Im going to be swapping out my stock 2:73 gears in my 72 convertible Malibu and I was not sure on what my gear choices were.Its a stock 10 bolt. I was thinking about going with something in the mid to upper 3 ratio. Someone had mentioned that I would also have to change my differentail if i wanted to do this. Is this correct? If so should I just go with a posi? The car is going to be a fun weekend car and will see some highway so im not real sure what gear i should go with.

I would think a 3.55 or a 3.73 would be fine. If its primarily a cruiser than you need anything higher. I don't thin they made different series carriers for any 10 bolts I thiink it's just a spacer of some sort. But I'm not sure…

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1970 chevelle
406 - TH-350 - soon to be 411's
engine (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/engine.jpg)
Interior (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/interior.jpg)

"I didn't get pulled over for going over the speed limit, i got pulled over for getting there faster than anyone else"

Seems like I read somewhere that you could go as low as 3.31, perhaps 3.55 in a series 2 carrier. Don't quote me on that, however. I may very well be mistaken. In my opinion, 3.55 would be a great ratio for playing around on the streets and an occasional highway trip. Particularly if you did'nt have to replace the diff. If you do need to change differential, then you could consider a posi .
You may want to post your question in the Engine and drivetrain section. I'm sure you'll get the straight skinny over there.

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Patrick, aka Merlin
1968 SS 396/325 4-Speed, White with black vinyl top & black interior.
TC#1017

You could use a spacer but if it were me I'd get the 3 series carrier(they do make them) and know that it would hold up. Just my opinion
Go with the posi you'll probably be sorry if you dont.
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Proud owner of a 66 chevelle thats in the middle of restification Nick a.k.a POPS
Member #387

[This message has been edited by pop (edited 01-29-2002).]

[This message has been edited by pop (edited 01-29-2002).]

You will need a 3 series differential. I do not recommend using a spacer. Eaton has a new posi for the 8.2 10 bolt that is very good. I also think the 3.55 would be a good choice.

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'69 RS/SS396 Pro Street
427 4 speed 9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drivetrain Parts & Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THE LAST. Buy a 3 series Eaton posi. If you are going to be on the hiway ANY AT ALL, I would NOT go lower than a 3.73 gear. PERSONALLY, I prefer the 3.08. It does not have much low end unless you have a healthy 350 or bigger engine, but, trust me, a 3.70 or lower gear on the hiway, gets old quick. Even a 3.50 gear gets tiring after a while on the hiway. If your engine is plenty healthy, I really think in the long run, you would be better off with a 3.08, 3.31, and, last of all, a 3.55.

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Tom Parsons

I put in an American gear 3:42 ratio a while ago. I have only put about a dozen miles on it due to weather but I think I am going to like that ratio. Still has some bottom end, and with 28.5 inch tires, I should be right around 2700 at 60 mph.