Does anyone know where I can find a used 3:23 ring and pinion set for a 10 bolt 8.5" rear end? I had a Richmond installed in my car and it howls.

 

I have a set of gm 3.08 gears for trade if you like. 3.23 isn't an extremely common set, but they're out there. Motivegear still has sets out there but they're going to run up around the 200 dollar range.

 

Is that a Chevy or Olds rear? I have 3:23's for a 8.5 10 bolt Chevy.

 

Backward to the "howling" before you change gears. So you mean it makes a howling noise? It sounds like the rear clearances were set up wrong if it howls or has a bad pinion bearing or preload was not done right. I would take it apart and do it again as the Richmond gears are probably fine.

 

X2 on the set-up!
Probably used 50 sets of Richmonds over the years, w/o a problem!
Were all the bearings replaced??
Was there a good 'pattern' on the ring gear??
Constant howl, or accel or decel??

 

When you change out a crown and pinion, it will usually always howl...unless there's something new on the market. Some friends changed out their gears and they all howl. If you put in another used gear set, it will probably howl too.

 

I agree on set up but just FYI 8.5 gears are everythere cheap. Full size GM truck all through the late 80's and 90'used 8.5 rears. My 3.73 in the 66 were robbed from a 95 Suburban.

 

Do they have dial indicators in Alberta??
I've NEVER had a problem with whine, if properly set up!!
To say ALL rear differentials howl if changed, is one of the most absurd statements I've heard in a long time!!
Next time I hear one, I'll be calling it "The Canadian Whine"!! Must be from Canada!!

 

I had a guy help me install an 3.23 posi from a Camaro into the housing in my 80 Cutlass years ago and it never made a peep.

It has to be in the setup. Either the pinion depth is wrong or the backlash is way out.

 

It doesn't matter if you are installing new gears in your rear,or used gears.If they are making noise,they are set-up wrong,PERIOD.
You can't always follow the numbers scribed on the gears.You need to read the pattern it makes with the compound.

 

Calm down skippy.

 

I think they are set up wrong as well. My Ford Expedition howls like a wolf at highway speed. Nice factory install. Ha!