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888 out drive compatability

S

STalak

New member
New poster, I apologize in advance for any shortcomings.
I have a 72 IMP Aztec with the 888. She hasn't been in the water for 7 years due to career change and moving from AZ to WA. The out drive got moisture in it and both the upper and lower rusted internally while she was waiting to follow me to WA.
I picked up an out drive from an 82 888 that was being parted out and in good shape.
Are there any compatability I may run into with this swap?
 
The 1982 is an 898 Chevy but to answer your question, it will bolt on OK.
Both used 1.5:1 ratio gears as standard equipment. BUT being out west is is possible 1 or both may have an optional ratio. If so, most likely 1.65:1
 
Thanks Droid. Its definitely an 888, it has worn stickers on it still. I think the seller made a mistake on his posting.

Reason I was asking was I couldn't seem to get it past a certain point when trying to get it in. The bearing and coupler are aligned, but the tool doesn't seem as level as it should be compared to the housing. The bearing shifted upward a bit when used the alignment tool.
I took the drive shaft off, I'm going to replace the u-joints now anyway, and tried dry fitting and she slipped right in. Now I'm thinking the engine may have settled with no out drive on it for 7 years plus the trip from AZ to WA last year.
 
Setting the alignment alignes the gimbal bearing & coupler. If properly set, any drive from 1967 to 1990 will (should) slide on.
If you are certain the alignment is correct check that the coupler splines AND drive shaft splines are clean of all old grease & have fresh grease applied. Be sure to grease the 2 o-rings on the shaft. Also be sure there are no burrs on the driveshaft.

Check with a flashlight that the coupler splines are still good, not worn to points.

If that alignment shaft is tilted, then your alignment is off.

FYI: All V6 & V8 engines use a long shaft, pre Alpha inlines used a shorter shaft. Verify old & new drives have the same length shaft just in case some DIYer got involved in days past.
 
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