1982 Rear End

[DAVANTI means out front]

Is the rear end in a 1982 a Ford?  I would like to change the gear ratio.  Thanks Howard

DAVANTI (0ut Front In Italian)

[Skip Lackie]

I believe the 82s still used the Dana 44.  Very common rear end, also used in many Jeeps and GM trucks.  Any 4WD shop can swap the gear ratio for you.

[SteveG]

Dana 44, may or not be open or limited slip. Ratios available are from 3.08 to 5.38. A 1982 would have a 305 and 200-4R and one of several available optional rear gear ratios. A 3.54 is a good ratio for all around street use. Just my opinion. That is what I installed when I changed to the Eaton Tru-trac differential carrier.

[mfg]

That rear end ratio in your '82 Avanti may be as high ad 2.70...Avanti did this for emission concerns.

[SteveG]

Yeah, mileage. My 1987 El Camino was factory equipped with 305, 200-R4 and 2.41 open differential. Wouldn’t stay in overdrive on the slightest incline…the engine just didn’t have enough torque for that. Changed to 350HO and 3.73 posi, much better performance, mileage not so much loss as you might think.

[mfg]

3 hours ago, SteveG said:

Yeah, mileage. My 1987 El Camino was factory equipped with 305, 200-R4 and 2.41 open differential. Wouldn’t stay in overdrive on the slightest incline…the engine just didn’t have enough torque for that. Changed to 350HO and 3.73 posi, much better performance, mileage not so much loss as you might think.

Great idea!