Parts needed for custom Toyota

[sean08]

My grandfather has put a 4.3 Chevy engine into his 1980 Toyota Corona w/ 5spd transmission. He calls it his "Chevota" . It still has the stock 8"rear end but he has changed the ring & pinion to 3.33 out of a Celica and he needs a higher ratio, say around 3.00 or higher. I have searched and searched and cannot find anywhere to purchase a higher ring & pinion for him. Anyone know any other models that are interchangeable into a 1980 Corona with a 8" rear differential? Any help is appreciated as this is a needle in a hay stack for me. Thanks in advance. Sean.

[stepho]

Something is not consistent here.
The American spec 1980 Corona had a T series (6.7") diff, not an 8.0" diff.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~stepho/...tm#corona134pr
An 8.0" diff would be the G series diff from the early Hilux (aka Pick-up) or Landcruiser.
The measurement is taken across the widest part of the crown wheel.
Possibly your father measured the bolt pattern on the carrier by mistake.
You can verify which size diff he originally had by looking on the build plate in the engine bay.

The likely Celica donors also had T series diffs.

You can find which Toyota vehicles had which size and ratio diffs by looking here:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~stepho/diff.htm
http://members.iinet.net.au/~stepho/celprod.htm

The T series diff is only reliable up to about 150 HP.
When you get above 200 HP it is almost guaranteed to break.
Between 150HP and 200HP it will depend on your driving style.

The Hilux or Landcruiser rear axle is a better choice of axle for you.
The G series diff is almost unbreakable, has many ratios available and LSD is easy to find.
A Landcruiser rear axle needs to be shortened a bit on one side (it's both long and asymmetric).

A mid 1980's skyline rear axle is also a good choice but it needs to be shortened a bit on one side (it's both long and asymmetric) and has the advantage of disc brakes.
All these axles have the same 114.3mm x 4 stud pattern for bolting up your rims.

- Stepho

[sean08]

Thanks stepho for your quick response. He is looking into it further now.