Factory 3.42 rear axle?

[gnvair]

83-84 Monte Carlo SS came with 3.42s as they came with the th350c transmission. The 86-88's came with the 3.73s as they used the 2004r

 

[Jim Rockford]

yep only the "Performance" versions of the G bodies got half way decent gears. None of the pedestrian models did.

 

[Max Headroom]

3.08’s were the highest numeric gear for base model g-bodies, at least from the early 80’s to the end. Some early years could have 3.23 or 3.42 depending on the combo, as shown.

If memory serves and with respect to Chevrolet (don't know about Olds, etc.) the deepest ring and pinion you could get in the stock rear was a .308. Nothing deeper than that would fit in the center section of the stock 10 bolt. Could be wrong but don't think so.

 

[DROLDS84]

Do you have a pic of your cutlass you can post?

 

[DROLDS84]

I'm pretty sure the early Montes came with a 3.55 7.5 rear...3.42 rear ends were the Grand Nationals

 

[PBGBodyFan]

If memory serves and with respect to Chevrolet (don't know about Olds, etc.) the deepest ring and pinion you could get in the stock rear was a .308. Nothing deeper than that would fit in the center section of the stock 10 bolt. Could be wrong but don't think so.

The SS had 3.42’s and 3.73’s in a 7.5” 10 bolt.

 

[Max Headroom]

The SS had 3.42’s and 3.73’s in a 7.5” 10 bolt.

Yes but that was a premium vehicle. I still have a 7.5 10 bolt t hat I tried to put 3.23 in and the local rear end shop told me they wouldn't fit. I still have t he complete rear axle.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

Yes but that was a premium vehicle. I still have a 7.5 10 bolt t hat I tried to put 3.23 in and the local rear end shop told me they wouldn't fit. I still have t he complete rear axle.

i would get a second opinion with details.

 

[Max Headroom]

i would get a second opinion with details.

Thanks. I'll do that. I have a 12 bolt in my ride now but I would still like to know for sure what the 7.5 will take.

 

[PBGBodyFan]

Maybe the shop meant you can’t change gears with your current setup, 3.08 is the steepest gear that works for a 2 series carrier, would need to change to a 3 series if I’m correct. But the rear housing itself is irrelevant to this.