I am looking for 1948 - 1951 differential 3rd member, ring and pinion to be exact, but will purchase the entire member if I have to. I would prefer NOS not reproduction. Thanks for all of your help. :3gears:
Some time ago, Long long ago, there was a discussion about interchange of these rear ends. If I can remember correctly that the ring an pinions gears were interchangable from 1940 through 1954. Do some searching. Jim Schilf palbuick
Jim was close! 1940 through 1955 will interchange. The best bet is to get a 53-55 dynaflow rear as they have 3,3-3,6 ratios which are much more suited to running the roads. the early cars had 4.1-4.4 ratios. The simplest way is to use the complete center pig, as that will bolt right in, and you won't need to find someone to set the gear up.
variable twin turbine 53-55 gears will fit but those years used a different transmission. The dynaflow, starting in '53 used a variable twin turbine as opposed the the single turbine used in my '51. Will this make a difference? And because of this difference will it effect the life of my transmission and/or differential if I choose to use a ratio that was not designed for the transmission I am using. o No:
Vino, I have a complete pig with 4.11 gears. If came from a 1950 with Dynafow. The third member is bad but all the gears are good. I am located near Houston if interested. Bill
Thanks for offer but I'm looking for something closer to 3.6. But if I cant find anything soon I will be giving you a call :beer
I have a '50 Special. I am getting parts for it from a guy who is parting out a few cars '49 - mid '50s in South Dakota. I'll see if I can give you his email address. Chris
Thanks a million! :laugh: Any leads are good. I'm not as picky as I was 2 weeks ago and anything between 3.62 and 3.55 will do just fine. As long as the teeth are flat and there no potential problems in sight. Thanks again!
I know of 2 different guys who have atleast 2 cars each in their scrap yards, and all of them straight 8s......can get pics and parts prices just give me a list...
The type of trans has NO bearing on the rear end! If you want the 3.3-3.6 gears all you need is the center section from the rear end.
square one! I just got off the phone with what I thought was a sure lead. Turns out the guy doesnt even sell buick parts anymore.. .. !!!! uzzled: He wished me Good Luck and sent me on my way. :shock: So I'm still looking.
rear end parts needed Hi, If you are still looking for rear end parts. I may have what you need. Call Ed. 239-337-0434, or cell 239-464-2825 I also have an engine, and 3 speed trany.
parts for a 50 Hi, I saw your post. I am doing a 1950, and need some parts. I also would appreciate any info on the guy from South Dakota. Or call 239-464-2825 I also have some parts I will not use. Engine, and 3 speed trany. Thanks, Ed
I'm BACK and still looking!!!!!! Hello everyone, First I want to thank everyone for helping me locate a 3rd member. However, the one that I got looked good, was installed, and turned out to be in worse condition than the old one. :shock: So, I am back on the hunt. Just to remind everyone, I am looking for a 3.62 - 3.55 gear ration 3rd member or just the ring and pinion. I am not desperate to find one at this point because I have missed all of the summer shows but would like to be back on the road before new years. (possible? maybe.) Also, any leads are greatly appreciated. (Ed: I'll keep an eye out for that phone number and if I come across a '50 grill brow I'll shoot you a call.)
Confused HI everyone, Now I'm confused as to what to do. I am new to differentials and this whole experience has taught me alot. The one thing that is confusing me the most right now is what ratio to use. I obviously will not find the 3.52 or the 3.66 right now. So what ratio do I go for? Do I go with the 4.11 and get much better acceleration but low top speed? or do I go with the 3.36 and get slower acceleration but a much higher top speed? I drive my Buick alot. Sometimes for weeks on end. And slow acceleration gets annoying sometimes. But I also drive to alot of shows and friends places that are quite a while away. So, low top speed is a killer for long trips, especially when my buddies have huge engines, and tiny hot rods. Im sort of stuck in the middle. A 3.62 seems perfect but its worse than finding a needle in a hay stack. Am I being confused for nothing? o No: Thanks
oh, one other thing.. With a gear ratio of 4.11 compared to 3.55 is the difference in top speed negligable for a car of this size and wieght? Are we talking like a decrease of 5mph on the top end or 20mph? And for acceleration is there going to be a huge noticable difference?
The only way to know for sure the effect on your car is to try it or ask someone who has made that specific switch. It will feel more sluggish in normal driving, but most of us with dynaflows start off in Low if more rapid acceleration is needed. Cruising would be easier on the engine and probably better fuel economy. Top speed probably would not be affected since with a large car with relatively low power engine, wind resistance would limit speed with any gear ratio. This 'pig' was in a 55 Century that had engine modifications: specifically a higher output camshaft that moved the torque and HP curves up a few hundred rpm. At low speeds it was more sluggish than a stock engine, but at higher speeds/rpm it really pulled strong. I switched to a 3.6 rear from a 55 Special and now low speed driveability is near stock and it still cooks at higher rpm. If most of your driving is around town and you like good throttle response use the 4.11...if cruising on interstates for 100's of miles go with the 3.36.
