1969 Barracuda Fastback
Rear end:
I just finished overhauling the rear end on my Barracuda. Originally it came with a 7 1/4 housing, but since the 8 3/4 housing was also an option on the 69 Barracuda, I decided to keep the bigger axle housing.
Components already installed were:
Moser axles
489 differential case with 3:55 gears and Detroit locker
traction bars
performance aluminum pivot bushings
11" drum brakes
heavy duty leaf spring package
This setup would be an overkill for the direction I am planning to go. After disassembling the rear end, I cleaned the axle housing thoroughly. Luckily I found a 489 case with 2:76 open gears - supposedly in very good condition.
I started with installing new rubber pivot bushings on the leaf springs and attached the differential, using just the dry gasket - no l don't use sealer here.
Now it was time to take some accurate measurements with the axles preinstalled. The new differential had still the thrust block in it, and I wanted to keep it there. A technician from High Performance Rear-Ends and Aftermarket Parts | Moser Engineering confirmed, that the axle shafts must clear the thrust block. Adding the measurements of the packing plates, the axles were still slightly touching the thrust block. Taking a close look at the prized Moser axles, I noticed that they were not cut in a 90-degree angle. After filing them straight, they cleared the thrust block. With a quality file you can work off material from the hardened axles, cheap tools won't work.
Next on the checklist were the axle shaft oil seals - yes I wanted them in. The machined surface didn't look too good and the bottom end seat for the oil seal on one side was barely visible and worn. Again I had to take some measurements, specific to the non-snap ring design axles. In my case, I ended up with exactly 40 mm from outside axle flange - that's how deep I drove the seals in.
Prior to that, I applied a very thin coat of sealant on the area were the oil seal finally sits.
I also replaced the old O-rings on the Moser axles. Moser engineering sells them under part #9500, but could not see them on their webpage. Ordering them directly at Moser was faster and cheaper than with other well-known suppliers.
Finally, I could install the axles with new 10" drum brake assemblies. Rear end gaskets set and drums brakes were purchased at DoctorDiff Drivetrain Components. His set looks quite good and is pretty much preset. I only applied some high temperature grease on the brake shoe tab contact area. Adding 2 quarts of 80W/90 completed the job.
Here are some pictures:
View attachment 1715461285
Rear end:
I just finished overhauling the rear end on my Barracuda. Originally it came with a 7 1/4 housing, but since the 8 3/4 housing was also an option on the 69 Barracuda, I decided to keep the bigger axle housing.
Components already installed were:
Moser axles
489 differential case with 3:55 gears and Detroit locker
traction bars
performance aluminum pivot bushings
11" drum brakes
heavy duty leaf spring package
This setup would be an overkill for the direction I am planning to go. After disassembling the rear end, I cleaned the axle housing thoroughly. Luckily I found a 489 case with 2:76 open gears - supposedly in very good condition.
I started with installing new rubber pivot bushings on the leaf springs and attached the differential, using just the dry gasket - no l don't use sealer here.
Now it was time to take some accurate measurements with the axles preinstalled. The new differential had still the thrust block in it, and I wanted to keep it there. A technician from High Performance Rear-Ends and Aftermarket Parts | Moser Engineering confirmed, that the axle shafts must clear the thrust block. Adding the measurements of the packing plates, the axles were still slightly touching the thrust block. Taking a close look at the prized Moser axles, I noticed that they were not cut in a 90-degree angle. After filing them straight, they cleared the thrust block. With a quality file you can work off material from the hardened axles, cheap tools won't work.
Next on the checklist were the axle shaft oil seals - yes I wanted them in. The machined surface didn't look too good and the bottom end seat for the oil seal on one side was barely visible and worn. Again I had to take some measurements, specific to the non-snap ring design axles. In my case, I ended up with exactly 40 mm from outside axle flange - that's how deep I drove the seals in.
Prior to that, I applied a very thin coat of sealant on the area were the oil seal finally sits.
I also replaced the old O-rings on the Moser axles. Moser engineering sells them under part #9500, but could not see them on their webpage. Ordering them directly at Moser was faster and cheaper than with other well-known suppliers.
Finally, I could install the axles with new 10" drum brake assemblies. Rear end gaskets set and drums brakes were purchased at DoctorDiff Drivetrain Components. His set looks quite good and is pretty much preset. I only applied some high temperature grease on the brake shoe tab contact area. Adding 2 quarts of 80W/90 completed the job.
Here are some pictures:
View attachment 1715461285
