Found a rear end out of a 79 TransAm, has disk brakes, I assume limited slip at least as I havent laid my eyes on it...Unsure of gear ratio as well, think 3:42...The guy says it is in good shape and wants $350 for it. It that a decent ballpark? I have no idea where to start on these things, never had to buy onee and don't want to overspend. Going to look/make offer tomorrow (sunday)...any suggestions on what would be a fair offer?

If it is a posi and 3.42 gears, and in good condition then I think it would be worth the money. If it has 2.56 or 2.43 gears then I wouldn't pay that much for it because you would have to replace the posi before you could put 3 series gears in it.

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

I intend to eventually put in a built-up 700R4 for the extra highway gear. I want a car that can be driven long distances. I found that the 79 TA had a gear ratio of 3.23 at best, and all came posi that year. That ratio is right in my range for that tranny. The lower first gear in the 700 should compensate for the taller rear gear. If my math is correct, that is...

I got the codes and will check them before buying it. The rear disks appeal to me and it may be worth it to change the posi unit. I sure appreciate the input, it gives me a ballpark...get back to ya later with details......


[This message has been edited by TexaZ (edited November 30, 2002).]

I paid $150 for a 3.42 posi disc rear in good condition including the ebrake brackets and arms, booster, prop valve, and master cylinder. I think I got an exceptional deal cause the guy really didn't know what it was worth. But I sunk another $500 into new calipers, rotors, brake lines & hoses. You'll need all of that for the swap and these parts are not easy to come by. For $350 see if you can get as much of that stuff as possible from the donor.

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Steve. 74 orig owner

If its a 2.41 or 2.56 ratio, you can use the carrier with 3+ gears. Just get a spacer ring kit (not expensive) and that'll let you bolt up you choice of gears.

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Regards,
Leigh
76 Trans Am
70 Camaro RS/SS
Sydney, Australia
TA76400@hotmail.com

an exceptional unit in a 3.42 or 3.73 might be worth over $300, but it'd have to be low miles. I got a nice 3.23 from Roger, a local board member for $150, which I thought was a really fair price. for a 2.41 or 2.56, less than a hundred bucks, since you'll have to pull the ring and pinion, and to use the carrier, you have to get a spacer for the bigger gears. with the disc brakes, if you are getting a TA disc posi, the calipers are really expensive, so that would add to the price. Backing plates aren't that hard to come by, so without all the caliper and e-brake stuff, they aren't worth much more. I'd say add $100-$150 if it has good disc axles (longer wheel register by 1/8"), rotors, and calipers with e-brake stuff. Reman. calipers are like $75.

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'71 RS/SS 396 project in the works: 4 wheel discs, poly susp., 1.25" ft & 1" adj. rr sway bars / ST-10 4 speed / 3.23 posi / roller 406 sbc w/fastburn heads / 81 Z28 Air Induction (or L88 hood?)

i purchased a posi with a 2 series carrier out of a 77 trans am with drum brakes for $150. i also got the springs and sway bar with the deal. I bought a ring gear spacer from jegs and it now has 3.73's.