72 cutlass diff identification
March 1st, 2017, 03:44 PM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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72 cutlass diff identification
I have a 72 cutlass that I am considering putting a posi in. Am trying to identify what rear end i have and am just getting more confused.
It has a 10 bolt scalloped cover, 10 bolt ring gear, bolt in axles, U joint is held to pinion shaft with two straps and four bolts. The letter A is cast in each side of the pumpkin. 1235197 is also cast on the pumpkin. And SA B126 1 is stamped on the passenger side axle tube.
Thanks!!
It has a 10 bolt scalloped cover, 10 bolt ring gear, bolt in axles, U joint is held to pinion shaft with two straps and four bolts. The letter A is cast in each side of the pumpkin. 1235197 is also cast on the pumpkin. And SA B126 1 is stamped on the passenger side axle tube.
Thanks!!
March 1st, 2017, 04:47 PM
#2
Old School Olds
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Marble Falls TX
Posts: 8,939
March 1st, 2017, 04:56 PM
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,721
From a recent thread about identifying 8.5" 10 bolt rears:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...do-i-tell.html
You said it has u-joint straps with 4 bolts, so also check if the pinion nut is 1 1/4" socket size.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...do-i-tell.html
The pictures you attached are all 10 bolt 8.5 Oldsmobile
71 72 - 1976 will have that rear cover with the 12 - 3 o'clock angle + plus bolt in axles 28 spline with oiled bearings + the pinion nut being 1 1/4" socket size + 4 bolts and 2 straps with 1 1/8" cup size on the u-joints + The bumps on the casting where the axles press into the center section...ALL are indications of the 10 bolt 8.5 casting...
If the cover was off the caps would have arrows pointing outward at the wheels direction away from the center. then there is the casting number end all be all....
Physical traits are the only way to be sure. NEVER assume you have an original 50 year old muscle car. Most Muscles DO NOT have their original parts in place these days.
Jim
J D RAce
71 72 - 1976 will have that rear cover with the 12 - 3 o'clock angle + plus bolt in axles 28 spline with oiled bearings + the pinion nut being 1 1/4" socket size + 4 bolts and 2 straps with 1 1/8" cup size on the u-joints + The bumps on the casting where the axles press into the center section...ALL are indications of the 10 bolt 8.5 casting...
If the cover was off the caps would have arrows pointing outward at the wheels direction away from the center. then there is the casting number end all be all....
Physical traits are the only way to be sure. NEVER assume you have an original 50 year old muscle car. Most Muscles DO NOT have their original parts in place these days.
Jim
J D RAce
March 1st, 2017, 05:45 PM
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Economy, Nova Scotia
Posts: 987
You have the corporate 8.5 10 bolt rear end built by Buick. Several different divisions built the same corporate rear end, all having the same internals. The Buick version is identified by the scalloped sides of the cover. SA means it has a 2:73 open rear end built on the 126th day of the year. This corporate rear end design began in 71 and ran into at least the 80s. These are the easier rear ends to get parts for compared to the earlier Olds designs. I'm going to go through the same process in my 71 442 in the coming months. So, look for parts for the 71 up, 8.5 corporate rear end. Hope this helps.
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