I have searched around but cant really seem to find a straight answer on this question. I have a 91' Trans Am with 28 Spline axles. Also I have a new carrier in the garage. Now when I say carrier I mean carrier only, no spider gears or ring and pinion, bearings or anything, just the plain bare carrier. I know its a 7.5" 3 series carrier...do only certain carriers work with 26 or 28 spline axles? Meaning can eaither axles sizes be used in any carrier as long as you have the right spider gears or locker inside to match the spline count?

 

The hole in the side of 26-spline carriers is not large enough to allow 28-spline axles to fit through. Stock carriers, anyway. So, you can't take an old carrier, and use it with the newer axles. They won't accommodate that particular "feature from the future".

It would be possible to go the other way, though; you could downgrade a 28-spline carrier by putting 26-spline side gears in it. I can't imagine why anybody in his right mind would want to do that, but at least in theory it should work.

As far as aftermarket carriers, they vary; some use the same case for both year series, especially ones that have been made since 90 or so. I'd expect an older one wouldbe less likely to accommodate the late-model axles, like stock ones don't.

 

Thanks just what I was looking for. Ill have to take my axles out and see if they fit. I have a feeling this carrier isnt the right one. Its GM part number 26026251, if anyone knows what year carrier this is it would be great if you could let me know.

 

26026251 fits 82-85 model years.