Boris
Member
Any suggestions for a 8.25" or a 8.75" rear end swap for my Barracuda? I just replaced the stock 273 motor for a 318 and i want to replace the 7.25" rear end that is in the car now.
The "Chrysler Performance Upgrades" book by Frank Adkins has a table with details of axle lengths and hanger spacing, etc. I recommend it. I struggled with this on my 1965 Valiant -- I wanted big bolt pattern and gearing options. It looked like I would have to go to 8 3/4 to get everything I wanted. And that would be expensive. In the end I went with a Ford 8" from a '65 mustang (v8). It's built just like the bullet-proof ford 9" (except not ash heavy-duty as the Ford 9"). Axle lengths and hanger locations matched the '65 7&1/4.
If you're keeping the 4" bolt pattern wheels, you're pretty much looking for a complete A-body 8 3/4. If you're changing to the 4 1/2" bolt pattern, the '73-6 A-body 8 1/4 will bolt in. With either conversion, you'll need the shock plates, to shorten the driveshaft the appropriate amount, and change the wheels. Depending on what you have in the front, you may have to do some converting there too if you want things to match and carry only one spare. Good time to do a disc brake changeover up front too!Any suggestions for a 8.25" or a 8.75" rear end swap for my Barracuda? I just replaced the stock 273 motor for a 318 and i want to replace the 7.25" rear end that is in the car now.
Thanks for the info, the disk brake changeover is in the plans.If you're keeping the 4" bolt pattern wheels, you're pretty much looking for a complete A-body 8 3/4. If you're changing to the 4 1/2" bolt pattern, the '73-6 A-body 8 1/4 will bolt in. With either conversion, you'll need the shock plates, to shorten the driveshaft the appropriate amount, and change the wheels. Depending on what you have in the front, you may have to do some converting there too if you want things to match and carry only one spare. Good time to do a disc brake changeover up front too!
Thanks for thanks replyA body 8 1/4" or A body 8 3/4. You could probably get a B or C body unit but it wouldn't be right without narrowing or may be strange offset wheels.
Any suggestions for a 8.25" or a 8.75" rear end swap for my Barracuda? I just replaced the stock 273 motor for a 318 and i want to replace the 7.25" rear end that is in the car now.
Just so you know; on the street, the 7.25 is strong enough for the 318, so long as you don't spin just one tire, and do NOT do neutral-drops or J-hooks.Any suggestions for a 8.25" or a 8.75" rear end swap for my Barracuda? I just replaced the stock 273 motor for a 318 and i want to replace the 7.25" rear end that is in the car now.
I ran 7 1/4 rears in slant six street and drag cars for many years, without problems. However mine were sure grips, which are much stronger then opensJust so you know; on the street, the 7.25 is strong enough for the 318, so long as you don't spin just one tire, and do NOT do neutral-drops or J-hooks.