Rear end model

[vette1985]

I am trying to get some info on the rearend used in my 1985 vette. I was lead to believe I have a Dana 44, however I was told that it might be a Dana 36. Is there any sure fire way to tell?

 

[Ken]

First off, is it manual or automatic equipped? The automatics had a Dana 36 while the manuals had a Dana 44.

Here are the specs for the rear axle options:

• AXLE:
• Type: Rear
• Description: Overhung pinion gear
• Limited slip differential type: Standard, disc clutches
• Drive pinion offset: 1.50"
• Drive pinion type: Hypoid
• Number of differential pinions: Two
• Pinion/Differential bearing adjustment: Shim
• Driving wheel bearing: Tapered roller
• Lubricant capacity: 3.75 pt
• Lubricant type recommended: GL-5 gear lubricant
• Lubricant SAE viscosity: 80W or 80W-90 summer, winter or extreme cold
  
  AXLE RATIOS:
• 2.73:1 ratio: 15 pinion teeth, 41 ring teeth, 7.875" ring gear outside diameter
• 3.07:1 ratio: 14 pinion teeth, 43 ring teeth, 7.875" ring gear outside diameter
• 3.07:1 ratio: 14 pinion teeth, 43 ring teeth, 8.5" ring gear outside diameter (manual transmission)

 

[chaos on wheels]

Count the bolts on the rear cover.

 

[scorp508]

They are correct, yuppers.

1984 = Dana 36 for all cars.
1985-1996 = Dana 36 for all automatics & 44s for sticks.

If you have a Dana 36 and RPO code G44 under your center console then you have 3.07 gears. If you don't you're stuck with 2.59s unless somebody else changed them for you. If you have a Dana 44 you have 3.07s no matter what from 1985 to 1988 and then 1989 rolled around and then things started to get a little more intricate.

 

[livinez]

Good info! but I'm still dissapointed

Thought I was gonna see a hot photo!

 

[oldace84]

Dana 36.

 

[brimis]

Carefully jack up your vette. Once the car is secure, spin the wheel one complete turn and count the amount of times the drive shaft spins. If it spins 3 times and a hair you have the 3.07's.
If it spins 2 times and slightly more then half you have the 2.59's, etc. etc.