Another 8-3/4 Axle Question

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E Satterfield

E Satterfield

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Hello. I’m new to all things Mopar. I recently purchased for my 72 Duster an original A body 8-3/4 rear end. The whole assembly was removed from a car years ago and was stored inside. The rear brakes are the stock 10 x 1 3/4. with the flared or bell style drums. The problem I have is the axles have been drilled as well as the drums to large bolt pattern. The drums look fine. But I’m not crazy about the drill and stud change on the stock axles. Who if anyone produces a large pattern replacement axle that will allow me to retain the stock brakes and the drilled brake drums? . The wheels I would like to use are the larger 5-4.5 pattern I’ve read many other posts on this but I’m still confused. Thank You.
 
Contact Dr. Diff. He can set you up.

Also most of the axle manufacturers can make up custom axles to your specs.

You are aware of the different bearing to flange offset between A bodies and b,c,e bodies
 
i understand A body brake offset are unique.The issue confusing to me was is it a must to change brakes to another model configuration if I’m willing to accept the re drilled drums it currently has? The guy used press in studs and far from a professional looking job. Thanks all for replying
 
What I ran into. If using the small bolt pattern drums you need a narrow offset between bearing and flange ( part that the wheel bolts to). See picture. The Axle has to have the small diameter brake drum register on the flange. See the picture of the two drums side by side the small bolt pattern has a smaller hole in the middle.The axle flange Outside diameter has to be small enough to fit inside the drum where it tapers. See picture of small and big bolt pattern drums side by side. The studs can get close to the o.d. of the axle flange. I chose to use big bolt pattern axles with big bolt pattern drums and backing plates and 2.5" shoes. That does make the track about 3/8" wider on each side. if using wide tires you might need to take that into account.

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92b said:
.The axle flange Outside diameter has to be small enough to fit inside the drum where it tapers
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That's a good catch. I wonder if new 10x1.75 drums are cast differently.
 
People have been using the redrilled axles for a long time, but if it looks sketchy to you, do what you need to be comfortable with it.
Moser makes these axles for your application, which is pretty common. They were quite a bit less expensive a few months ago. Dr Diff is a great vendor and a Forum member, so I'd check with him first.

A30-CST-A45 - A-Body, 8 3/4" Rear Axle Shafts, Stock A-Body Drum Brake (Redrilled) -- 30 (Pair) - Moser Engineering

Mopar Axle Package 5 X 4 1/2" (5 X 4.5) Bolt Pattern 30/35 Spline
 
S'cuder said:
People have been using the redrilled axles for a long time, but if it looks sketchy to you, do what you need to be comfortable with it.
Moser makes these axles for your application, which is pretty common. They were quite a bit less expensive a few months ago. Dr Diff is a great vendor and a Forum member, so I'd check with him first.

A30-CST-A45 - A-Body, 8 3/4" Rear Axle Shafts, Stock A-Body Drum Brake (Redrilled) -- 30 (Pair) - Moser Engineering

Mopar Axle Package 5 X 4 1/2" (5 X 4.5) Bolt Pattern 30/35 Spline
Click to expand...
If the picture is right it looks like the DR. Diff uses a threaded bolt rather than a splined stud. That would take up less real-estate at the outer edge. Looks like a decent price also.
 
92b said:
If the picture is right it looks like the DR. Diff uses a threaded bolt rather than a splined stud. That would take up less real-estate at the outer edge. Looks like a decent price also.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure the pics are just representative, and not necessarily exactly the only thing offered.
That said, you can pretty much get exactly what you want. Cass (Dr. Diff) will take the time to make sure you get what you need. Best customer service in the industry. My buying experience was perfect, and I've never heard a bad word about him. He should be your first place to go.
 
I had read posts on here regarding the Dr Diff company. I read this on his website which added further confusion.


A body big bolt pattern conversion axles" fit any '65 and newer, 5 x 4 1/2" Mopar spec rear disc or rear drum brake assembly. These axles will NOT fit 5 x 4" bolt pattern brake assemblies, backing plates or re-drilled drums.
 
E Satterfield said:
I had read posts on here regarding the Dr Diff company. I read this on his website which added further confusion.


A body big bolt pattern conversion axles" fit any '65 and newer, 5 x 4 1/2" Mopar spec rear disc or rear drum brake assembly. These axles will NOT fit 5 x 4" bolt pattern brake assemblies, backing plates or re-drilled drums.
Click to expand...
Might have to give him a call.
 
I second Cass at dr diff. I am setting up a Ford 9" with Chrysler housing ends and he's going to work with me on the axles. He's a good dude.
 
I really wouldn’t be that concerned about the drill job. But one of the flanges appear to be slightly bent and there is a crack in the thin portion of material remaining. I would like to purchase a set of axles with bearings etc installed. I live in rural West Virginia and I don’t have a press the only local so called “ machine shop” will not press bearings unless purchased there. I’ve had a few dealings with them in the past on Chevy stuff and will never go back.
 
The drums had been outside of the garage for whatever reason and are pretty rusty .The 7-1/4 rear in the Duster has the 10x1-3/4 brake option on it and the car came from the south. So there’s no rust issues with those drums I had planned to drill them myself. I bought the Roadrunner about 6 months ago and have been Plymouth crazy every since. So much the 56 gasser got put on hold. The Duster and the Gasser have been claimed by the wife and she wants a 4spd. We went to purchase pedals and an A833 from a guy yesterday and this is where we found the rear end. I had plans to change it out anyway.

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E Satterfield said:
The drums had been outside of the garage for whatever reason. The 7-1/4 rear in the Duster has the 10x1-3/4 brake option on it and the car came from the south. So there’s no rust issues with the drums. I had planned to drill them myself. I bought the Roadrunner about 6 months ago and have been Plymouth crazy every since. So much the 56 gasser got put on hold. Lol

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Very nice!
But yes, no way you should use those axles.
 
You couldn't pay me to use those axles.

But new or good used.
 
Third or fourth vote for Dr Diff. And yes, those axles look shakey.....
And for what it's worth, I very much prefer screw-in studs.
 
I have a set of Moser big bolt A body 8.75 axles in my dart. They're made for use with the standard 10 x 1.75 brakes. I just had to re-drill the drums. Check the Moser web site. It's a bit more clear on what you'll need.
 
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