Hi,
I am looking at getting bigger rear gears (3.73's) along with possibly a posi but I need to know if i have a 26 spline axle or a 28 spline axle? I have an 87' Camaro Coupe with a 305 4 barrel carb....the rearend is currently stock with 2.73 gears.
The posi setup that I am looking at is for 28 spline axles and i cannot afford to go buy them if i have 26.
Does anyone know what this car would have come with stock? or how i can figure this out without hauling it into the dealer or someone to take a look at it? Also does anyone know if these cars came with a limited slip rear?
I am assuming that if i just replace the gears that i will have problems if i don't get a limited slip or posi...?

I'm also wanting to install these myself, i have had people tell me im an idiot for wanting to do it myself and others have told me its not that hard as long as you're careful.... anyone have a suggestion? I went to a place that will put them in for me and they said they could get me a posi rear with 3.73 gears and install them for $1000 but how hard is it really to do this?

I will also be putting in a new exhaust if anyone has some suggestions of brands and models....i'd like something that will add power but i don't want it to be annoyingly loud when i have to go on a trip on the highway

but right now my big question is if i have a 26 or 28 spline axle

thanks for any help!
John

 

This would probably be more at home on the general tech board... moving...

 

Well i thought i'd add this too and maybe this will help...what im looking at buying is a 10 bolt posi from a 99 Firebird which comes with 3.42 gears...would the 3.73's make much of a difference in gas mileage or speed?

 

On that motor if it has a stock cam 3:73s will hurt you, you'd be much happier with 3:42s, now if you plan on a cam swap in the future, there's no need to get the 3:42s now and waste your money, just remember to match your gears to your powerband.
I switched from 2:73s to 3:73s didn't lose any noticable mpg, but I didn't gain anything in the 1/4 mile. Stupid me, didn't match it to my cam.

Gears are tricky to install and have to be precise, and most people don't have the necessary tools. If you get new gears you'll also need an install kit that's about $100.

 

Oh, and the exhaust , get the HOOKER CAT-BACK
as everyone on the exhaust boards knows I love it. Sound clip is in the signature, by 3rd gear the wind distorts the sound. And cruising at 60 mph it's totally quiet.

 

thanks for the info mark, you wouldn't happen to know what the spline is on my car would you? 26 or 28? but thanks for telling me about the gear size, i wondered if going to a certain size would hurt me because of the 305 and now thats answered, thanks

 

you have 26 spline axles, 89 was one of the first years for 28 spline. When you go hunting for the at the junkyard look for a 90-92 F-body.
From experience finding axles that aren't bent or worn by bearings is tough. New Mosers sell for about $225 a pair
Out of about 10 axles I found 2 good ones, expect to pay about $100 for used ones.

 

Ok i have talked with some other people about the number of splines on the 87 camaro's and i have now had 3 other people tell me that they put 28 spline rears in starting in 87 not 89 and the dealer didn't give me a straight answer because i wasn't taking the car to them to do.
are there codes that will answer this for me stamped on teh rear axel or somewhere else??
i don't want to end up buy 26 spline differential when its really 28 or vice versa because im hearding 26 and 28 from different people!!!!!! AHHHH!!!
If anyone can give me a definate answer and preferably if you know what the codes are for it please let me know.
Thanks
John

 

Try the tranny board, maybe someone there can help.