I have a bad 3.08 rear end in my 1998 V6 Camaro, auto trans. I had carrier bearings done in it back in 2006, and was warned that the axle housing was damaged and was almost not usable at the time(prior owner damage). Now a pinion bearing is going, and I'm thinking about just swapping out the whole axle, rather than pay another $700 to have this one rebuilt again.

A friend of mine is trying to get me to go for a 3.42 rear end instead of the 3.08 (tempting--especially with posi), but I'm concerned about higher RPMs on the highway and loss of passing power up around 70.

I'm content with the 3.08 gears (it's still an improvement over the '84 2.8 Camaro I used to drive), but I would really like limited slip/posi. Is there such a thing as a 3.08 limited slip setup?

For those of you with the Y87 package on your V6's, what is the torque like from 50-85mph? I know 3.42's make a noticeable difference in the low end over the 3.08, but does the gearing run out of steam at highway speeds with the automatic transmission?

 

just go with a 323's. very common and will not effect your milage that much. if you have traction control you will want a traction control differential. also the one piece drive shaft will fit without any modifications.

 

I would do the 3:42. Remember the numbers are just ratios so the different between 3.42/3.08= 1.11 or a 11% increase in RPMs. That means 2500 RPM becomes 2775. My 3800 loves the 3000-3800 RPM range.

 

Thanks for the replies!

3.23's...Were there 3.23 rear ends with disc brakes? Or are you suggesting just swapping out the carrier and gears? No traction control to worry about on this one.

I've done a little bit of looking around for aftermarket posi carriers, haven't found one that works with a 7.5" rear and 3.08 gears. 3.23 and 3.42 are another story.

Gorn - do you have a 3.42 ratio in yours? If so, does it seem to have enough passing power between 60-80?

 

rpo code gu5 is a 323 is the most common ratio used in the z28 so yes they come with disk brakes. if you can find 342s they would work ok.


GU4 3.08 Rear
GU5 3.23 Rear
GU6 3.42 Rear

 

No I did not do it to mine. I have 3:23 and a 5 speed. The Y87 has the 3.42 of the car had any slow down at 80 mph the people who paid for the performance package would be pretty mad.

Go drive the car add 11% to your RPMs or drive 11% faster. if you are still under 4500 RPMs your good.

3:23 will be easier to find. Stock 3:42 was only in the Y87 and the T56 cars built after 93 .

 

I love my stock 3.42's i have no issues with passing or performance.
96 a4 y87 rs camaro

 

Going to 3.73's here


If you want 3.42's, I have a factory set with 55k on them in perfect condition.
$50 plus shipping and they're yours

 

My '02 RS came w/3.42 from the factory. I like it, V6s need a little help... I replaced the carrier with a LSD one -- now it's even better. I would recommend the same for others with a 3.8L.