63 Lesabre Estate Station Wagon rear axle ,positraction

[Brianwagon63]

Was there a code for positraction for station wagons ? Trying to figure out what gears I have.

 

[TODD]

Here's the info out of the shop manual to ID the rear axle. From the parts book is a list of available gear sets.

 

[Brianwagon63]

style 4445, not sure how to read this. maybe a 3.36, could be a 3.91 ? What does P.T mean

 

[TODD]

The parts book went kind of crazy with the abbreviations:
AT = automatic transmission
DOM = domestic
PT = positraction
HP = high performance (meaning 4 bbl carb)
CT = conventional transmission (meaning standard shift)
EXP = export

4400 means all LeSabres including the 4445 3-seat Estate Wagon.

The dealer brochure explains it a little better for standard ratios:
2.78 for 2-bbl automatic
3.36 for 2-bbl 3-speed standard shift
3.23 for 4-bbl automatic
3.42 for 4-speed standard shift

The 3.91 ratio was a special order probably used for mountain driving or racing.

 

[Brianwagon63]

Ok so now I need to find out if my wagon came with a 4bbl carb for HP or no HP . Right now I have the 65 401 with the 4bbl carb. Which will decide if I have a 2.78 or 3.23

 

[Brianwagon63]

Thanks for all your info and help, really appreciate it.

 

[TODD]

The first two digits of the ratio will be stamped on the bottom of the axle housing per Fig. 6-1. Hopefully those numbers are still readable.

Don't know how to determine original engine type unless a build sheet is available. The odds of finding one hidden under the carpet etc. are not that great.