1938 LaSalle Production - GM Heritage Center

The differential housing is cylindrical in shape to
contribute strength to the axle. It encircles the tapered
roller differential bearings and is carried in a heavily
ribbed carrier for rigidity. The axle cover is welded
Rugged Hypoid Rear Axle
Construction
in position to further increase housing rigidity. All of
these features are of Cadillac design and add strength
and ruggedness exclusive to Cadillac-built cars.
To reduce overhang and thus decrease wheel bearing
and axle shaft loads, wheel bearings have been moved
outward on all Cadillacs and LaSalle. Spring pads have
also been moved outward on all larger Cadillacs which
reduces axle housing stress.
LaSalle's rear axle ratio is 3.92—1. For even more
outstanding acceleration than before the Cadillac Sixty
and V-8 ratios have been increased to 3.92 1 and
4.58—1 respectively. The Fleetwood has a 4.58—1
ratio. These ratios are important factors in the superior
accelerative ability and low piston speeds of Cadillacbuilt
V-8 engines.
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