My understanding is the only factory rear axle ratio for 1971, 442's with factory air and 4 speed is 3:23? Can another member please clarify if my understanding is correct. And if my understanding is correct, what was the concern that a 3:42 ratio was not available?
Thank you.

 

See Post #4 here:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-ratio-110849/

 

3:23's are correct for an a/c equipped car. Compressor warranty's would have been the reason. but, I find it odd because Buick offered 3:42's with a/c. Perhaps a different size pulley for the compressor?

 

Buick did use a slightly larger pulley on their a/c compressors I think it was 5 1/2" diameter versus the Olds 5''. When I restored my first '68 442 back in '79 I ran 3.42s with a/c, It was far from "factory correct" It was an factory auto- a/c car. I swapped in the complete drivetrain from a wrecked '70 W25 car( very healthy 455, M21 4spd & the 3.42s), never had a problem with the compressor in the 10 yrs I had it. My current '68 is a factory a/c 4spd car & it has the 3.23 rear.