Rear End Ratios

[Titsy]

Anyone know what the standard rear end ratio behind an LT1 and T-56 in a 4th gen would be?

[55starchief]

Should be a tag on the diff with a number or a colored spot thats the usual way

[Titsy]

Or check the RPO codes in the glove box... I know I know... I just wondered if anyone knew what it was likely to be off the top of their heads...

Can whoever is at the barn next take a photo of the RPO codes in the glove box please...

[55starchief]

Quoting: Titsy

Can whoever is at the barn next take a photo of the RPO codes in the glove box please...

think thats gone to the great dumpster in the sky

[Titsy]

Rob said it was still there...

[55starchief]

Quoting: Titsy

Rob said it was still there...

He had hacked the dash apart last weekend matey for the parts people needed

[Big Mouse]

Should be either a 3.23 or 3.42 (after 93?)

[Titsy]

The TA was a '93...

[Big Mouse]

then it should be a 3.23 - there should be a code on the door panel identifying what rear end it has

[Titsy]

Cheers Ray!

Is the drivers door still there???

[Big Mouse]

sorry, I thought you meant on your own car. If it was the one just cut up then as stock it should have been fitted with a 3.23, but the changeover was 93-94 so it could well have the 3.42.

You could always take it apart and count the teeth or try the old fashioned way -  raise both tires off of the ground, turn both tires at the same time one complete turn, at the same time count the turns of the drive shaft, this should be your ratio.

TBH I've never tried it so whether its accurate I have no idea.

[Titsy]

My current ration is 2.73...

The intention is to rebuild the TA axle and strengthen it ready to swap straight on to the 'maro... Then sell the old one...

[Big Mouse]

Strengthen it? Why, what are you planning to do with it?

Your existing 2.73 is almost certainly in a Series 2 carrier; the 3.23/3.42 should (although some weren't) have been in a Series 3 carrier which is larger and stronger on account of the manual box being capable of hitting the wheels harder.

Have you physically measured it; clearance issues are not unknown in this type of swap if the carrier is bigger. We had clearance problems when I tried swapping to a Series 3 axle; the bump stops all had to be moved and reset; the torque arm had to be changed, the exhaust rerouted - gave it up as a bad idea and left it alone but that was in a later car.

Unless you're planning on upping the torque the engine makes by a considerable amount I'd have thought the axle was fine as it is - mine ran into the 11's, 1.5 60ft times and on drag radials without any problems from a Series 2 carrier with a thick gear set, the axle equivalent of being made out of glass and rice crispies!

[Big Mouse]

Oh, and be prepared to learn how to drive in the wet all over again

My first go had me facing the opposite way to the direction I was supposed to be going in the middle of a crossroads having doe a fiull 180 degree spin

[Titsy]

Thanks for the info Ray, I will investigate further before doing anything stupid...

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Big Mouse

Oh, and be prepared to learn how to drive in the wet all over again

Hehehe, my 3.73's great fun.  Not.

THe door's still there, AFAIK . . . Why not just count the revolotions . . . it's quite accurate.

[Roadkill]

As for strength - the TA's axle should see you good for 500BHP . . . there's plenty of guys stateside running good times with stock rears . . .

A good service and inspection and you'll be good to go !

[Titsy]

Quoting: Roadkill

A good service and inspection and you'll be good to go !

That was pritty much the plan, with (maybe) the addition of a Rear-End Support Cover to replace the pressed tin one that is currently fitted...

[Big Mouse]

Quoting: Titsy

That was pritty much the plan, with (maybe) the addition of a Rear-End Support Cover to replace the pressed tin one that is currently fitted...

Honest, you won't need one unless you're going to start pushing the car really hard, like over 450-500bhp

As Dean says, a good service and it will be good to go

[EDGE]

Quoting: Roadkill

Hehehe, my 3.73's great fun. Not.

PAH!!!  Light-weights... I have 3.73's on the Saleen and on the old truck I had....


4.10's in a dana 60 Ford 9"... now that was lairy !!!  You had to wind up the motor to about 3k, let the clutch out to biting point and then a TOUCH more, the rear suspension would get wound up and on dumping the clutch the truck would hop forwards about 10 feet and then it was away...... trounced most cars off the lights.... probably due to sheer shock factor!!!

[Titsy]

Quoting: Big Mouse

unless you're going to start pushing the car really hard, like over 450-500bhp

That's the long term plan...

[55starchief]

If you have a proper motor like a pontiac you dont need tall gears as you have the torque. Most poncho motors only need 3.23 max

[Titsy]

Yeah, but Pontiac motors are a bit elitest for us common folk...

[Roadkill]

Plus they're big and bulky - slowing you down.

Quoting: Titsy

with (maybe) the addition of a Rear-End Support Cover to replace the pressed tin one that is currently fitted...

The other advantage to those (IRO $180, btw) is they have drain plugs, which make for easier services.

[Incursus]

Quoting: EDGE

Quoting: Roadkill
Hehehe, my 3.73's great fun. Not.

PAH!!! Light-weights... I have 3.73's on the Saleen

3.91 on the Duster.   bring it on ditch