in my 71 skylark i have a 2 sereies carrier.. what is the highest gears i can put in that....it has 28 spline axils am i correct?
If you have an open rear, I would suggest installing a posi unit. See this article http://www.buickperformance.com/posi.htm I would go with 3.08 gears. You have the corporate 8.5" rear w/28 spline axles. You have a 2.56 or 2.73 gear ratio. That is all you can use on the 2 series carrier w/o a spacer plate. You can get a spacer plate from Jeg's or Summit for $35. I would avoid doing that and go with a 3.08 posi set-up.
You will need a spacer plate with your existing carrier. The reason I stated for getting a posi is that it is no fun spinning one tire with your fresh engine. You will just eat up your tire and never get "going" :laugh:
thanks.. how much would 3,08 gears, a spacer plate and a posi unit set me back... if they were new? is 3,08 as high as i can go?
New gears are $170-180, posi unit $300-350, spacer plate is just $30 but you will not need it for a 3 series posi. If you read the article www.buickperformance.com/posi.htm You can find 3.08-3.23 and posi units from the wagons. Most yards will charge $100-150 for the entire rear or just the gears and posi. I would not go higher than 3.08 for a street car unless you don't drive it everyday. You could use 3.73 for street/city driving. Not good for highway use.
if i wwere to get a 3 series carrier, would i hae to get the whole rear with it? axils and everything?
Patrick, George is right on and definately stay away from the spacer route. They are not very strong and can gut your rear if they come apart. Save your money until you can do it right. You will be happier in the long run. Bill