Rear End Gears

[zodiacblue442]

Over the winter, there's a possibility the drag race car will get lower rear end gears. It's got a Chevy type (c-clip type rear) 10-bolt posi with 3.73 gears. My brother and I are thinking of putting 4.10 gears in it. Here's the question... is the ring and pinion the same for a Chevy (c-clip type) rear end as a Buick, Olds, Pontiac (non c-clip) rear end?

Thanks!

[73hurst]

Gary,

Even though GM went to the '8.5" corporate 10 bolt' rear end around '71 none of the 'guts' will swap. I'd think twice about running a c-clip rear in a drag car though. I've read that the c-clip is the weak link, and that they have a risk of expelling the axles. The NHRA won't let the faster cars run them w/o the c-clip eliminators.

[ragz442]

As far as I know, the R&P should be the same.

[zodiacblue442]

I've heard that too. My brother and I have talked to alot of guys at the track and they say as long as the rear is in good shape, the c-clips will be OK for the times we're turning. If it was an 11 second car, then it would be a totally different story. I'd prefer a BOP posi rear with no c-clips, but the rear we're running came out of Scott's `77 442 so it was free. :D

Gary,

Even though GM went to the '8.5" corporate 10 bolt' rear end around '71 none of the 'guts' will swap. I'd think twice about running a c-clip rear in a drag car though. I've read that the c-clip is the weak link, and that they have a risk of expelling the axles. The NHRA won't let the faster cars run them w/o the c-clip eliminators.

[damaged442]

I'll trade you those 3.73s for some kick ass non posi 2.41s. You know it's a good deal! Think of the top end you'd have. Do they have any 12 mile straight line tracks out there in Colorado? Maybe you'll just have to go to Bonneville!