http://www.ebay.com/itm/71-76-BUICK...t=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr I don't really want to buy something I can't use. Sellers sometimes play fast and loose with applications charts.
I wouldnt believe the sellers description. Im not a rear end guru, but hes not describing that carrier correctly.
Well I will let you in on some info. That is NOT a 71-76 more like a 77-85 8.75 The biggest thing is it is NOT 3.41 gear set. NO SUCH BEAST. GM does not put ratios on the gear sets they put tooth count (so it would be 3 pinion teeth and 41 ring...??? NO DOUBT IT.) That is a month date code 3 the gear is a 41 -16 (2.56). Please look at the ring gear once more. I can also tell this because the carrier flange is WAY over to the left if it were 3.42 the flange would be more to the center. 17-1 17-2 17-3 17-4 all carrier breaks but for 28 spline carriers c-clip All from 1977-1985 era. cadillac and wagons came with these 8.75 rears. (the casting 17- # Is a sure way to tell. 71-76 casting numbers were still 248 249 250. Call him up and ask for the axle spline and see what it was. The only way it could be 31 spline is if it was from a wagon. IT might, but should be c-clip type. It has been one of the first 17-4 units I have seen. NOW IF it is 31 spline you could use it in the 71-76 BUT your will need a custom spacer to use a steeper gear set. Jim I have included pictures of the series and also you can see the difference from the older 65-76 full size carrier to the 77-85 carrier flange thickness too. This is a case where they do not make them like they use to deal.