"Alright, alright -- don't get all your panties in a bunch."

You took my question all wrong- I didn't take any offense to what you said, it was an honest question, and you answered it. Good job. :p: I didn't know about the better rear end housings... do they fit right into the 78-79's?

Jerry

 

What he said... :cheers: :seeya

 

Jim, well for one thing my '80 is bone stock, smog pump, converter, EGR valve and all. That 22mpg was counting only "highway miles" on a trip to Quebec, Canada another trip to Oakville, Canada, Baltimore, MD and Corvettes@Carlisle-and it's also too running at 65mph. Hell, at one point I thought I hit 23mpg!!!

 

Yes and no. 1980 had a lot of 1980 - 82 only parts. The rear end can be swapped, but you must also bring with it the crossmember that it mounts to. In 1979 and earlier the housing (from what I understand) hung from a stamped metal crossmember. The 1980 - up model have a cast aluminum "truss" that is much larger and stronger that holds the rear end housing in place.

The side yokes are different in the 1980, and they are different from auto and stick as well. So, you may have to get u-joints that convert from your 1/2 shafts to the new side yokes. I am not sure if there is a difference in size or not, I just know that the 1979 side yokes and 1980 - up are not interchangeable (due to the new rear end). The Dana 44 would out live the C3 line and end up being the rear end of the C4 as well. Again, GM testing C4 stuff on the C3.

A major part of the housing being different was to correct for all the broken spring mount ears that were a problem on earlier rear end housings. The exterior of the rear end was beefed up a lot to prevent the mounting locations for the spring from breaking.
If you are just looking for a stronger housing, I know that there are Heavy Duty rear end housings for the 1979 and earlier models that are a bolt in replacement. Check Muskegon Brake, I think they sell them.

 

The difference is really there but they are both GOOOOOOOOD! Both are sort of like having a relationship with women. The early models are little more high maintenance and the ride isn't quite as comfortable, but it sure is fun and will get you there fast, while the later models are much more well mannered, classly, self assured ladies that will get you there in comfort and style, maybe not as fast but a whole lot of fun!


[Modified by Smokehouse69, 11:05 AM 11/3/2002]

 

Your wife will enjoy the 80. It was a sad day at our house when our 79 was wrecked. My wife could take the t-tops out and just drop it in drive and go. Since it has been replaced with the 70 she has only drove it once or twice. Too hard to drive with no PS, PB and 4 spd.

 

Thanks for all the insight guys. For a while I was worried that my '69 was a POS and it should ride just as smooth as the '80 :D I'm going to test drive the '80 again this morning, and bring it over so the wife can drive it and see if she likes it. Who knows, I may be the proud new owner of a nice, low-mile 1980 Corvette by the end of the day.

I'll try to get some pics when I and checking it out today, and post them later this afternoon.

Shannon

 

any word? :D and the 80+ seats, are actually 79+ seats. :yesnod:
ive also heard from many-a-drag racer that 68-79 rear ends are much stronger than 80-82. my 4.11s were out of a 68 427 car, so i they should be.

 

The Dodge Viper uses a DANA 44 so it can't be all that wimpy. It looks almost identical to the DANA 44 in my '80. http://www.tntvipers.com/popups/images/rear.jpg




[Modified by MIKER, 11:02 PM 11/14/2002]