I'm looking at a `70 W-30 w/ AT & AC. but I'm not sure it's a true W-30 based on the rear axle code which is SF. I though all W-30 were either TO or TM

 

The standard axle in the A/C cars was a 3.23. That is the correct code for that ratio with a limited slip diff. Look about mid way down the page on the left.

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X2 on what Randy said. It doesn't matter that it was a W-30. Air conditioning overruled all else and limited the rear end ratio to 3.23:1. This is straight from the assembly manuals and new car order forms.

 

Correct though mine and one other W30 I know of (with AC) do have 3.42s but they also have the W27s in them so who knows when those were put on or why, meaning maybe there were no 3.23 W27s left on the line or the dealer swapped it or someone else swapped it.

 

From what I show as available, any there was no gear ratio restriction for the W27 rear, just G80 was required. In addition to the 442 and W31, the W27 was also available on the Rally 350, and the W45 does not have any restrictions on gearing. But never the less, it is still *possible* that the W27 only housed minimum 3.23 or 3.42 gears, and this slipped by the W45 application listings.
And, of course, *if* 3.23s did come in W27s with AC, it *could* and I expect was not rare to have dealer swapped gears.
Olds was having trouble marrying the highest level of performance offerings with creature comforts like AC.
Very few W27s actually made it into production. Approx 108 went into W31s and W45s, and approx 248 made it into 442s.

 

thanks Kurt, great info to know. I remember in another post you said there were 350+ rear ends made up until June of 70 but I didn't know the 442 break down. Thanks.