68 cutlass-S3
#1
68 cutlass-S3
Hi All,
I found S3 stamped on the back of the passenger side axle tube and a limited slip tag on the upper differential bolt as well.
Research shows a 2.78 limited slip type O differential.
Can someone confirm gear oil weight? Guessing 80w-90?
Also if I wanted to swap to 3.23 gears what needs to be changed other the the ring and pinion gear?
Thanks, Joe
I found S3 stamped on the back of the passenger side axle tube and a limited slip tag on the upper differential bolt as well.
Research shows a 2.78 limited slip type O differential.
Can someone confirm gear oil weight? Guessing 80w-90?
Also if I wanted to swap to 3.23 gears what needs to be changed other the the ring and pinion gear?
Thanks, Joe
#2
For the gear oil weight, 85w-90 seems to be preferred.....Unless, of course, you're in Alaska or Siberia or something like that...
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pes-rears.html
For the gears.... the 2.78 uses a different carrier (673) than the 3.23 (671).......
...so you'll need a new carrier.
For more info search for posts in this section by 507OLDS (Brian Trick) or monzaz(Jim)...These guys are gods of Olds rearends.....
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pes-rears.html
For the gears.... the 2.78 uses a different carrier (673) than the 3.23 (671).......
Below are the original gear ratio choices and the limited slip carriers they came on:
673 = 2.56 & 2.78 ratios, 28 spline
671 = 3.08 & 3.23 ratios, 28 spline
588 = 3.42 & anything numerically higher, 28 spline
672 = 3.42 & anything numerically higher, 31 spline
673 = 2.56 & 2.78 ratios, 28 spline
671 = 3.08 & 3.23 ratios, 28 spline
588 = 3.42 & anything numerically higher, 28 spline
672 = 3.42 & anything numerically higher, 31 spline
For more info search for posts in this section by 507OLDS (Brian Trick) or monzaz(Jim)...These guys are gods of Olds rearends.....
#3
In the past,I have machined ring gear spacers for the O-axle carriers,to make the # 673 carrier usable with the new Richmond gears,or the GM 3:08/3:23 gears.The ring gear journal on the carrier is wide enough that you can mount the spacer,and still have enough for the ring itself to press onto,which is critical in keeping the ring gear centered,and keep it from deflecting.You don't want it floating out in space.That is a common problem with the 12-bolt Chevy spacers,and that is why so many of those with the spacers fail.
If you are going to go that rout,get a set of Richmond 3:42's.That is a good all-around gear.A spacer kit is $55.00 plus the shipping.It includes the spacer,and either right-hand thread bolts for 67-69 O-axle,or left-hand thread bolts for the 70 O-axle.
If this is a mild build,or cruiser car,you will be fine,but I would NOT recommend any type of spacer set-up,in any rear,for an application with a bunch of blunt force being applied to the rear,like a big block,stick shift,trans-brake,slicks,etc.
If you are going to go that rout,get a set of Richmond 3:42's.That is a good all-around gear.A spacer kit is $55.00 plus the shipping.It includes the spacer,and either right-hand thread bolts for 67-69 O-axle,or left-hand thread bolts for the 70 O-axle.
If this is a mild build,or cruiser car,you will be fine,but I would NOT recommend any type of spacer set-up,in any rear,for an application with a bunch of blunt force being applied to the rear,like a big block,stick shift,trans-brake,slicks,etc.
#4
For the gear oil weight, 85w-90 seems to be preferred.....Unless, of course, you're in Alaska or Siberia or something like that...
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pes-rears.html
For the gears.... the 2.78 uses a different carrier (673) than the 3.23 (671).......
...so you'll need a new carrier.
For more info search for posts in this section by 507OLDS (Brian Trick) or monzaz(Jim)...These guys are gods of Olds rearends.....
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pes-rears.html
For the gears.... the 2.78 uses a different carrier (673) than the 3.23 (671).......
...so you'll need a new carrier.
For more info search for posts in this section by 507OLDS (Brian Trick) or monzaz(Jim)...These guys are gods of Olds rearends.....
Of course they are different carriers! That would have been to easy
Brian, Thanks for the information, that is great to know. Definately a mild build for now. Down the road I may look at working the 350 and adding a 350 trans but got lots of basics to take care of first.
Joe
#6
LOL. All Olds 12 bolt gears are impossible to find right now. NO aftermarket gears at this time till some time later in the year ...I HOPE. Jim
#8
Hi Guys, Yeah old post. Still have the 2.78 limited slip. Still considering the swap but obviously with the lack of parts, not right at this moment. I did swap out the jetaway for a turbo 350. Obviously that helped. Surprised somebody has not reproduced them by now. Guess supply and demand.....
#9
Hi Guys, Yeah old post. Still have the 2.78 limited slip. Still considering the swap but obviously with the lack of parts, not right at this moment. I did swap out the jetaway for a turbo 350. Obviously that helped. Surprised somebody has not reproduced them by now. Guess supply and demand.....