I recently got a "new" rear end from a guys junk yard. it is the 8". ist

 

oops. i got ahead of myself...
1st... the drums won't turn at all. it is seized up. is this a common problem with these old rears? it was sitting outside for awhile...
2nd.... how do i detrimine the size (width). i want to put it in my 66 and need to determine if it it too wide or not...
thanks!

 

measure from the axle flange to axle flange. its the plate the the drums bolt on to. a 66 52.25" i beleive.

 

also measure the spring mounts they should be 43" from center to center.

 

it's kinda normal that the drums are seized up. try if possible to get them off so you can make sure it's not the diff or the axles that are seized up

 

Great! Thanks for the help

 

[align=left]+1. It's probably the brake shoes that will not allow the axles to turn.