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Topic: ring pinion gear

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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ring pinion gear (1/5)
 12/27/13 2:27pm
montytw
Former Member

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Cullman, AL - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Stingray


Joined: 12/27/2013
Posts: 4


I was told by a mechanic yesterday that the 1974 Vette I just purchased will need new ring pinion gears. It has been making a whining noise that is quite loud while driving and coming form the rear. It also makes a thunking sound when you take your foot off the accelerator. When I looked on corvette central they have 4 different sets ( all different rear ends , 3.08 n, 3.36 , 3.55 and 3.7) How do I know which one of these my vette would need. It has the stock 350 engine.



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Re: ring pinion gear (2/5)
 12/27/13 10:22pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

What transmission do you have?
To determine what the car had originally, assuming the gear ratio has not been changed, you need to check the code stamped on the bottom of the diff itself.

THIS pic will show you where to look.

THIS pic
will beak down the codes you see. It's the first two letters that tell us what ratio it has...or had originally. However....the gears may have been changed at some point in the vehicle's life, so the only way to know for sure what ratio it has is to remove it and check...unless you know the history of the car, and know it is original.

Find out what the code is, and then refer to the following:

AA= 3.55
AB= 3.70
AC= 4.11
AW= 3.08
AX or LR= 3.36

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Re: ring pinion gear (3/5)
 12/27/13 10:59pm
montytw
Former Member

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Cullman, AL - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Stingray


Joined: 12/27/2013
Posts: 4

awesome. My mechanic is removing the unit in a few days. I'll use this information to get the gear ratio. thanks



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Re: ring pinion gear (4/5)
 12/31/13 9:23am
montytw
Former Member

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Cullman, AL - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Stingray


Joined: 12/27/2013
Posts: 4

Question:

Is there any strong reason to stay with whatever gear ratio it has or would this simply be a good time to change it. The car will not be a daily driver nor will be be driven long distances. What would be the best gear ratio to use for in town limited use? The engine is a Q3 350-cid V8, 195-hp, Four-Barrel. I think it current has the 3.36 rear end.

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Re: ring pinion gear (5/5)
 12/31/13 9:54am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

The automatics used the 3.55 most often, the 4 speeds used the 3.08 or 3.36. Of course, the car could have been ordered with any of the above listed ratios. The 3.36 is the best all around ratio, imo. If you do a lot of highway trips/driving, the 3.08 would be best....it's really a matter of how you plan on using the car. Thumbs Up

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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