Carrier Identification

[Captain Calais]

Hey everyone

I'm thinking of buying a factory posi unit from someone locally. It came from an 80's El Camino (exact year unkown). The unit has no gears either.

What I need to know is how do I find out whether it is a series 2 or 3 carrier? I'm looking to run 3.23 gears, and you can buy them for both series 2 and 3 units. How can I tell which one I have? Did GM only use 2 seires carriers before 88? The rear was 7.5", 26 spline if that helps.

Thanks

 

[Captain Calais]

Here is a picture of the unit....I'm not sure if this helps....I'm retarded when it comes to identifying things like this.

 

[pontiacgp]

looking at the location of crown gear flange I'd say it's a 2 series carrier.

 

[Captain Calais]

Thanks for the input! I would never be able to figure this one out myself.

 

[pontiacgp]

I may not be right tho...why not take it to a shop who does differentials...they should be able to tell you

the reason why I think it's a series 2 is that the flange is flush with the end of the housing...the flange has ribs on it's backside on a series 3 sits in from the edge of housing because the pinions are smaller

 

[jrm81bu]

Stole this pic from another post at mr. The one in the middle is 2 series and right is 3 series.