swapping early 3.09 1st into later case
I have the same question. I have a early 3.09 a-body trans and late model 2.66 a-body (lever style side cover), and am looking to use with a 3.00 rear axle.
You lost me
The covers are interchangeable.
The forks go with the covers.
You can cut the steel forks to use them in a brass fork cover.
When using something like a 3.0 rear-end, using a 3.09 low box is better than using a 2.66 low tranny.
But a 3.0ish rear can be a real bear with a low-torque engine, when you hit second gear,cuz the rest of the gears are practically identical between the boxes, and the 3.09 will run outta revs at a slower roadspeed
3200rpm in 2.66low is about 32mph. Second will be 2278.
3200rpm in 3.09low is about 28mph. Second will be 1993
To get the same 32mph/2278rpm into second, with the3.09 box, you will have to rev to 3685.
3685rpm in 3.09low is about 32mph. Second will be 2278.