All;

I'm in the process of doing a T56 swap to my '88 L98.
The 2.73 rear gear has simply got to go, and I'm having difficulty finding something reasonably priced to put in it's place.

I'm looking to put something along the lines of a 3.42 in the car. I'm very aware that many recommend 3.70-4.10, but since I drive my IROC almost daily, I'd prefer something along the lines of what early LT1 4th Gen F-bodies used.

However, here's the problem--finding a used 3.42, preferably a posi is fairly hopeless, as most are more or less worn out. My '88 originally came with rear discs, and I'd really like to retain rear discs if possible.

Looking at new differentials, I've at this point only found the Ford 8.8 Hawk's sells...but by the time Tru-Track is added, and a couple of other things, they're a bit over 3K---and quite frankly, with my wife's medical issues right now, I really can't justify spending that much, especially since I'm already spending a ton on the T56, which should be ready to put in sometime next month.

What would you recommend? I'm not looking at running this on the strip (well, maybe 2-3 times a year), and mainly want something that's quiet, and reliable.

Thoughts on where to find a unicorn?

 

There's always the ol' 98-02 rear swap. You get a torsen diff (which is like a tru-track), a 3.42 gearset, and LS1 rear brakes. Need some mods for the parking brake cable, but nothing earth shattering. The biggest issue is the width change - it moves the rear tires out, if memory serves, 1.75 inches on each side (as I think I remember reading that it's slightly more narrow than the earlier 4th gen rears).

 

 

If you have a 10 bolt right now, get a 4th gen setup with the 3.42 and swap in the carrier and gearset into what you have. It may need a little work to complete it though, but would be a lot less than $3,000. Few hundred for the gear setup

I personally love my 3.45 set in my 9 bolt in my 92 Firebird daily driver with my LS1 T56. It's what came factory in the 4th gens and keeps the Revs low on the highway. When I do my other car, which will be more pleasure vehicle I will go with a 4.1 set, but I don't think it's necessary for a daily