Hello all, I was wondering does anyone know of any of the 71-72 limiteds or electras that included the tow package, that DIDN'T come with a posi. I'm currently looking to purchase a 71 limited it has the tow package, but I'm not sure if it has the posi. Was the posi rear standard with the tow package, or was this a seperate option, and if possible what is the ratio? thank much fatboybuicko No:
That seems problemmatic. I would ask first what info you are basing the belief on that a car was factory equipped with a tow package? Is it actual documentation from the factory like a build sheet (which is definitive proof)? Or, is it based upon an observation like a tow hitch that could have been installed at any time later (not definitive because U-Haul, or the like, would bolt a hitch onto any Electra regardless of whether the factory built it with a tow package)? Other sister division cars, like the Olds 98, etc., had tow packages that included heavy-duty rear springs and shocks, heavy duty cooling (usually larger radiator) and sometimes a trailer hitch. I am not sure about a "posi" rear-end included or not, however, because I thought that this was the largest (heaviest duty) rearend that Buick had at the time (9 3/8"?) for the full-size. I will state that most optional performance axles in the other series (like the Skylark's & GS's) included "posi" with the heavy duty rear axles when ordered (code G91 and G80, I think). For instance, you could order "posi" by itself w/ the standard rear axle, but it appears that you couldn't order the heavy duty performance axle (ratio) witout "posi" - as Buick automatically included the "posi" with the heavy duty axle (I believe) in the early '70's A-bodies. There are other issues with extrapolating factory build info from some changeable and non-permanent components. I should think that the rear springs and rear axle are the most permanent (best to rely upon) of the group compared to the radiator or shocks, that otherwise would be expected to have been replaced by now under normal conditions. Seems like a tough sell to prove regular rear springs vs. heavy duty springs on a 40+ year old car. If there were other options that were grouped together or mandated with a heavy duty trailer towing package, that may be the best clue absent a bubild sheet. I would direct a question to Adam Martin (screen name "Smartin") as he really has a lot of info for these years including where to probably locate the build sheet. Ken
My '73 Electra was a "tow-package" car because the top of the frame humps over the rear wheel well had been reinforced from the factory. This is what many demo guys look for and refer to when they say if a car has a tow-package. Take a look sometimes, some cars have it, others don't.
I have a brochure about "1971 Buick trailer Travel information" which gives all the specs for factory towing packages for that year. Lots of info, I can scan it and post it if it's of any use to you... It does seem to mention that Posi was an optional part of the package.
This would be interesting to see, espescially since '71 was a new redesigned model platform and can probably be extrapolated to '72 and maybe '73 models. Please post if you can. Thanks. Ken
I've got the '73 Towing Brochure, not with me. I remember posting the text of the brochure HERE. According to the 1973 Buick Trailer Towing Guide it doesn't say exactly. It gives a list of recommendations per your towing frequency and a list of Buick trailer towing options and accessories available for trailering. Heavy-Duty engine and transmission cooling system (Code I-3): Includes high-capacity crossflow radiator with internal transmission fluid cooler designed especially for trailering. No additional external coolers are needed with this available option. Also included is a thermoclutch fan on 455 engines and quiet-flex fan on 350 engines (with A/C). Heavy-Duty wheels (Code H6): Recommended with all trailer applications. These wheels are extra heavy-gauge steel disc type built to withstand the stress of extra-duty trailer hauling. These wheels are available as a dealer installed option, or from the factory--available for all Buick models except Estate Wagon where they are standard. Heavy-Duty electrical system (Code L3): An 80 ampere Delcotron generator is available for all Buicks. It is recommended for Class II and Class III towing situations where there is usually more demand for electrical output. Trailer wiring harness and variable load flasher (Codes 12 and 13): Synchronizes car and trailer taillights, brake lights and turn indicators. Easily stored when not being used. The harness for Class I usuage has five wires and quick disconnect trailer connector, while the harness for Class II and Class III has seven wires and no connector (connector is usually furnished with your trailer.) A seperate five-wire trailer connector for additional trailers is available. The variable load flasher assures constant flashing. Wiring harness is dealer of factory installed. (Estate Wagon wiring harness is available only as a factory installed option. NOTE:Variable load flasher does not provide bulb failure indications as described in the Buick Owner's Manual, and therefore should be installed only when trailering. Rear lighting and trailer wiring harness wires are color coded as shown below to simplify repairs and harness installation. Brown--Taillamps, side marker and license lamp. Yellow--Left stop lamp and turn signal. Dark Green--Right stop lamp and turn signal. Light Green--Back-up lamps. White--Ground. Red--Battery Charge. Blue--Brake Controller. Trailer mirrors (Dealer installed) Trailer mirrors are mandatory in several states when towing a trailer. These available, front fender-mounted Buick Mirrors feature adjustable arms and permit improved rear visibility. Buick mirrors are easily installed and disassembled. Dealer installed through your Buick dealer under service part No. 981928. Automatice Level Control System (Code H3): Automatically adjusts rear end height to varying load conditions. Load a new Buicks with luggage and hitch on a trailer. The level control provides air inflate the rear shock absorbers until the car returns to level. Comparable to Superlift shock absorber actin, but with its own automatic, engine-operated air supply and leveling valve, it adjusts itself to added trailer loads, and again when the load is removed. The car rides level! Buick recommends Automatic Level Control for most trailers towing, with or without a load equalizing type hitch. Level Control is ideal where the car is loaded with extra gear, even though no trailer is being hauled! Rear suspension bottoming is virtually eliminated. Handling and performance are excellent. Available on all Bicks except Gran Sport--factory or dealer installed. Superlift shock absorbers (Code H5) Provide a means of leveling loaded car, quickly and easily, at an air hose. Well suited for full passenger loads and for use with Class I, II and II trailers. Dealer of factory installed. Steel-belted radial-ply tires (Codes F5 or F9): Steel-belted radial-ply tires offer long tread mileage, improved fuel economy because of lower rolling resistance, good tractin and handling capabilities and increase resistance to penetration by road hazards. They are available on 1973 Gran Sport, Electra 225 and Riviera models. Buick's exclusive MaxTrac (Code C2): MaxTrac is a revolutionary new power control system designed to prevent excessive wheel spin on slick surfaces. Rear end swerve during acceleration is reduced and the car moves at a steady pace. A minature transistorized computer actually compares the speeds of the front and rear wheels. When the beginning of rear wheel spin is detected, the computer modulates the engine to control power to the rear wheels. MaxTrac is available on Riviera, Electra 225, Estate Wagon, Centurion and LeSabre. Hitches and equalizer hitch platform (Code 11): Buick offers specially engineered hitches for Class I trailer towing (see page 4 for part numbers). A bolt-on, heavy-duty equalizing hitch platform is available on the Estate Wagon for Class II and III through Buick dealers (accessory #994126). Hitch platforms for other models ar not offered but may be obtained through reputable hitch dealers or installers. Buick is unable to offer specific recommendations or assume responsibility for the operation of hitches or equalizer platforms that are not manufactured or supplied by Buick.
The posi was on all canadian cars i think. Also common in northern states. I do not think it was standard with tow package, as my riv came with tow hitch (since removed) and had open dif (now posi). The ratio is usually 3.08 or lower. 3.42 was found mainly on gs rivs in 71 72. There were some 3.23s as well. I have found several electras with posi and all were 2.93. There were only two carriers, 3.23 and lower and a 3.42 carrier. Find someone parting a 71 72 riv gs and you will find a 3.42.
All right, here ya go. I posted some large scans so they are readable at http://ronruelle.com/rivlit2.html . The brochure is printed in brown ink with black illustrations, by the way. The charts on page 5 indicate that Posi was not automatically included in the towing package. Enjoy, Ron
There are more cars here that have a posi because of the winter driving conditions but most still don't. My '65 Wildcat was built and sold here in Canada and it has a 3.07 open axle. But I have a '65 3.07 posi axle (from an Electra 225) waiting to be installed under it! My '74 LeSabre and '76 Electra also had open axles (with 3.08 and 2.56 ratios). My current '75 Electra has a 2.73 posi and my former '68 Wildcat had a 3.42 posi My '67 Riviera GS has a 3.42 posi too (standard on this model). I have two Jeep Cherokees (1988 and 1989) and a 1993 Toyota 4X4 pickup and they all have open rear axles.
Seller claims this is a "factory" (GM built) SIX WHEELED '72 Electra built as a tow vehicle.... How's this for a towing option? Where is this option on the wholesale car order form? Where's the Fifth Wheel? Check this out: http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/939482107.html I'll be kind and suggest that we call this "From the WTF file".
I am both devistated and confused at the same time.:spank: Ironically enough I still want it. o No: Who Figure!!!!!!!
In 1971, the Buick Electra 225 wholesale car order form lists a "Trailer Hauling Option", H1. It consisted solely of heavy duty suspension, heavy duty springs and heavy duty wheels.
