8.25 8 1/4 Rebuild and modification

Truth be known, unless you’re building a big-block or a full-race small-block, that lowly 8-1/4 is good enough. There are some guys who prefer a totally built 8-1/4 in drag racing situations because it’s lighter and there’s less reciprocating mass, so more power hits the tires. And because they’re the “cheaper” rear ends, the parts to rebuild and upgrade them are less expensive. Finally — and this is the real selling point — it’s already under the car! You don’t have to pay for a new housing, it doesn’t have to be narrowed to fit, you already have brakes on it, even the spring perches are in the right place! The situation we were in with one of our projects was, we had the whole rearend and brake set-up already in the vehicle, but it was an open diff with a highway gear. We thought about replacing/upgrading it, but decided to work with what we had. The engine is going to be warmed over, and the 904 will be upgraded, but it’s a daily driver that probably won’t see much strip duty. We felt the “little” 8-1/4 would hold up nicely if rebuilt right the first time. We ordered a complete differential, ring and pinion, and rebuild kit from Ring & Pinion Service and a rearend girdle cover from LPW Racing Products (PN 301-10C, fits 8.2 and 8.3 Chrysler 8-1/4). If we were going to put the vehicle on the strip, and especially if we were going to run slicks, we’d have stayed with this rear but purchased aftermarket axles and a C-clip eliminator kit. We had Mike Mott at Pro Automotive Performance Center put together a stout little rear that will survive nicely under an average street car. Certainly less than a full swap and perhaps just right for our needs.