocks--can't remember the correct terminolgy right now--and french locks, rather than u bolts on the half shaft u joints.
The BB and LT1 cars had cap style ujoint retainers on the differential yokes and also a small rear sway bar. The french locks were on all the cars. If it's a 68 or 69 the rear end is ID coded for HD applications.
Is there a difference in u-joints on the half shafts? I don't have the original engine but is there something up front I can look for? I can email photos of the underneath for some help.
Thanks,
Tony
(quote)Did 69's have a rear sway bar? AM doesn't show one and my 69 390 hp 427 has no rear sway bar.(unquote)
The rear stabilizer is located in the rear of the AIM (for 1969, look under UPC L36, B1 for the bar)
(quote)I have been told that the big blocks had different style u-joints. Does anyone have a picture of what these should look like?
Tony(unquote)
As for the rear shaft differences, if you have a 1969 AIM, you can see the differences. Small block used a U-bolt (UPC4, A2) while the big block used a cap (UPC L36, B7)
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
There may not be a logical answer, but here goes. I just crawled under both Vettes. My 72 base 350 coupe...CDJ engine prefix code...vin 1z37k2s526612...matching block....has the exact same u-joint connectors (inboard pumpkin end) as my BB 74.
CAPS...no Straps.
Did all go to caps after 69?
Last edited by fotyfobravo; Oct 16, 2006 at 05:38 PM.