I've got a 2.73 out of a '92 RS.

I've got a 3.42 in the '88 now.

Now, here's the scary stuff -

IIRC, the '92 (305 v8) has 28 spline axles.
My '88 has 26 spline.

I thought that there was an SLP Posi out there for like $99?

The plan -

'88 Gears (3.42s) with the 28 spline '92 axles + $99 posi unit == 3.42 Posi for $99?

Am I thinking clearly, or clearly delusional?

 

Good plan, but the 2.73 gears are on a different series carrier than the 3.42's, and the two carriers require different gears. You could use an Eaton or other posi unit with the 3.42's and the 28 spline axles, just make sure the posi you buy is for the 3.42's and not the 2.73's.

 

I thought that there was an SLP Posi out there for like $99?

"I thought I was gonna be President"
Al Gore

Spools cost that little. No to spools on the street.

The lower numbered gear carrier is different sized than the larger numbered gear carrrier.

 

Yeah, I had figured to use the current 3.42 gear carrier, with a posi unit, and the 28spline axles... would that work?

 

The posi is an integral part of the gear carrier, when you replace an open differential with a limited slip of any kind, the entire carrier is replaced, not just the spider gears. That's why it is important to order the correct unit for the gears you intend to use. All you will use out of your current 3.42 rearend is the gearset and axles, everything else should come with the new posi, bearings, seals, shims, etc.

 

Ah.. ok, I see

 

YOU ARE RIGHT....


Pull the 28 spline axles from the 2.73 rear.

buy the $99 take off Torsen posi unit from www.slponline.com

Put both in the '88 3.42 rear and be happy.



HTH

 

wtf... so I can use my 3.42 gears/carrier ('88) with the '92 28 spline axles, and that POSI, and wham - 3.42 POSI?

 

OK, I'll bite & be educated.....
What he said!

 

It's really as simple as it sounds, although you'll want to pay someone who knows what they're doing to install it.

SLP sells take off posi units from 4th gen's for $99. It's made for 28-spline axles, and it ONLY fits 3.23 gears and LOWER ( HIGHER NUMBER, so the 3.42's are fine ).

Take the posi, and your axles to someone to set it up. Shouldn't run more than $150 or so to install.

To a SEARCH for "zexel" or "slp posi" and start reading. Pretty popular swap for the low $$$ investment.


HTH

 

Thinking and Drinking but, the ring & pinion according to what Ive read in JUG's exc Jegs says somthing like 3.08 gears only fit 3.08 and lower carriers; 2.73 and vice versa 3.23 and up.

 

no you arent smokin crack get the zexel-torsen differential from slp or a few other places that sell them for around 100 bucks. mount your 3.42 gears on it, it is a 3-series carrier, fit it with the 28 spline axles into your rear housing, get it properly shimmed and spaced and away you go

 

You're telling me that I can pick up from SLP their new vehicle take off units selling for one hundred & slip them into my current 1985 ride rear axle?
And also slip it into my S-10 Blazer ride 1989 rear axle?

 

if you switch to 28 spline axles, yes you can. The Zexel is a 3-series carrier for GM 7.5/7.62" 10 bolts. But you need the 28 splines from 89? or later fbodies, maybe trucks got them a little earlier, not sure though. go to www.torsen.com for how the zexel is different from other limited slips

 

Yep, '89 was the changeover year. More than likely, an f-body from '89 will have 26 spline axles. Only way to know for sure is to remove the rear cover, undo the pinion lock bolt, and pull an axle out to count splines. (Beware, those little f'ing lock bolts like to snap, and then you're pretty well screwed, because the axle housing blocks your straight-line-access to the lock bolt- a drill won't fit)

But if you don't have the tools (dial indicator, torque wrench) or parts (bearings, pinion seal, shims, gear chalk), you should probably pay a professional to do the job. Swapping gears isn't a take-out/bolt-in job, there's a few settings that have to be taken care of (backlash, preload, etc), and if they're not set correctly, you can ruin the gears instantly.

 

Good to here Tom is Back!!!! I thought you left

 

LOL, no, just for a while.