1964-1976 Cutlass / 4-4-2 Differential Identification Information

The 10 Bolt B or P differentials were used under most 1964-1966 Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Vista Cruisers. And were also used on some 1967 models. From the exterior, B or P differentials can be identified by this cover shape:

From the side, a B or P differential can be distinguished by the ribs in the center section:

Internally, B or P 10 Bolts utilize an 8.2" ring gear. All use 28 spline bolt in axle shafts - not c-clips for axle retention. All have a 1.438" diameter, 27 spline pinion stem.

When equipped with Anti-Spin ("posi"), most were the cone (not clutch) style carriers. The cone style carriers are really not rebuildable and were replaced as an assembly by the dealers. Most P cone style carriers use six bolts to join the carrier case halves together and utilize two pinion gears. When used under 1966 and 1967 W-30's, the P carrier featured eight bolts to join the carrier together and used four pinion gears.

The 12 bolt O axle was used under most 1967-1970 Cutlass, 4-4-2, Hurst/Olds and Vista Cruisers. The housing cover can be identified from the pictures below. Internally, the O axle features an 8.5" ring gear. Which is attached to the carrier by 10 bolts (this 8.5" 10 bolt ring gear is not the same as the 1971 and newer 10 bolts). All use 28 spline axle shafts except the 1967-1968 models originally equipped with 3.42 thru 5.00 gears. These use 31 spline axles. The 31 spline models also use larger carrier bearings than the 28 spline models. Consequently, the 31 spline carriers cannot be used in a housing originally equipped with 28 spline axles, and vise-versa. 1967-1969 axle bearings are a sealed ball bearing design. 1970's axle bearings are an open roller design lubricated by the differential oil. All O axle shafts are retained by a four bolt flange (not internal C-clips). Three different carriers were used depending on ratio: 2.56-2.78, 3.08-3.23 and 3.42 thru 5.00. These have different pinion centerline to ring gear mounting flange offsets (The 28 spline and 31 spline carriers feature the same mounting flange offset). All O axles use a 1.626" diameter, 27 spline pinion stem. All Anti-Spin models (Oldsmospeak for "posi") are clutch type differentials. Which utilize an "S" shaped spring to provide pressure against the clutch packs.

Factory carrier casting number location (673 = 2.56-2.78)

12 Bolt O Axle

CASE CASTING NUMBERS

(O.E. ANTI-SPIN CARRIERS)

Casting code is located on both left and right sides of factory carriers.

HOUSING INFORMATION

There are three basic 12 bolt "O" Axle housings. The 1967 through 1969 was used for all models except wagons and 1967-1968 models with 3.42 thru 5.00 gears. The original part number for this housing is 230727 and will have the casting number 39412. As noted above, the 1967-1968 models with 3.42 thru 5.00 ratios use larger carrier bearings than any other model. Which required the use of a different housing. These used original part number 320575. In 1970, because of the axle bearing design change, the housing part number 231000 was used for all models except wagons and of course the W-27 aluminum housing. The W-27 aluminum housing used the part number 231042.

For external identification of a 12 bolt O axle vs the 12 bolt C axle, note the difference in the covers. Both feature two parallel ribs cast in the side of the differential housing. Internally, 12 bolt C axles use an 8.875" ring gear that is attached to the carrier by 12 bolts. C axles can be further identified by the use of internal c-clips for axle retention.

1971-1976 10 Bolt

Used under most 1971 thru 1976 Cutlass, 4-4-2, Hurst/Olds and Vista Cruisers. Externally, they feature a smooth (10 bolt) cover much like the 12 bolt O axle as seen above of this shape:

From the side, the center section has two parallel ribs cast into the housing unlike the single or converging ribs on the B - P 10 bolts. Internally, the 71- up 10 bolt utilizes an 8.5" ring gear. The pinion gear stem is 1.625" diameter and uses 30 splines. Axle shafts are 28 spline and are the bolt-in design - not c-clipped and feature open (lubed by differential oil) press on bearings. Anti-spin ("posi") is the "S" spring, clutch style.

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