This question might be premature but I am looking for general info. I just picked up a 70 challenger r/t 383 4-speed with very few options. Manuel steering, Manuel transmission ,Manuel drum brakes. non-remote mirror and no console. no stripes or even a rally gas cap.
The fender tag is missing but the car is orig paint and has been stored for years. The one thing I notices that is interesting is that it has the large 26" radiator with shroud and fan clutch.
My question is: Did 383 non a/c cars with 26" rad usually mean they could have performance axle package like 3.55 or 3.91's. I still haven't jacked the car up to see what it has and I know that is the first thing to do but since at the moment there is no fender tag I am wondering what the possibility's are of performance axle or just a 3.23 open rear ?

Quite possible, sounds like they didn't order anything that added extra weight, drag or flash for that matter but the big radiator which is part of any axle pkg...Sounds like a cool piece.. Post some pictures if ya get a chance..

Yes, the only way to get a 26" radiator in a non-A/C '70 383 4bbl Challenger would be an axle package:
A31 - 3.91s
A35 - trailer towing package 3.23s (automatic only)
A36 - 3.55s

The 3.91s & 3.55s will have the HD rear springs 024R/034L & big .92" torsion bars 780R/781L. The trailer towing package will not.

Since the fender tag is missing, be sure to check all of these places for broadcast sheets as well;

Taped to the back side / top of the glove box insert.
Under the front bucket seats in the springs
Inside the bucket seat backs
Under the rear seat bottom
In the rear seat back.
Under the package tray (speaker shelf)
Under the carpet

Yes, it appears that the only way to get the 26" rad. w/o a/c was as part of an axle pkg, or a trailer-towing pkg.

The following are the avail. axle pkgs. This info is taken straight from the dealer coding guide:

Code A36, Performance Axle Pkg
(For 340 & 383-4 w/4 spd or auto)

3.55 ratio
Sure-Grip
7-blade Torque Drive Fan
Extra H/D Susp.
26" Rad. w/Shroud

Code A31, High-Performance Axle Pkg (Not avail. w/ A/C)

Same as above except 3.91 ratio

Well I couldn't take it anymore and jacked the car up last night to check the rear end. It still had the 3.55 tag..... it's party time!>!

now I just hope I can find a build sheet. It is a LA car so my friend said probably not... Is galan still doing his thing these days?