Rear gear diameter
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Rear gear diameter
I've been looking at changing the rear gear and most threads I've seen here mention the gear ratio. I have an 80 and have been looking online for ring and pinion sets. The problem is I am seeing 7.5 or 8.5 diameter gear sets. I'd like to have my replacement set handy so I can do the swap once there. I just installed a 700R4 and am looking to go with the 3.73, unless you all inform me that that is a bad choice. But once again, even with a different choice I still need to know a diameter. I've used this forum for many problem fixes since buying my car a year ago. This is my first attempt at posting for an answer to a question so please be kind....LOL
Living the Vette life....
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 555
Likes: 221
The 80-82 rear is a Dana 44 and is unique to these years only. They are not like any other Dana 44's and most parts from all the other versions of the Dana 44 will not work. You need to get in touch with Gary Ramadi, member name GTR1999. He will give you the full details on your rear end.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 1,308
From: Fleming Island, FL
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,692
Likes: 2,572
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,154
Likes: 3,959
From: Connecticut, USA
The answer was already given so there was no need for me to comment on it.
You're correct, I don't like that particular differential and have explained why many times. I don't usually take them in, they were a poor design for the end of the line run. There is nothing to debate, you like yours because you installed a bearing set and didn't have any issue if I recall, that's great, really, I mean it and I hope it serves you well.
Just don't speak for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 1,806
From: Apple Valley, MN
Too bad there’s not a Dislike button on this forum, your post would set a record for the most.
Not cool to call anyone’s integrity into question, particularly one of the finest tech contributors we’re privileged to have among us.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 1,308
From: Fleming Island, FL
I may not have money falling out of my *** to pay other people to work on my stuff, I'm sure glad that I can do everything myself.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,154
Likes: 3,959
From: Connecticut, USA
You're right, I don't know you. Comments like "I wouldn't use one in a go-kart", etc I found to be pretty insulting. Yet these plenty of those 80-82's running around with those diff's, with plenty of horsepower, and they hold up just fine. So yes you're not being honest in my opinion
You have rebuilt, as you say, your diff and saved money in the process, I'm all for it. It works for you, that is also great. I still wouldn't use one but that's just me and my opinion. There is nothing dishonest in that, just because you took offense doesn't mean I tried to give anyone dishonest information. I don't see you popping up to answer differential questions, other than your one thread last year? I have to admit I didn't look to see as I really don't care, but feel free to answer them in the future as I am sure others will want to know how to address certain issues.
I don't see any further need for me to comment so I will sign off of this thread. The original poster got his answer, that is all that was needed. All I would say is, again, speak for yourself.
