You are here:

American Motors/Which rear end in '77 Gremlin?

Advertisement

Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 10/22/2006


Question
Kevin,

My friend recently purchased a '77 Gremlin, 232 six, automatic trans.  We were trying to figure out what rear end it has.  There are 10 torx bolts holding the cover on.  A guy at an axle shop said the car should have a 12-bolt cover, so someone replaced the axle, but I am skeptical.

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

Answer
Jeff,
There are only 2 rear ends that came in a Gremlin. AMC identifies their rear ends by the ring gear diameter. Gremlins with a 4 or 6 cylinder had a 7 9/16" rear end, The V-8 Gremlins had an 8 7/8" rear end.
All 7 9/16" axles will have the axle ratio stamped on the right axle tube housing boss adjacent to the dowel hole.
You can identify the 8 7/8" axle by its round cover. The smaller rear end cover is not round in shape.
AMC rear ends are not identifed by the number of bolts holding the cover on. GM does that.
Your rear end is the 7 9/16".
Kevin

American Motors

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kevin Pilotte

Expertise

I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.

Experience

I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.

Organizations
I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.

Publications
I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate I printed out from a website.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.