TM/TO Rear Axle Discrepancy
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From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
TM/TO Rear Axle Discrepancy
According to the '70 Oldsmobile Inspector's Guide, which contains information only as of 1/Aug/1969, the only codes available for the 3.42 & 3.91 gear ratios with limited-slip were TM and TO, with no mention of the SH & SF codes for the non-W cars. The Inspector Guide does note the codes for the W-27 equipped rear axles.
The '70 Assembly Manual shows the SH & SF axle codes for the limited slip axles, but notes they were not added until 19/Sep/69, which I believe was after the start of production. This may explain why some early non-W cars were equipped with TM & TO axle codes.
Another interesting tidbit in the '70 Inspector's Guide is the notation of the P-37 wheel option, which included 15" Super Stock II rims. It also shows a G60-15 RWL wide oval as the standard tire with the P-37 optional rim, and requiring either power or manual disc brakes.
The '70 Assembly Manual shows the SH & SF axle codes for the limited slip axles, but notes they were not added until 19/Sep/69, which I believe was after the start of production. This may explain why some early non-W cars were equipped with TM & TO axle codes.
Another interesting tidbit in the '70 Inspector's Guide is the notation of the P-37 wheel option, which included 15" Super Stock II rims. It also shows a G60-15 RWL wide oval as the standard tire with the P-37 optional rim, and requiring either power or manual disc brakes.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,056
From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Oldsmobile Bulletin dated July 9, 1969 - notes cancellation of W-30/W-31 lightweight frames, new inclusion of aluminum intake manifold for the W-31, addition of new P37 option of SS-III 15x7 rims with G60-15 RWL tires and disc brake requirement, and many of other revisions: http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...nd_W31_1-3.pdf
Unfortunately, the P37 option was cancelled in late August 1969 without any reason given. There is an Oldsmobile Bulletin available noting this, but I cannot locate it at this time. Out of any of the GM divisions, it should had been Oldsmobile with the 15" rims and G60 tires, as the '69 Hurst/Olds already had the 15" rims with an F60 tire. At least the '71 442/W-30 should have had the G60 tire option, as the Chevelle SS and GTO both moved up to G60 tires in 1971.
It would be interesting to find out from an Oldsmobile employee why Oldsmobile cancelled the G60 tire option in 1970, and more so, did not offer them in 1971/1972 when all of the other GM Divisions had the G60 tire option for their A-body models. This question has dogged many Oldsmobile enthusiasts for many years.
Unfortunately, the P37 option was cancelled in late August 1969 without any reason given. There is an Oldsmobile Bulletin available noting this, but I cannot locate it at this time. Out of any of the GM divisions, it should had been Oldsmobile with the 15" rims and G60 tires, as the '69 Hurst/Olds already had the 15" rims with an F60 tire. At least the '71 442/W-30 should have had the G60 tire option, as the Chevelle SS and GTO both moved up to G60 tires in 1971.
It would be interesting to find out from an Oldsmobile employee why Oldsmobile cancelled the G60 tire option in 1970, and more so, did not offer them in 1971/1972 when all of the other GM Divisions had the G60 tire option for their A-body models. This question has dogged many Oldsmobile enthusiasts for many years.
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cutlasssupreme71
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Feb 22, 2011 11:40 AM
