I blew out my rear differential not too long ago and I was looking to replace it soon to get back on the road, but it seems like the parts differ from year to year. Are there any differentials in more modern cars that would swap straight in into a 1979? Its getting pretty hard for me to find a car of the same year for a decent price. If not, will I have to swap out the entire rear end for a newer one? If so, what options do I have to do that? I can't fabricate anything and it'd have to be a fairly bolt on job. If there are direct swaps, is there a chance I could fit an lsd in there with relative ease?

In case it wasn't obvious I'm totally new to all of this and I'm still learning. If it seems like I have a huge fundamental misunderstanding about swapping this please let me know, I want to learn!
Cheers
-Saela

 

You can search this site for other diffs which would fit. A 79 (assuming it has the original axle) will have "small" axle shafts and the diff will be directly compatible with 79-82 and possibly some early 83s. A GSL diff from a 81-82 or a complete axle from an 83-85 GSL will give you LSD in stock ratio.

I have a spare complete stock 79 axle. I can pull the diff if you are interested in a stock replacement.

 

Sweet, thank you I'll look into that. I did find a few 82-84s near me so I'll see if I can part out one of those first, but I'll hit you up if I do end up needing one!

 

I have an old limited-slip diff sitting in the garage. I don't think it's too rusty...

Let me know.