I might be looking at one this weekend and I want to know exactly what to look for. I don't want the seller to trick me and I end up with another 2.73 posi, or even worse an open end rear.

Also, is there anyway to check out the condition of the rear end? I believe it's still on the car, but does leaking oil send a red flag?

Thanks.

 

You can look up all the RPO codes on the main page but they will only tell you what that car came with stock. Over the years anyone who had that car could have swapped gears which the RPO codes will not reflect. I doubt he will let you pull the cover and make a mess on his driveway so you may have to do the old driveshaft wheel count.

 

Aren't there numbers cast on the rear end? I understand the codes in the console, but those could be swapped out. I doubt anyone would swap from 3.42's to lower gears if they kept the rear end.

 

The casting numbers will only tell you what rear end it is and not what gears are inside. There will be a ratio stammped on the gears inside. For a 2.73 a 41/15 should be visible. You can count the bolts on the cover to figure what rear you have without looking for any codes.