70 gearing

[mjwebb]

Hi, new here and just bought a 70 500. It was a 2bbl 383 according to the build sheet. Anyone know what gearing it likely has? thanks

[WingCharger]

Probably 3.23's.

[mjwebb]

thanks, the guy I bought it from has a 68 with the same motor combo and his are 2.76

I've yet to get it out on the freeway but I'm hoping it's not that tall...3.23 I could live with

[b5blue]

I've run 3.23s for many years and really like them, 2.76 would give you great mileage with a 2bbl 383! Good luck with it!

[tan top]

don't know much about the options on a 70  ..but seem to remember reading that there was a turn pike option ...with something like 2.50 gears & no front sway bar & softer  torsion bars & leafs could be getting mixed up though 

[Dodge Don]

don't know much about the options on a 70  ..but seem to remember reading that there was a turn pike option ...with something like 2.50 gears & no front sway bar & softer  torsion bars & leafs could be getting mixed up though 

You are mixed up, must be thinking of another model 

A 70 500 with a 383 you are almost guaranteed you have 3.23:1 gears.

Only your broadcast sheet will tell you what the factory ratio was.

http://1970chargerregistry.com/Production/500_sheet_decoder.html

[WingCharger]

The turnpike package on '68-'70 (I think) Plymouth Satellites and Belvederes...

TURNPIKE PACKAGE
(Not available RoadRunner, GTX
or Trailer-towing-Automatic transmission required)

    * 383 2-bbl Engine
    * Automatic Speed Control
    * Power Disc Brakes
    * Economizer 2.76 Rear Axle Ratio
    * Headlights-On Warning Signal
    * Undercoating and Underhood Pad

[mjwebb]

looking at the build shet the gears are a 55

[mjwebb]

yikes, actually i have the rear code of of 014...2.45......very low....the lowest gearing offered what i can tell..what should I do to improve performance, change to 3.23? this sucks and explains why it seems like a dog..please advise, thanks

[Dodge Don]

yikes, actually i have the rear code of of 014...2.45......very low....the lowest gearing offered what i can tell..what should I do to improve performance, change to 3.23? this sucks and explains why it seems like a dog..please advise, thanks

Assuming it was never changed then yes it looks like your car came with the slo-mo 2.45:1 ratio gears in the 8.25 axle. If you are looking to improve your get up and go a bit then anything higher like a 3.23:1 would be an improvement. If you are looking to really add more power eventually I'd dump the tiny 8.25 axle and go with the 8.75 axle.

If you haven't done so already please register your 70 with the 70 Charger Registry and a copy of your broadcast sheet would be great so we could add it to the database (that is how we get all that info to help others decode their cars for free).

http://1970chargerregistry.com/page2.html

[mjwebb]

I'll register it, thanks! how much do you think it will cost to change to 3.23, and are the gears readily available somewhere and can anyone make the swap? Do I need Can I put 3.23's in the 8.25 axle? The information provided above looks like the 3.23's were put in the 8.75 from the factory. I'm very 'unknowledgeable' about allot of these things and look forward to learning more from you folks....thanks again!

[b5blue]

I would see if you can find a whole 8.75 axle with a 3.23 it it used, and swap the two out. That way you save the original intact. 

[mjwebb]

can someone help me understand the info below? I have the D55 014 code 2.45:1 axle ratio in the 8.25".

From what I can decipher is that the lowest gearing Dodge offered in the 8.25" was 2.94:1

Does that mean any lower gearing such as the 3.23 would require an 8.75" rear end? Is Dodge saying that the 8.25" is only capable of accommodating 2.94:1 or higher?

Thanks!

D  AXLE:

This code identifies what axle the car came with. You must add the "D" in front of whatever code is present in the box to determine the axle option code. The applicable codes here would be:

            D51 – 8.25 Axle  2.76:1 Ratio

            D52 – 8.25 Axle 2.94 Ratio

            D53 – 8.75 Axle  3.23:1 Ratio

            D55 – 8.25 Axle 2.45:1 Ratio
            D56 -  8.75 AXLE 3.54:1 (4 SPEED) or 3.55:1 (AUTO) RATIO

            D57 -  8.75 AXLE 3.91:1 RATIO
__________________________________________________

AXLE:

This code identifies the complete axle assembly on the car. These codes are the last 3 digits of the assembly line part number, which is not the same as regular part numbers you would find in the parts manual. The applicable codes here would be:

            013 - 318 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 2.76:1 RATIO

            014 - 383 2 BBL AUTO    8.25 AXLE 2.45:1 RATIO
            020 - 383 2BBL 3-SPEED MANUAL 8.75 AXLE 2.94:1 RATIO

            021-  318 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 3.23:1 RATIO

            024 - 318 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 2.94:1 RATIO

            025 - 318 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 3.23:1 RATIO SURE GRIP

            036 - 383 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 2.76:1 RATIO

            037 - 383 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 2.76:1 RATIO

            038 - 383 2 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 2.94:1 RATIO

            051 - 383 4 BBL AUTO    8.75 AXLE 3.23:1 RATIO

            052 - 383 4 BBL 4-SPEED  8.75 AXLE 3.54:1 RATIO SURE GRIP   A36 PACKAGE   

            053 - 383 4 BBL  4-SPEED  8.75 AXLE 3.23:1 RATIO STD REAR SHOCKS STD REAR SPRINGS

            054- 383 4 BBL AUTO  8.75 AXLE 3.23:1RATIO HD REAR SHOCKS HD REAR SPRINGS

            056 – 383 4 BBL  4-SPEED    8.75" AXLE 3.23:1 RATIO SURE GRIP

058 – 383 4 BBL  4-SPEED  8.75 AXLE   3.91:1 RATIO SURE GRIP   A31 PACKAGE

[Dodge Don]

Looks like there are aftermarket choices regarding the gear ratios available for a 8.25 axle

https://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/ring_and_pinions/chrysler_8.25_ring_and_pinion_sets.html

http://www.differentials.com/pdfs/5.pdf

http://www.precisiongear.com/cry838.htm

[mjwebb]

great, thanks...what's the main purpose for getting a limited slip, for traction when lighting em' up? I don't see myself burning up the side streets but will open er' up often on the freeways, thanks

[Ghoste]

Yes, a limited slip is set up so that it is able to send torque to the axle which is getting the most traction.  An open differential will do the opposite.

[tan top]

don't know much about the options on a 70  ..but seem to remember reading that there was a turn pike option ...with something like 2.50 gears & no front sway bar & softer  torsion bars & leafs could be getting mixed up though 

You are mixed up, must be thinking of another model 

A 70 500 with a 383 you are almost guaranteed you have 3.23:1 gears.

Only your broadcast sheet will tell you what the factory ratio was.

http://1970chargerregistry.com/Production/500_sheet_decoder.html

yeah i think your right     

The turnpike package on '68-'70 (I think) Plymouth Satellites and Belvederes...

TURNPIKE PACKAGE
(Not available RoadRunner, GTX
or Trailer-towing-Automatic transmission required)

    * 383 2-bbl Engine
    * Automatic Speed Control
    * Power Disc Brakes
    * Economizer 2.76 Rear Axle Ratio
    * Headlights-On Warning Signal
    * Undercoating and Underhood Pad

good find wing charger   

intresting

[mjwebb]

well, finally got to take my car out on the freeway and guess what? I love the 2.45:1 rear end! it purrs at 70 and my exhaust has a deep throaty somewhat quiet growl and a joy to drive. When you floor it and the 4bbl kicks in it jumps to 100 very nicely. Guess I must be getting old but I don't miss the low gearing of my 66 Fairlane GT 500 or my 68 Z28, wrapped out at 70 and noisy and sucking gas. I've come to the realization at this point in my life that shredding tires from light to light is not as desirable as having a smooth cruiser. And now I have more money to spend on other stuff than gearing changes. I'm sure many of you might think I'm nuts!

[b5blue]

There ya go!!!

[472 R/T SE]

mjwebb, we'll have to try out your peg leg on the trip to Seattle for the Charger Meet.
River & I made it up there in two hours and I think he's runnin' 3:23's.  I still had a lot left with the Overdrive. 

[mjwebb]

Portland to Seattle in 2 hours...forget gearing, sounds like a radar detector is what I need