what gear ratio is the differential? is it different for different packages/engines or one set gear ratio. (i have a 81 caballero) its a v6 for now. does any one know what final drive ratio it has. also what is the lug pattern 5x?. also what is the widest wheel for the rear with out rubbing with no modification. thanks in advance.

Search is your friend. Your rear gear is probadly a 2.41. Crawl under your axle on the passanger side on the front & get the code that is there.

is there a easy upgrade by getting a diff from another g body like a monte carlo or something. that has like 3.73 or 4.11 or something geared kind of low. without going after market. something hopefully out of a salvage yard.

I believe that the 7.5 10 bolt in that truck is better (stronger) than one out of any other GM model of that year (Pontiac, Olds, Buick). I read that in an article I think in Popular Hot Rod. Anyway GM I think only offered a 3.08 during those years as a performance ratio.

Its easier to just buy some new gears, you won't need a torch or a welder for that. Materials used now days are also better than they were back then. I think I remember reading here that your truck (V6s) came standard with the 2.43:1 ratio.

...its a v6 for now. does any one know what final drive ratio it has. also what is the lug pattern 5x?. also what is the widest wheel for the rear with out rubbing with no modification.
Generally speaking, there were four rear end ratios available for the 5th generation.

2.41 V8 standard rear
2.56 V6 standard rear
2.73 V6 optional performance rear (G92)
3.08 V8 optional performance rear (G92)

The only exceptions were the 83-84 350 diesel Elkys. They all came with a 2.29 rear.

All were available with optional posi (G80)

The lug pattern for all 5th gen Elkys is 5x4.75"

There's plenty of threads about tire width here. Use the ECC Search (http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=search)feature to read up on what size tires everyone is using.