C3-C4 Rear End Compatibilty
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
C3-C4 Rear End Compatibilty
Hello - I have a question about Corvette rear end units and their year compatibility. I have a friend that told me that the rear end out of any 1975 thru 1992 is interchangeable for those years of cars with no modifications. I have to question this - is there no difference between these years? It seems there would be a difference between the C3 and C4?
I’ve got a 1982 that needs help and I found an older C4 rear end (‘85) for sale but thought it wouldn’t work. I know there is the difference between a cast iron rear axle and an aluminum one - just don’t know the years they were used.
Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you
I’ve got a 1982 that needs help and I found an older C4 rear end (‘85) for sale but thought it wouldn’t work. I know there is the difference between a cast iron rear axle and an aluminum one - just don’t know the years they were used.
Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
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From: San Jose CA
From brief reading... sounds like the rear cover / batwing are 1 piece on the C4s. I don't know much about 80-82 rear diffs. I'd imagine it'd require some kind of adapter plate.
I know that it has been done.
I know that it has been done.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
You're right, I retract my statement.
Lots of info here:
http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showth...p?t=168&page=2
C3D44 uses a small pinion, C4D44 uses D60 pinion.
This picture says it all:
C4 D44 on left. See 2 bolts near pinion for C-beam mounting that C4 uses.
C3 D44 has mount for snubber by pinion.
Lots of info here:
http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showth...p?t=168&page=2
C3D44 uses a small pinion, C4D44 uses D60 pinion.
This picture says it all:
C4 D44 on left. See 2 bolts near pinion for C-beam mounting that C4 uses.
C3 D44 has mount for snubber by pinion.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Thank you for the input - I found out from a local Vette mechanic that they are completely different. A '78-'81 will work if it came out of an automatic and you can get a '74-'77 to work if you change the stud shaft and it originally came with a small block engine.
Anyway - I now have learned another thing about Corvettes - thanks
Anyway - I now have learned another thing about Corvettes - thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 955
Likes: 50
From: Jersey Shore
Thank you for the input - I found out from a local Vette mechanic that they are completely different. A '78-'81 will work if it came out of an automatic and you can get a '74-'77 to work if you change the stud shaft and it originally came with a small block engine.
Anyway - I now have learned another thing about Corvettes - thanks
Anyway - I now have learned another thing about Corvettes - thanks
