The Chrysler 8-3/4" rear axle assembly was introduced in 1957. It is a banjo-type, the differential is contained in a removable carrier assembly. The axle has an 8-3/4" diameter ring gear. There are three basic types available distinguished by their drive pinion stem diameter. The 8-3/4" axle was the primary axle assembly used in most car lines through 1972.

8-3/4" Axle Center Section Types

The 8-3/4" axle was available in three basic types. The types are differentiated by the pinion stem diameter....1-3/8", 1-3/4", 1-7/8". The choice of axle pinion assembly was determined based on the application.

1-3/8" small stem pinion (741) Carrier casting numbers: 1820657 (1957-1964), 2070741 (1964-1972). These numbers are found on the left side of the carrier assembly.

This assembly was typically used in low weight/low horsepower (Small Block as an example) applications through low weight/medium horsepower and high weight / low horsepower applications. Pinion depth and bearing preload is set with shims. Differential bearing setting (i.e. backlash ) is set with threaded adjusters.

1-3/4" large stem pinion. (742) Carrier casting numbers: 1634985 (1957-1964), 2070742 (1961-1969). This assembly was replaced by a 1-7/8" pinion starting in the 1969 model year. 1970 Plymouth and Dodge b Bodies were the last models to use the 1-3/4" which appeared in a 2881489 case.

This assembly was typically used in high weight/medium horsepower applications through high weight/high horsepower applications. Pinion depth and bearing preload is set with shims. Differential bearing setting (i.e. backlash ) is set with threaded adjusters.

1-7/8" tapered stem pinion. (489) Carrier casting numbers: 2881488, 2881489 (1969-1974).

This assembly was introduced in 1969 and gradually replace the 1-3/4" unit through 1970 The 1-3/4" pinion also appeared in some 489 carriers during this period. By 1973, the 489 was the only unit available in passenger car applications.

This assembly was typically used in high weight/medium horsepower through high weight/high horsepower applications. Pinion depth is set with shims, preload is set with a crush sleeve. Differential bearing setting (backlash) is set with threaded adjusters.

All 8-3/4" carrier assemblies can be identified externally by the casting numbers. Additionally, the 741 commonly has a large X cast on the left side, the 742 may have a large 2 cast on the left side, and the 489 has a large 9 cast on the left side. Through 1965, the factory ratio was stamped on the identification boss, followed by an S if

Sure Grip equipped. After 1965, a tag was affixed under one of the carrier mounting nuts to identify the ratio. If Sure Grip equipped, an additional Sure Grip lube tag was sometimes affixed; later years sometimes had the filler plug painted orange.

Gear ratios available on the 8-3/4" axle through the years include:

2.76, 2.93, 3.23, 3.31, 3.55, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10, 4.56, 4.89, 5.17, 5.57.