need a bit of help...

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Youngthrill

69 GT
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so i have a 1969 dart gt 273/904 that i want to beef up...

first- off how do i identify my rear end..i counted 10 bolts..ive been told its not a 8.75 which i beleive because it doesnt look very beefy....

second- i want to work with what i have,im on a budget...i want to remove and install 3.55 gears and make it posi is this even possible with what i have??

third- i just picked up a bad *** set of wheel's (small bolt pattern 4'')if im forced to buy a 8.75 rear end can i put my axels on so i can use these wheels??

thanks alot i want to make it a decent street machine but not sure what i can use:icon_smi:
 
Probably an 8 1/4,...8 3/4 diffs bolts are in the front,(toward the front of the car), no cover,.....3.55 is a common ratio for a 8 1/4,..this is whats in my jeep, and it is a limited slip (posi),...be careful mixin and matchin axle's,...do homework and measure,...I'm sure some of the other members here, can help ya a bit more,...rear diffs are not my "forte".....pics would help your cause...good luck.
 
Youngthrill said:
so i have a 1969 dart gt 273/904 that i want to beef up...

first- off how do i identify my rear end..i counted 10 bolts..ive been told its not a 8.75 which i beleive because it doesnt look very beefy....

If it has a rear cover and 10 bolts it's a 8-1/4" rearend..
Click to expand...
second- i want to work with what i have,im on a budget...i want to remove and install 3.55 gears and make it posi is this even possible with what i have??

Yes but you need some special tools. An inch lb. torque wrench, Ft. lb. torque wrench, yoke holder tool, dial indicator with a magnetic base, pinion depth tool. If you don't have these plan on spending $250~300 on them. You can most likely find a 8-1/4 that already has 3.55 gears with a sure grip (posi is a Chevy term) for half the money than it'd cost you to do your rearend
Click to expand...
third- i just picked up a bad *** set of wheel's (small bolt pattern 4'')if im forced to buy a 8.75 rear end can i put my axels on so i can use these wheels??

No.. You cannot interchange axles from a 8-1/4" to an 8-3/4 but all A-body 8-3/4's are small bolt pattern anyway so it wouldn't be a problem
Click to expand...
thanks alot i want to make it a decent street machine but not sure what i can use:icon_smi:
Click to expand...

The 8-1/4 rear is plenty stout to take anything most any 273 can throw at it. Some guys running 340's run them with success. I had a 93 Dakot with a 8-1/4 in it that I raced for several yrs. running mow 14's and the 8-1/4 lasted very well.
 
how about a 7 1/4....rear end...8 1/4 were not available that year.
 
If you're really on a budget, you might should look around for a 318. If you are planning on a rebuild, the 273 will cost a good bit more. Unless it is already a good running engine, I would think about that. I am not saying junk the 273, but a 318 will be much cheaper to build.
 
damn its a 7 1/4''..i rescued this car from a friends back yard..small 273 2b... i put a edalbrock preformer manifold and 625 demon..new double roller timing chain..tune up and 2 1/4 flowmaster duel exhuast...runs good i believe it has the 905 auto tranny..this is my first street rod...im a vw guy and motorcycle rider/lover...but this dart is growing on me i have the fever as you may say....

my plans are..slap a rear end but still use these small bolt pattern wheels i have....and put the loopiest cam, lifters and push rods i can find preferably keeping stock rockers..suggestions are welcomed...so what should i go look for 8 1/4 or 8 7/5 ..wanna keep small bolt pattern or can i make this 7 1/4 posi...
 
i do plan do a full motor rebuild pistons and such....but thats going to have to wait..i cant have this car disabled for to long..and the old lady has a bun in the oven so i can just do quick and dirty for know....thanks fabo
 
If you want to keep the small bolt pattern, go 8.750....but there goes your "budget" build.
 
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