Youor 8.2 will be the BOP, which is stronger than the Chevy 8.2, but parts are more expensive. You do have axles retained by the bearings instead of c clips, which is good if one ever breaks.
The 8.5 is stronger than either 8.2 rear end. Parts are cheap and everywhere, even in the latest GM trucks. The '72 8.5 that you found might have pressed on axle bearings and no c clips. If it has c clips then all of the Chevy car 10 and 12 bolt brakes will bolt on to it (except Impala). There are many after market parts available for it and you can easily upgrade it to 30 spline axles if you want.
Bookmarks