Building up my swinger

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james Farner

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May 27, 2017
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San Dimas
I have so many questions about building my swinger up from a 225 to a 318.. for now. For the rear end, people tell me to buy 8 1/4 or just change the gears in the 7 1/4 i have now. how do i know what gears to change to, and if i should do that?
 
For starters you need to know what rear end ratio you have now and whether you can live with that. The 7 1/4 might be just fine behind a 318, very much depending on what you are planning to do. A 8 1/4 will be stronger... but again we need to know your plans. Mild 318 or more performance oriented? When you tell us your plans people can give recommendations on the rear end, but then I would not start this build with changing the rear end. :)
Also have a look in the "How to"-section or use the search function to look for /6 to 318 conversions...
 
I picked up a 8.8 ford out of an explorer for 100$ bucks pretty cheap conversion super strong and has disk breaks.
 
OP, what are you going to use the engine/car for? If you are going to always do mild cruising up and down the highway, then the 7-1/4" will work fine. If you are going drag racing, then it will break.

The same applies for gears: What is your use for the car?
 
And here is a video of finding the tag on the rear axle that tells you the rear gear ratio.


If that is missing, then you can jack up one side of the rear axle off of the ground and do the following:


Hint: The above video is for an 'open' rear axle (not a SureGrip or posi-trac type), which is what your /6 car likley has.
 
I picked up a 8.8 ford out of an explorer for 100$ bucks pretty cheap conversion super strong and has disk breaks.
not to hijack, but where does the 8.8 fall in durability compared to the 8 3/4 and the dana 60?
 
not to hijack, but where does the 8.8 fall in durability compared to the 8 3/4 and the dana 60?
seat of the pants analysis: 8 3/4 = 8.8 for durability. dana 60, there's a reason they put them behind hemi 4 speeds
 
For starters you need to know what rear end ratio you have now and whether you can live with that. The 7 1/4 might be just fine behind a 318, very much depending on what you are planning to do. A 8 1/4 will be stronger... but again we need to know your plans. Mild 318 or more performance oriented? When you tell us your plans people can give recommendations on the rear end, but then I would not start this build with changing the rear end. :)
Also have a look in the "How to"-section or use the search function to look for /6 to 318 conversions...
My goal is to just have a performance vehicle and take it to the drags occaisionally. just want a strong performance for street and drags. Nothing too wild because im on a low budget. thank you for replying.
 
And here is a video of finding the tag on the rear axle that tells you the rear gear ratio.


If that is missing, then you can jack up one side of the rear axle off of the ground and do the following:


Hint: The above video is for an 'open' rear axle (not a SureGrip or posi-trac type), which is what your /6 car likley has.

thank you so much, this helps me alot.
 
I picked up a 8.8 ford out of an explorer for 100$ bucks pretty cheap conversion super strong and has disk breaks.
ill check it out but im sticking striclty to dodge parts as much as possible. but thank you for the reccomendation. ill keep it in mind.
 
What is your goal for the engine and car?
My goal for this car is to eventuallly modify it to a bigger small block and enjoy the build up such as starting off with a 318. I want a neck breaker, show car, and something im not afraid to let rip. take it to the drags. thank you for asking.
 
ill check it out but im sticking striclty to dodge parts as much as possible. but thank you for the reccomendation. ill keep it in mind.
Yes I understand completely I didn't want to either but after seeing all the prices for 8 3/4 and with my budget I dont see any other options
 
We've all been there buddy read alot there is alot to be learnt here lots of knowledge search read post ask questions thats what I do!!! Lol work hard save up as much money as possible your gonna need it lol good luck to you remember ask lots of questions and learn! Knowledge is power!
 
Oh and btw if the slant 6 is still in the car and running they can be made to be neck snappers! Don't rule out spending the money on it! By the time you buy your 318 or 360 you would have a couple hundred head start on the slant 6! A compression boost 4bbl header and cam can really make a slant 6 run
 
My goal for this car is to eventuallly modify it to a bigger small block and enjoy the build up such as starting off with a 318. I want a neck breaker, show car, and something im not afraid to let rip. take it to the drags. thank you for asking.

Neck breaker, show car and low budget is a tough combination. Kinda like the old saying "good, cheap and fast - pick 2".
 
The problem I found while looking for a 8.25 was one to fit an abody is extremely hard to find most of them where trucks and f body's and needed narrowing. Which ment new axles which ment more money! I had a 8.25 out of a truck i was gonna narrow and wound up selling it.
 
From the intended use, the OP is surely needing to upgrade rear axles.. not question about that now. For the budget.. patience and part time jobs.
 
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no pics? not even a hint what year it is? come on man... :(
no pics? not even a hint what year it is? come on man... :(
 
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