What rear end was installed in the 68 Electras? Thanks!! Also what was the factory gear ratio in this car?
I don't have the info on the '68's, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are the same as '67. Standard on the Electra in '67 was an open rear end with a 2.78 ratio. I believe the Wildcats had the option of a posi rear with 3.07 ratio.
I'm not sure about the ratios either, but the rear end in the Wildcat, Electra and Riviera is considered to be part of the 9-3/8" (ring gear diameter) family. More info here: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=71740 Devon
According to "the book", there was a variety of rear end ratios available for the '68 Electras in standard or PT axle. The Standard '68 Electra Rear Axle Ratio was a 2.78 (PL), as mentioned by Doug, with several other options available. Standards were 2.56 (PB), 2.78 (PL), 3.23 (PH), PTs choices were 2.56 (PN), 2.78 (PO), 3.23 (PR), 3.42 (PW), and 3.91 (PX). Look for the ident letters stamped on the bottom of the left hand axle tube next to the differential housing - posi rear ends have a circle with an X in the centre. The marks are quite hard to see on a rusty axle, and will require some effort for a positive identification. :TU:
After looking under the car, it does not have a 9 3/8. it's either a 7.5 or a 8.2. Either one of these come factory in this car or did someone change it out? thanks
Neither of those is original. It should look like this: http://www.v8buick.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145938&d=1250014824 Devon
Yea that looks like it. Here is what confused me, richmondgear show a 9 3/8 being round and youre showing me something they list at a 7.5. Then my next question is, does anyone offer an aftermarket ring and pinion around a 373 for the 9 3/8? Im running a 7004r and would like a little more gear than the car offers now. I did the rotation test and it came out to around 1.5 which I know isnt right, but it definitely has a very high gear.
I think it's year and model dependent as to what the housing and rear cover look like. Unfortunately there are no aftermarket gearsets available for the '66-'70 9-3/8" rear ends. Yours may be a 2.78:1. A 3.42:1 would be nice, if you can locate a rear from a Riviera GS, that was the standard ratio; it was an optional ratio for the other cars as well. LeSabre's not a 9-3/8", so rule that out in your search. The Riv housing won't fit your Electra, but the 3.42:1 posi and gears would fit your Electra housing. The gears by themselves won't help you because the carriers are different, so you'll need the whole setup from a donor. Devon
Seems to be the case for all us Buick people on so many things. I guess I better hope the engine makes up for the gear ratio haha. Thank you so much for answering these questions.
