tail shafts
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Member

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: bremerton
Car: 87 trans am
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi 3:27
tail shafts
Ok Good news. I'm nearly done with my rear end swap from the 85 posi 9 bolt going into my 87 with the open diff. Not easy to do when all you have is two jack stands and a small 2 ton jack. Anyhow, next big project as I have said is going to be swapping transmissions (Auto 700r4 is coming out to be replaced with the T5). In my last post I asked about the vss and I was told not to worry about it since my engine isn't stock. My question now is will I be able to take the tail shaft off the 700r4 and put it on the T5? Reason I ask is because the speedo on the 87 is computer driven but the 85 isn't. I know I will have to swap the gears to get the right speedo reading since everything is being moved over. Thanks for the help and understanding guys. Transmissions aren't my thing.
Re: tail shafts
The tailhousings are different and will not interchange between the automatic and manual. on a T5 the newer tailhousings have a different speedometer drive location and the gear is replaced with a different ring. You can replace the tailhousing and gear from a newer T5. I could use your gear and speedo drive if you do replace it.
However the best for you would to buy a converter that hooks the mechanical drive to an electric speedometer.
However the best for you would to buy a converter that hooks the mechanical drive to an electric speedometer.
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iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 571
Likes: 15
From: SWAT - Houston
Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: 383
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Built 4th gen 3.42 posi/disc
Re: tail shafts
The tailhousings are different and will not interchange between the automatic and manual. on a T5 the newer tailhousings have a different speedometer drive location and the gear is replaced with a different ring. You can replace the tailhousing and gear from a newer T5. I could use your gear and speedo drive if you do replace it.
However the best for you would to buy a converter that hooks the mechanical drive to an electric speedometer.
However the best for you would to buy a converter that hooks the mechanical drive to an electric speedometer.
I happen to have one of those for sale.....
I have a universal vss i was using on my bird. It has provisions for both electric and manual. PM me if interested.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,520
Likes: 91
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: tail shafts
You need an 86-89 firebird VSS for a T5 car and correct gears.
You might want to get rid of the 2.73 rear while you're at it, for a ratio more tractable with a stick trans.
You might want to get rid of the 2.73 rear while you're at it, for a ratio more tractable with a stick trans.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 571
Likes: 15
From: SWAT - Houston
Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: 383
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Built 4th gen 3.42 posi/disc
Re: tail shafts
OR a universal with...

Worked perfectly with my 89 GTA dash electric speedo. I have the vss, the yellow buffer box and the computer for sale. I personally used the vss with a Dakota SGI-5c to drive the 89 gta speedo.
1. Part #2PRS. The two-pulse square wave unit for all passenger car TBI installations, all computer controlled carbureted engines, and 1985-1989 TPI engines.

Worked perfectly with my 89 GTA dash electric speedo. I have the vss, the yellow buffer box and the computer for sale. I personally used the vss with a Dakota SGI-5c to drive the 89 gta speedo.
Thread Starter
Member

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: bremerton
Car: 87 trans am
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi 3:27
Re: tail shafts
I'm putting the rear end out of the 85 in my 87. That one has 3:27 gears. Jupiter how much are you selling for? I also have a whole lot of other parts that are going to be for sale as well. Like the entire stock rear suspension from the 85. control arms shocks springs and all









