Not sure which forum this should be in but here goes. Had rear leak foundit to be the rear end cover the car is a 1971
So I went to by a new cover noticed the bolts were bigger the parts guy said it probably has a newer rear than 71 because bolts were smaller diameter so I should measure spring the spring is 2and a quater inches The plate he used under the spring had the big holes for larger bolts but he used washers to make the transfer My quetion is do I get cover with wider or narrower bolts and get new plate if any body understands what Im saying please help Thanks Ted

I'm not an expert but from what I hve been told the rear stock covers were prone to cracking so biger is better.

found out previous owner used late 70s rear with 71 spring and spring plate I bought the 71 cover that should be on with the right bolts he used narrow bolts an put large washers on to fill plate holes Will be installing eveything next tues will let you know thanks
by the way according to the supplier the new covers are heavier both early and late 70s

car is fixed old rear cover had hole in from bolt. runs great.