[Jon Dailey]

I am plannig a gear change in my 79 T/A. It currently has 2.42 gears in the stock posi rear. I want to change to a 3.42:1. Will my stock posi 2.42 carrier work with a Richmond 3.42 set? If not, what cars have compatable low-gear carriers? Thanks -- Jon

['ol Pinion head]

Brian, The 3.42's spoken of above, fit '71-81 F-body & most '73-77 A-body, same corporate 8.5 gear. They are still used today in 1/2 ton pickup.

The carrier jump is from 2.56 to 2.73. Jon has a 2.41-2.56, #9 carrier, & needs to get to the lower ratio #8 carrier to mount the 3.42's, so he'll need a spacer & the washers. Those spacer kits ought to come with the washers. Failure to use the washers will cause the bottom 3 threads on the bolt to strip. Since the bolts are LH thread, regular hardware store type lockwashers will spread open & not lock.

Jon, BTW, if you have not ordered the gears, might consider ordering some 3.42 US Gear Torqueline gears from Jegs. I have had more than my fair share of noise problems setting up the Richmond 8.5 gears over the last two years. Back 4 or 5 years ago, never had problems with the Richmond 8.5's, but can't say that today.

[This message has been edited by 'ol Pinion head (edited 09-28-2001).]

[Jon Dailey]

I am plannig a gear change in my 79 T/A. It currently has 2.42 gears in the stock posi rear. I want to change to a 3.42:1. Will my stock posi 2.42 carrier work with a Richmond 3.42 set? If not, what cars have compatable low-gear carriers? Thanks -- Jon

['ol Pinion head]

Recipe...

Mr Gasket or Summit 8.5 ring gear spacer (check for no burrs)
10 out 34 in a pack Mr Gasket SBC hardened head bolt washers
Blue Loctite

[Brian Baker]

I'm currently running 3.23's in my 79 T/A 8.5" 10-bolt, and it's the original carrier. When I first bought the car, the previous owner had a set of 4.10's in it. I don't know if any spacers were used for the 4.10's, but none are used for my 3.23's. You shouldn't need a spacer for the gears you mentioned.

[Brian Baker]

OPH, help me out here. Aren't the 3.42's for the earlier BOP 10-bolt (say, as found under a 73 Grand-Am)?