anybody know what the rear end ratio in a stock 1955 88 would be?

 

I had a 3.23 in a 1955 88 four door car. I know a member here with a 1955 88 two door hardtop and he also had a 3.23 These are the only two I know of, so this may not be a large enough sample size to say its standard.

John

 

Can't believe what you hear on the net,but someone had a differential for '55 Olds, and they listed it as a 3:41! Larry

 

Classic Car Database tells me that 3.42 is the standard ratio in all Oldsmobiles for 1955 and doesn't mention any options.

 

Here is the gospel right from the original dealer book I have. This is for 1954 and I doubt it changed. The first number is for a 3-speed standard transmission and the second is for the Hydra-Matic.

"88" Closed models 3.42 / 3.07
Super "88" Closed 3.42 / 3.23
Super "88" Convertible 3.64 / 3.42
98 Closed Models 3.42 / 3.23
98 Starfire 3.64 / 3.42
"88" with Air Cond. 3.64 / 3.23
Super 88 and 98 with AC 3.64 / 3.42

The 3.23's were correct John. There is no such thing as a 3.41 Larry and 3.42 was not used in all cars.

 

I don't have my manual in front of me but if I remember correct its a letter stamped on the rear axel that will tell you the ratio

 

I have a '56 super 88. The codes are stamped on the differential and the codes were as follows for that year: 0=3.08, 9=3.23, 8=3.42, 6=3.64. I have a 3.23 in mine.

 

From the 1955 Oldsmobile Shop Manual

 

55 super 88 and i had a 3.64 in mine