Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-30-2016, 09:53 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default Availability of a 65 3.90 rearend?

I have a chance to buy a 65 Tri-Power 4speed GTO. It originally had a 3.90 rearend. It was replaced somewhere along the way with a 3.23. I am wanting to see if there might be a rearend out there and if so, how much it might cost. Thanks for your help or input.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #2  
Old 10-30-2016, 10:50 PM
rexs73gto rexs73gto is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Niles MI.
Posts: 4,319
Default

If you already have the 3:23's in there you can just buy the gear set & have them installed. The 3:90's are an easy set to find & buy. They will run about $ 250-300 for the gears set & depending where you live it may cost anywhere between $ 250 -600 to have them installed.

  #3  
Old 10-30-2016, 11:07 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

Hi Rex. The car is numbers matching and the rearend housing is the only major part that's not original. It even has the correct notched fan. That is an alternative but I hope I can find a correct rearend. Thanks for the response.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #4  
Old 10-31-2016, 03:41 PM
dhcarguy's Avatar
dhcarguy dhcarguy is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: pa., usa.
Posts: 1,492
Default

Not 100% sure , but I don't think 3:90's will fit in the 3:23's housing.
Check that before buying.

  #5  
Old 10-31-2016, 04:05 PM
Doug Doug is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Abingdon,VA
Posts: 1,229
Thumbs up fitment??

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhcarguy View Post
Not 100% sure , but I don't think 3:90's will fit in the 3:23's housing.
Check that before buying.
Done that!

  #6  
Old 10-31-2016, 05:43 PM
tempest1964's Avatar
tempest1964 tempest1964 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Indianapolis,Indiana
Posts: 1,465
Default

PM sent. Also, I think the 3.90 will fit the housing, but it will need a different carrier. Need to double check.
Tony

  #7  
Old 10-31-2016, 06:09 PM
Dick Boneske's Avatar
Dick Boneske Dick Boneske is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Winneconne, Wisconsin
Posts: 5,388
Default

Need different carrier--or a ring gear spacer.

__________________
BONESTOCK GOATS

'64 GTO Tripower Hardtop (Wife's Car)
'64 GTO Tripower Post Coupe (My Car)
'99 Bonneville SE Sedan
  #8  
Old 10-31-2016, 06:38 PM
Slob4 Slob4 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Sellersville PA
Posts: 129
Default

What code is the rear that's in the car now?

  #9  
Old 10-31-2016, 10:16 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

I'm not sure on the code. I have not purchased it yet.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #10  
Old 10-31-2016, 10:17 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

I am hoping to find a correct housing with the correct code not just change the gears. Thanks for all of the input! I appreciate the help!

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #11  
Old 10-31-2016, 10:44 PM
rexs73gto rexs73gto is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Niles MI.
Posts: 4,319
Default

My 73 came with 3:08's in it new & all i had to do was change the gears to the 3:73's that are in there now. As long as it's a 3 series carrier you can bolt up to the 3:90's in it with no other parts . When you go to the 4 series gears then you will need a different carrier or a ring gear spacer. That has been my experience so far with changing gears.

  #12  
Old 11-02-2016, 07:37 PM
geeteeohguy's Avatar
geeteeohguy geeteeohguy is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fresno, California
Posts: 5,321
Default

As stated, in an 8.2 '65 rear end, 3.90 gears will not bolt to a 3.23 carrier, which works for 2.93, 3.08, and 3.23 gears. A 3.36-3.55-3.90-4.33 carrier is needed. When I re-geared the 3.55 in my own '65, 3.36 was as low as I could go numerically. Spacers are not a good idea in this already weak rear end. The OP's logic of finding a complete original 3.90 housing with gears intact is the best way to go, and will add value to his car.

__________________
Jeff
  #13  
Old 11-02-2016, 09:48 PM
oldsmobiledave oldsmobiledave is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Cochrane Alberta
Posts: 138
Default 8.5 vs 8.2

Quote:
Originally Posted by rexs73gto View Post
My 73 came with 3:08's in it new & all i had to do was change the gears to the 3:73's that are in there now. As long as it's a 3 series carrier you can bolt up to the 3:90's in it with no other parts . When you go to the 4 series gears then you will need a different carrier or a ring gear spacer. That has been my experience so far with changing gears.
But that is for an 8.5" rear end where the 3 series carrier works with 2.73 3.08 3.23 3.42 and 3.73 OEM gear sets as well as the aftermarket 3.90 and 4.10 ratios. Not the case on the 8.2" carrier discussed by the original poster.

__________________
Own many Olds including
1972 442 W-30 (last 4 speed W-30 built);
1970 Cutlass W-31 #s match auto 3.91s;
1965 442 461 cid BBO & Richmond 5 speed;
1987 442 with 470 cid SBO 11.37 @ 119.4;
1972 442 524 cid BBO race car 10.89 @ 122.5;
1973 442 350 automatic black & white;
1980 GMC 468 cid BBO powered.

Past owner of an original paint 1973 Esprit.
Looking for the keeper 1970-1974 Pontiac F body.
  #14  
Old 11-15-2016, 11:34 AM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

Were the original 65 3.90 rearends nodular cases with the large "N" on top of the case?
Thanks.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #15  
Old 11-15-2016, 12:45 PM
Johnny406's Avatar
Johnny406 Johnny406 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 2,877
Default

I have a 8.2 limited slip for a 3.90 and a new set of gears if you're interested.

__________________
Johnny US Army Retired
1978 T/A 463 Pontiac, KRE 74cc 292CFM D-ports, Lunati VooDoo, V-max lifters, TKII, ATM 850 E85 carb, TCI TH-350 race tranny, 3600 converter 3.73 12 bolt 11.63@116.68mph
1981 T/A 4-speed 406 Pontiac, Merrick ported 6X heads, Comp 270S cam, Crosswind intake 750 Street Demon, 3.42 30 spline Eaton posi street car.
1980 Formula 350 Pontiac back burner project
1972 LeMans 350 Pontiac
  #16  
Old 11-15-2016, 12:59 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

Thanks but, I am looking for an original 3.90 axle with the correct codes and stamps for this car. I could possibly use it for another car though. PM me with a price if you don't mind.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #17  
Old 11-15-2016, 02:19 PM
dld's Avatar
dld dld is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MARYLAND 21061
Posts: 2,055
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1oldgoat View Post
Were the original 65 3.90 rearends nodular cases with the large "N" on top of the case?
Thanks.
I understand what you want. the housing you want is casting #9779822. these are also date coded to make your hunt even harder. the gear codes you can change. they are only stamped in axle tube. the gears as stated are not a issue.

the casting # and date code are on the bottom of pinion area of case.

you may be able to play with changing date code with some art work.

you are going to need a lot of luck finding this. so good luck!

  #18  
Old 11-15-2016, 02:26 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dld View Post
I understand what you want. the housing you want is casting #9779822. these are also date coded to make your hunt even harder. the gear codes you can change. they are only stamped in axle tube. the gears as stated are not a issue.

the casting # and date code are on the bottom of pinion area of case.

you may be able to play with changing date code with some art work.

you are going to need a lot of luck finding this. so good luck!

Thanks for the great information! That's what I need. Another member gave me a heads up on a possible axle. Now I can look for the correct casting.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
  #19  
Old 11-15-2016, 02:43 PM
dld's Avatar
dld dld is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MARYLAND 21061
Posts: 2,055
Default

the correct date is the harder part. if your not critical on that it makes it easier. the 64 housing is different in that the upper eyes in the housing for bushings for upper control arms mount are smaller. the 66 case is wider ( some don't think so). i will get gruff on that. but the casting number will be different even if i'm wrong most likely.

  #20  
Old 11-15-2016, 03:10 PM
1oldgoat's Avatar
1oldgoat 1oldgoat is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Wellington, Colorado
Posts: 692
Default

The guy with the axle is checking the casting and date codes for me. It came out of his brothers car years ago. He says he has the PHS report that shows it was a tri power, 4spd, 3.90 car. So, I'm hoping it's real. My car was an April build so maybe I'll get lucky. Thanks for your help. I'm pretty fair with the 68-72 GTO's but not so much on the older ones.

__________________
68 GTO Ram Air I Auto, Starlight Black/Teal-Survivor
68 Firebird Ram Air II 4spd, Aegena Blue/Black/Black
68 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto, Red/Parchment/Parchment
69 Firebird Ram Air IV, 4spd Matador Red/Black-Survivor
70 GTO Ram Air III 4spd Conv. burgundy(currently Black)/White/Black
71 GTO 455HO 4spd, Lucerne Blue/Black/Black
71 GTO 455HO Auto, Lucerne Blue/Sandalwood/Blue
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:53 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017