My RPO code indicates 3.42 rear end, but I heard differently

[blinkibus]

HI,

I have scanned trough everything I could find, but I still need some clarity.

According to certain web site the option code GU6 on my van indicates that I would have a 3.42 rear end.

But I heard that the AWD vans all had the 3.73 rear end? I sure would rather have the 3.73!

Any insights?

Thanks.

[skippy]

your production codes are accurate unless you diffs were changed . not all awd's have 3.73 gearing my brothers 92 has the 3.42's as well .

[lockdoc]

Three AWD vans I have had in my possesion came with 3:42 gears.

[mdmead]

My 96 AWD has 3.42s.

[blinkibus]

Hi,

Thanks everyone, that's exactly what I thought.

[SoCalli V8]

You can do a quick test to "roughly judge" what rear end you have > but this is only shadetree mechanics rough.

Jack up the rear of your van and place on axle stands. Mark a stripe on your driveshaft horizontally from your rear UJ where it joins the rear axle.

While you can see the driveshaft mark at horizontal, make a stripe on the rear wheel from center to 12 o`clock.

Then turn the rear wheel through one revolution, noting how many revs that the driveshaft makes. This will roughly give you your rear end ratio. You could probably judge between 3.42 and 3.75

[ihatemybike]

Grumpy has 3.42.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Lockdoc's SPB originally had 3.42's in an AWD. Had on open rear diff as well.

[89AstroDan]

The 03's,04's and 05's have rear wheel disk brakes but also came with the six hole lug pattern. Does anyone know if you can swap the 5 hole lug pattern axles in these housings.

[okeman]

im like 99% that its a different carrier and the later ones are larger.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

As far as I know it is still a 7.625" 10 bolt. The same as all 1990 and up Astros, Safaris and S-10's (except for the ZR-2). It still should be 28 spline axles but I have not heard of anyone swapping them out.