[N0DIH]

I just stumbled on a rear axle for the 93-96 (that should fit all 77-96 cars in reality) for $250 on Car-Part.com If anyone is looking for a low buck performance upgrade.


There was a 3.42 axle too for only $175. Not bad, and low miles on them too.

 

[FASSTWOOD]

I dont think 3.73 was a stock rear for 93-96 FWB's. But it does sound like a good deal. Is it a posi of open diff? 3.73's made a huge difference on my car it felt a 1000 lbs lighter after the swap. form 2.93 open to 3.73 posi you feel the difference....

 

[N0DIH]

3.73's were the V4P package in 1993, then in 1994-1996 they went to 3.42's.

Likely any 94-96 axle is open if it was in a Cadillac, due to traction control, I don't think Posi was an option at all.

I dont think 3.73 was a stock rear for 93-96 FWB's. But it does sound like a good deal. Is it a posi of open diff? 3.73's made a huge difference on my car it felt a 1000 lbs lighter after the swap. form 2.93 open to 3.73 posi you feel the difference....

 

[Katshot]

I'm assuming that it's a modified one since that ratio only came in the 9.5" commercial car rear, and I think only for '93. Also, those rears did NOT have ABS. Do you know what size ring gear it has? If it's the larger "limo" rear, the lugs are also a different size.

 

[N0DIH]

3.73's were the L05 V4P towing gear in the 8.5". That towing package was revised to 3.42's for 94-96. With 8.5" gear still.

(Wow... 2000th post.... I spend too much time here!)

I did look up limo axle, it was there, but very few available. Did the limo have the ABS? I am pretty sure TC was not available on the limo.

I just put a 9.5" in my Suburban replacing a damaged 8.5" (ran it low in gear oil and didn't know it till it was too late), and I can definately NOT recommend it if you want weight savings! That sucker is HEAVY over the 8.5". I am guessing 75-100 lbs over the 8.5". The case is heavier and the tubes, everything is beefier. Worthy in the truck, but not likely worth much in a car unless you are seriously towing or drag racing (well, may be worth it when you stick on them 42in tires...)

 

[Katshot]

I knew they had it in the 9.5" rear but never knew they used it in the 8.5 as well. The larger rear did not have ABS/TC so if you were to use it, those systems would be unusable on your car. The rear itself IS much beefier as you said, you ought to see the axles side by side with the 8.5" rear!
I find myself wondering whether the 3.73 IS as good a choice as I originally thought. I wish there was some way to do a back to back comparo of the 3.73's and the 3.42's. I have a sneaking suspicion that the 3.42's might be the better ratio for the D-body. I'm happy with my 3.73's but I think the 3.42's might actually give a better top end and better 1/4 mile ET. I'd be interested to see what the difference is between the two ratios in 0-60 and 1/4 mile ET.