[Chiefkey]

Just scored a NOS 3:55 ring & pinion set. Question is, are the differential carrier cases and pinion gears the same for 4cylinder cars and V8 cars ? The parts book illustration only shows (2) pinion gears and a 4-5/8" long pinion shaft. But it also
lists a part # for (2) 1-3/4" shafts too. Wondering if there's a heavy duty differential carrier as well as a light duty carrier (one with 2 pinion gears and another with 4 pinion gears. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
JK

[tom s]

Get on the Little Indian site and post the question there.Pretty sure there is diff carrier for diff ratios.Tom

[Chiefkey]

The parts book shows several different part numbers for the carrier case based on various axle ratios as is the case with other A, B, and F body cars. I was hoping someone knows or has "eyes on" experience with a Y body differential unit. I'll try your suggestion though. JK

[Chiefkey]

I think I found my answer. A tech article in the Little Indians website on the rebuilding of a 3 speed manual trans gives a pretty detailed description of the different parts used in the 63 differential. YES ! There is a difference between the four banger and the V8. So now the question is...does anyone out there have any used or nos 63 V8 differential parts they'd like to sell ?
Thanks,
JK

[Chiefkey]

I think I found my answer. A tech article in the Little Indians website on the rebuilding of a 3 speed manual trans gives a pretty detailed description of the different parts used in the 63 differential. YES ! There is a difference between the four banger and the V8. So now the question is...does anyone out there have any used or nos 63 V8 differential parts they'd like to sell ?
Thanks,
JK

[Peter Serio]

For sure there is a diameter difference in the ropeshaft between a 62 or 63 with a 4 Cyl engine and the 1963 Tempest-Lemans 326/336-V8.

I think the 4 cyl cars it was 5/8" diameter and the V8 engine cars that was increased to 3/4"


It makes sense to me that the gears and the transmissions would also be different. Depending on the available torque/HP.

[Chiefkey]

I suppose if I had bothered to look in my 1963 Tempest Chassis Manual I would have seen that there are two different descriptions for rebuilding the Differential Carrier Case. One for the two pinion unit used for the 4 cyl cars and one for the four pinion unit used for manual trans 4 cyl and 326 V8 cars. Duuuh ! I would still like to purchase any good used or NOS differential parts that may be out there for sale.
Thanks,
JK

[Chiefkey]

Just a follow up on the differential question. Jim Colln sent me a 4-pinion unit he had. I soaked it in Evapo-rust for a few days and then a couple more in WD40.
I tapped out the roll pins holding the pinion shafts in place and voila ! I now have a nice 4-pinion differential to mount my NOS ring and pinion on. I'll use some NOS differential pinon gears and shafts I've collected over the years and I'm going to have the housing checked for any stress cracks . Then, it's on to building the differential. I'll try and take photo's along the way and share them here and/or on the Little Indians Face Book page and Newsletter. Thanks to all !
JK