[wizard61]

Hello,

I am helping a freind change his stock rear end ratio from a 2.56 to 1(I think) to a 3.08 to 1. His car has A/C and I know that that combination would work in earlier T/A's. Is there any reason that it would not work for the '78? It looks like a 8,5 inch housing, but I was told it might be a 8.2 inch rear end. I didn't think the 8.2 inch was limited slip. Is there a definite way to tell these two rear ends apart? I would like to buy all the parts before we open the patient up.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

James

["QUICK-SILVER"]

78,79,80,81 all had same size 10 bolt. Your problem will be having the 2.41/2.56 carrier. 3.08 and lower 3.23, 3.42, 3.73 even lower all use the same carrier. I put a set of 3.73 in my 79 T/A gears came out of 87 Chevy pick-up with, C10 with overdrive. They are pretty common and cheap. If you have to buy a carrier, the clutch type limited slip run for years with the right dope and additive. Rent the tool to set pinion depth and get plenty of spare shims to set side clearance before you start. Keep it clean, get a new crush sleeve, have your brass hammers handy. You will have to go in and out a few times to get your clearences right.

[Grand73Am]

And yes, it's always an 8.5" rearend in a 78 TA.

They didn't use 8.2" rears in the 70's TA's, or much of anything else that I know of.
8.2" were used in the 1960's.

[wizard61]

Thanks to everyone for the information. I am now going to look for a used 3 series carrier for it.

Regards,

James