Can I narrow A body 8 3/4 housing 3"?

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Hello,

I've been working on the rear housing for my Barracuda, got the RMS 4 link tabs welded on, and new spring perches moved inboard. The original perches have a significant amount of deterioration on the axle tube. I can eliminate it if I can shorten the A-body housing 3" (I plan on a mini tub and 12" wide rims). Some rough work with the tape measure says I will have room, just wanted to double check with someone experienced before I took it to get shortened.

Thanks,
Steve

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Yes of course it can be shortened and that would remove the left over perches. But expect to have to order custom axles.

Are you planning to do this yourself or having a shop do it?

Riddler
 
I already plan on new axles. A friend knows someone that does this, told me $125, which appears to be significantly less than buying the tools to do it on my own.

Thanks for the input. I've scrolled through your build a few times and like what your doing with the Duster. What do you have for the rear setup, rims/tires?

Thanks,
Steve
 
you can also use your old ends just cut them on the very outside edge of the welds but it takes some heat and time to get the old tubes out I just buy new ones now .
 
I already plan on new axles. A friend knows someone that does this, told me $125, which appears to be significantly less than buying the tools to do it on my own.

Thanks for the input. I've scrolled through your build a few times and like what your doing with the Duster. What do you have for the rear setup, rims/tires?

Thanks,
Steve
I've got the same rear and suspension. My rear wheels are 18x10 with a 5.5" backspace. Axles has been cut down and Moser Axles.

Riddler
 
I'm not sure there's a specific reason why you want to narrow an A body housing, but wouldn't it be cheaper too narrow a B, C, or E body housing and then sell the stock length A body housing to someone who could use it?
 
I'm not sure there's a specific reason why you want to narrow an A body housing, but wouldn't it be cheaper too narrow a B, C, or E body housing and then sell the stock length A body housing to someone who could use it?
And put a few bucks in your pocket to boot.........
 
Yep ive done it. Well I had some one do it for me lol
 
I'm not sure there's a specific reason why you want to narrow an A body housing, but wouldn't it be cheaper too narrow a B, C, or E body housing and then sell the stock length A body housing to someone who could use it?

Don't see someone making any money with the current rusted condition of the housing.
Just cut out the 3" and have the ends rewelded back on on a jig.
For $125 I know what I would do.
 
Thanks for the input, I did order new ends before I posted this.

I don't see how anyone would want to use this housing as it is, if it were to remain at the stock length, the tubes would need to be cut down and replaced, so why not shorten it?
I'm not concerned about making a few bucks, I will have over $1,600 into this rear in parts by the time it is done.

Thanks,
Steve
 
cut 3" off if u can get wheels to fit. I cut a C body rear for 12" wheels with 7.25" backspace,
 
I plan on forged wheels, they are build to order, so I should be set.
 
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