C3 vs C4 Suspension
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
C3 vs C4 Suspension
Can someone tell me what I have here? I'm thinking it's a C3 rear end with the wrong differential cover. I know little other than it's supposedly out of an '85. It's obviously not a c4 rear, but would the differences be (width, brakes, weight, etc...)?! I apologize for the lousy pics, but it is night time... Ultimately, I would like to put this into my 1950 GMC, but I think I would rather have a newer/lighter version.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Looksd like an 80-82 Dana 36. If you are going to put any power in that truck, I would suggest getting a used Dana 44 if you are looking for a beefier IRS. They are not cheap though. I've seen good used ones go for $1500-2500 depending on condition and what's included. Many come with 3:45 gears but are easily changed if needed (before you put it in the truck of course).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
I thought it was a Dana 44. It seems to have the correct bolt pattern. The top brace has me confused, but was that the way they were in 80-82?
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mrmojo2//danarear.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mrmojo2//danarear.jpg
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
So after doing some digging around, it looks like you guys were pretty much spot on with this rear. From what I've found it's a 1980 Rear due to the 9 leaf metal leaf spring (2 1/2" width) and the mount is triangular instead of the dogbone looking piece. Now, my only question would be is it for an auto or manual. It has 12 pt bolts holding in the u-joints, is this a clear indication of a manual? I would like to order all new u-joints and there seems to be a difference between the two different trannys.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
They are inverted torx, all 80-82s have those. The only difference is that 80&81 manuals an all 82s use the 3" shafts, 1350 u joints and 7/16 bolts. The others use smaller equipment.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
Many thanks to V-twin (and really to everyone who's replied). I'm slowly getting all this info sorted out. Hopefully by the end of rebuilding it, I can consider myself "knowledgeable". I was confused by those bolts, just figured they were 12 point. They are slightly rusted and should probably be replaced as well. Fun, fun fun...
