The web says

Differential Usage

Actually, 1968 to 1970 Olds 442's (and I believe all Olds for that matter) built in the US plants all had the Type O rear axle. All of the 442's built in the Oshawa, Ontario plant had the Type C (Chevy) axle. In 1971 they went to a GM corporate 10 bolt.

All of the 442's built in the Oshawa, Ontario plant had the Type C (Chevy) axle.

is this true?
If so anyone know what ratios were offered?

TIA

 

There were exactly ZERO Oldsmobiles built at Oshawa for the 1970 model year, so once again, don't rely on the Interwebs for accurate info. Yes, the 1968-69 Oshawa built Cutlii (not only 442s) came with the Chevy 12 bolt axle. This is documented in the Chassis Service Manual and the Product Information Manual and the SPECS booklet. And the Type O axle was first introduced in the Cutlass line in May 1966.

 

The quote cited sounds like an excerpt from the now-defunct 442.com. I believe the same article went on to list available ratios in the Chevy rear, but I can't remember them for sure -- 2.73 and 3.31 seem to ring a bell. If you still have access to that source, double check there.

Caveat: as Joe points out, 442.com contained a few inaccuracies.

 

2.73, 3.07. and 3.31, as noted in the 1968 SPECS booklet.

 

The reason I am asking is because a 442 that I looked at 2yrs ago is back on the market.
The Jade gold 442 2nd owner car is listed as a "Hurst olds" with a 4.11 posi.
I explained to him that wasn't a hurst olds and 4.11 gears were not an option. But he knew better
I told him to get the info from the Canadian historical info to get the most $ for his car and to verify his claims.
I took pics of a few key parts and it looks like it has the correct carb and quite possibly the correct alternator.
It does appear to be mostly original.
It has the typical rust areas with original paint except one fender.
It is a Canadian built 4 speed he's asking 22k.

 

Is it really a Canadian built 68 442 or a 4 speed cutlass?

 

Easy enough to tell from the VIN. The first 442 I ever owned was a 68 from Oshawa. I was in MA at the time.

 

It’s like a guessing game when someone posts this stuff

it’s so simple..if he knows it’s a Canadian car and a 4 speed..why ask anything? saying that means he’s seen docs or proof

someone knows something..good grief.

 

Yes, it's a verified 442 yes I have the Vin. Yes I have seen the cowl tag yes it's MADE in CANADA
The point I was making, the owner says it's a hurst olds from my understanding no hurst olds was jade gold.
And I haven't seen anything saying it could be 4.11 gears from the factory.
So the owner does not understand that just because it has a hurst shifter doesn't make it a hurst olds.
And insists it's 4.11 gears.

I tried explaining some of this 2 yrs ago but I guess he knows better.

 

You can find out exactly what it is by contacting www.vintagevehicleservices.com, giving them the VIN and ordering a document package. Works for any car built or even sold in Canada. It cost about $100 last time I did it.

 

why didn’t you get the docs two years ago from VVS and find out for yourself ?

 

$100 + bucks To prove him wrong? (I am actually, thinking of doing it)
If I bought it that would be one of the first things I would do.
Just didn't think 4.11 gears were even an option.
I am not sure if the price changed, but last time he was firm!
I am thinking 15-18k for a running driving 68-442 4-speed would be more appropriate....
Obviously, without pics it would be difficult to say but am I out of line?

 

I think $15-$18K for a '68 documented 4-4-2, in good condition is low. I've seen them go between $25K to $28K. I paid $14K for mine 14 years ago. Did I overpay? Maybe - it was a good price for me for what I got. $22K sounds not too far from fair in Colorado in this market. May be a fair price in Canada - dunno about that market.

 

A '68 4-4-2, in and of itself, doesn't need to be authenticated. As we all know, it's right there in the VIN. The VVS package will, however, substantiate (or more likely rule out) any claims about "special equipment".

 

So I forked up the $$ and just got the results back.

Unfortunately, I believe I need the code off the axle to get the ratio unless I am missing something. (G80)

 

If there is no RPO code for the rear axle ratio, it would be the standard equipment ratio, which would have been 3.42:1 with M21 trans, as seen in the chart in post #4.

 

I know I am old and senile but doesn't that chart show the 3.42 is std for the M20 and 3.91 for the M21?

 

You're right, sorry, I was looking at the wrong column. That's what I get for posting when I'm supposed to be on a Teams call...

 

I think Canadian built 68’s with M20’s got 3.07’s as the standard gear or 3.31’s if it had a/c.

it may have 3.31’s or 3.55’s if it’s still got the original rear

 

Does this apply to the "Type C" as well or does the G80 mean it's a Type O?

I have seen info that states 2:56 2:73 3:07 3:31 as the ratios available for the type c

 

Those gear ratios are for type C only as it’s Canadian built. G80 only means it’s posi traction

 

Still don’t mean it doesn’t have 4.11’s in it now…which was the original question

 

I have a C type 12 bolt diff out in the garage...apparently from a Canadian Olds. Believe it's coded for 3.31 gears and can post pics of the stampings if it helps anyone on these Canadian cars. I sold the gears and posi unit out of it a long time ago....everything else is there.

 

Just noticed the fine print on that chart with the star indicating the Canadian ratios.
of course, there is no star for the M21.
If it's still available next week I may take another look.

 

correct..someone already told you that before😉

the 69 Canadian built 442’s seem to have a clearer explanation of matching gear ratios to their U.S. built ones..

2.78 U.S. = 2.73 Can
3.08 U.S. = 3.07 Can
3.23 U.S. = 3.31 Can
3.42 U.S. = 3.55 Can
3.91 U.S. = 3.73 Can