dgp1042

Have 71 442 w/10 bolt. Code on the axle housing reads SS 1040 anyone know what ratio this is? The SS is rather hard to read 70% sure that's what it is. The 1040 are stamped better and easy to read.

lemoldsnut

By the info I have SS in 71 was for a 3:23 Limited Slip

Very nice all around gear set

Larry

Rocketbrian

SS is anti-spin 3:23, which is the standard ratio for a 442 without A/C.

lemoldsnut

See I was under the impression based on some documentation that 3:08 was standard non-AC ratio and 3:23 was with AC standard ratio.

dgp1042

The car has AC. I just installed new front pinion seal and while I was down under the car find out what ratio it is. Had to remove the paint to find it. Then also thought I should change the rear end fluid and then...since I have to remove the cover that replacing it with w-27 would be cool. Well its all done now I hope the W27 cover doesn't hurt the value but it looks cool. Wish it was a real W-27 but they didn't install them in 71 and they are really expensive. An O type rear wasn't used in 71. Do you guys think the W-27 cover will hurt the value of a matching #'s W-30? I should probably keep the old cover huh? I couldn't find online anywhere to decifer a SS 1040 code. What's the 1040 mean?

oldsmobiledave

If I recall correctly an automatic equipped 71 442 W-30 car got 3.42 gears with 3.73 gears optional. When equipped with a/c they got 3.23 gears.

dgp1042

Ya...this is a 71 442 W-30 OW code auto w/air. so your recall looks to be correct then.

Rocketbrian

I hadn't looked at your avatar, so I thought you were asking about a regular 442. W30's got lower axle ratios. Looks like you have a beautiful car. As far as the 1040 goes, I am a little perplexed as the first digit represents the manufacturing division and should be a letter. The next three digits are numbers for the day of the year. I'll show you my 442 axle which is O243 for Olds division and built on the 243 day of the year.
IMO, I wouldn't worry about value change on swapping for a factory and dealer offered rear end cover, as it does look cool. Keep the old cover by all means to offer with the car if you ever sell it.

dgp1042

I just checked the photo on my phone I took and I have to correct myself. It is SS 0104 So you are correct 0 is for Olds and on the 104th day. Wow... you guys really know your stuff here. I'll try to post the picture.

dgp1042

Rocket brain...you helped with an issue about a power seat. I found one and installed it. Thanks for the help here's a link to the picture hopefully it works and many thanks again you guys. This car is comeing along nicely with Olds Communitys help. https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post902352

Rocketbrian

Glad to help and your power seat looks amazing. Nice work.