Changing gears

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by MT BUICKNUT, Oct 24, 2005.

  1. MT BUICKNUT

    MT BUICKNUT Well-Known Member

    I have a 72 skylark rear that is a posi that I had installed a set of 4:10 back in 1988 I am not sure what gears were in it originally and now want to go back to a 3:42 or 3:73. What do I need to do? Where do I go to find the right gear set?
    Thanks Rick
     
  2. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Since you have a 4 series carrier, you will need to get a 3 series carrier and then your choice of gears. Do you want new or used?
     
  3. MT BUICKNUT

    MT BUICKNUT Well-Known Member

    George I believe the carrier was a 3 series to begin with. The gears came from Reider Racing, was there a set that could work like that?
    Thanks Rick
     
  4. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    From what I have been told and experienced, 2 series is 2.41-2.56
    3 series is 2.73-3.90, 4 series 4.10-4.56

    I don't think the gears from 88 would be the newer versions. I believe now they have some gears for 2 series carries that are 3 series gears that has an extra thick base "stock" to eliminate the use of the spacer plate.
     
  5. MT BUICKNUT

    MT BUICKNUT Well-Known Member

    George I am going to give them a call and see what I can do, thanks for the info.
    Rick
     
  6. MT BUICKNUT

    MT BUICKNUT Well-Known Member

    George just got off the phone to Reider Racing they said the 8.2 will have to have a carrier change. The 8.5 will not, since I didn't change the carrier way back when the rear must be an 8.5. The rear came from a 72 skylark that I bought wrecked but who knows where it came from. Did the 72 change to an 8.5?
    Thanks Rick
     
  7. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Buick Skylark and Olds Cutlass went to the 8.5 in 71.
    Chevelle and LeMans still used the 8.2 in 71 and 72 for some reason that can not be explained.

    If the yoke uses screws and straps to hold the rear u-joint in place, you have a 71-2 rear which is an 8.5"

    The 8.2 units use U-bolts.
     
  8. oPh

    oPh Well-Known Member

    There is no such thing as a 4 series 8.5 carrier. Same 8.5 carrier that will take 2.73 gears will take 5.57's. Gear mfg's require a special cross-shaft (pin) with the really thick 8.5 gears. Lowest ratio 8.5 gears I've ever ordered were 4.56's & they use the std "pin", thicker a ring gear than 4.56, & no pulling the std pin on a c-clip axle rear.

    :3gears:
    Roger
     
  9. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Thanks for the clarification Roger.
     

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