olds 442 rear ends

[SBCregal]

what where the available rear ends in a olds 442? I've heard that they all had 8.5 10 bolts like the grand nationals...is this true? Where there several available gear ratios for those cars, or were they all the same. I'm asking because a rear end out of a 442 is for sale around me, haven't asked the price but it'd be nice to have a bit of info before I call the guy.

ryan

 

[zerex]

Sure someone else will confirm.


From what I have been reading 442's came with a 8.5 and 3.73 gears.

I think posi was still an option.


If I am wrong hopefully someone will correct me

 

[pontiacgp]

this is what google came up with...hope it helps

ALL GM 1981 to 1988 G-Bodies used a 7.5" ring gear rear axle EXCEPT: Monte Carlo SS - 7-5/8" 3.73, Olds 442 - 8.5" 3.73, T-Type and Grand National - 8.5" 3.42 or 3.73. The 8.5" axle is the same used in the B-body (full sized) except a shorter axle tube length.

http://www.g-body.org/tnt/diffs/diff-codes.php

 

[78lemans]

As far as I know, only the GN had the 8.5. A buddy of mine has had several G-body 442s over the years and they have all had 7 1/2s under 'em.

 

[Renthorin]

and the GN only came with 3:42...not 3:73

 

[85_SS]

As far as I know, only the GN had the 8.5. A buddy of mine has had several G-body 442s over the years and they have all had 7 1/2s under 'em.

Incorrect - someone swiped the original rears somewhere along the line if they indeed had 7.5" rears.

All 85-87 442's indeed had 8.5" rears from the factory with 3.73 gears (posi optional) as mentioned.

83 Hurst/Olds had 7.5" rears and 84 Hurst/Olds had the same 8.5" as the 85-87 442's.

As mentioned, turbo regals also had the 8.5" (starting in 85 as well I believe), with 3.42's - again posi optional.

 

[85_SS]

http://dyeager535.topcities.com/diffid.html

If you can at least see the pumpkin (unless its sitting on the ground without wheels) this is what the 8.5" looks like. RPO's (on SPID decal) won't tell you much if the rear has been changed. If it is original, it's an 8.5".

Not sure on axle codes, but someone may be able to help you there.

 

[jae]

You guys are becoming very helpful to me without me asking any questions. Since joining a couple of days ago I've uncovered so much info I didn't know about the g-bodies that I think you have help me even further to uncover a 442 with a checkered past. I was about 50/50 but now I am 80/20 that "changes" were made to the car.