Firstgens.com

Let's start the thought process. Chime in here anytime!
I'm open to opinions and thoughts.

It has a 12 bolt from a 71 or 72 chevelle in it. And has a posi of some sort and 5.13:1 gears with drum brakes. Spring pads welded to it and makeshift shock mounts welded to those pads. It has air shocks on it that work ! Lol
I have a full set of konis for the car but never crossed my mind to "drive" the car. Not even sure if they will work.
The rear sway links must be too long as they are about 8" long and are probably homemade.

So, the question starts out. Which is more cost effective, change gears and carrier or replace the whole assembly?

Fwiw- I take the car out (weather permiting) at least once a month for local trips.
The gears kill it's drivability with those gears and muncie trans and tire size.
Haven't touched the motor other than swap carbs replaced (rubber) fuel lines and filter, new gas tank, new plugs, wires, coil, points, oil & filter replaced multiple times, good battery.
New fan blade, new non-thermal fan clutch, new GM fan shroud.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some things.

Just to get it "drivable" I would say swap rears all together. You should be able to sell that 12 bolt for a few hundred, and I'm sure you could find a basic 10 bolt from a first gen within 50 miles from you for dirt cheap. Granted it will be a 1 tire fryer with 2.73's, but it will get you driving for less than $100.

I'd try Harley's way if on a hard budget. If I hadn't put my original rear in the dumpster it would be yours for the taking.

More room in the budget, bite the bullet and buy the permanent rear, 'bout 2 grand for a moser 12 bolt, an 8.5" 10 bolt can be built for around a grand including good axles and posi. Stay with the drum brakes for no.

A freind of a freind in Dekalb just got a 68 Firebird in at the junkyard with a 12 bolt posi in it. Before my divorce I had at least 4 10 bolt open rears in the garage. I think with some diligent shopping you will find a complete rear for a song or if the width will work go JimM's route and buy the permanent rear end now.

I'm fairly sure Tom has a rearend from a Firebird he's selling at a reasonable price.

x2

Don is correct, I do have a complete 10 bolt disc brake rear end w/ 3.55 gears but it is out of a second gen Firebird T/A and I believe it is wider across the spring perchs and the overall width too. I would be willing to measure it up unless someone here definitely knows it will or won't fit. Most likely will require a different master cylinder as well. Would be a strange setup, drum front and disc rears unless Tim updated the fronts to discs.

These are the main reasons I did not mention I had it but if interested I am sure a good deal could be worked out. Let me know Tim!

it is too wide Tom, both overall and center to center on the perches