742 vs 489 Case
I had a chance to buy a 741 A-Body 8 3/4 for $800.00 and passed for a few reasons. 1. Didn't have a Sure Grip, 2. Had 3.23 Gears, wanted 3.73-4.10 3. limited gear availability.
I still haven't decided to what rear to run. I KNOW that an 8 3/4 can be built strong enough to survive my HP and Torque projections of 500HP and 420 FT/LBS of torque. That's not the problem, the problem is finding an 8 3/4 at a reasonable price.
I can buy Ford 8.8 with 3.73-4.10 Gears and disc brakes for 100.00 at pick a part during a 1/2 price weekend. So I'm thinking of going this route. There are Mustang Guys running low 9s with an 8.8. so I know it will survive too.
The only issue I have with the 8.8 is that it is a Ford part.
As for a Dana, I have to agree, it might simply be too heavy. If I were running a 500+ cubic inch Hemi with 600+ FT/TQ and a trans brake I'd run a Dana, but at this point, the Dana seems like over kill.
Regards,
Joe Dokes