Question about the 7 1/4 rear end.

str12-340 said

Why would you waste the time and effort to repair one of these in such major ways? It would probably be less work to find a 7 1/4 in good shape drum to drum that someone pulled in favor of an 8 3/4. I would take this situation as a gift - a great excuse to go to an 8 3/4... even an 8 1/4!

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Good points. I don't consider making a new gasket or even changing the spider gears a major repair. Having said that, I have been researching going to a 8 1/4. This is just a slant 6 car. The 7 1/4 has moved the car for nearly 60 years just fine. I've added TTi 2.5 inch exhaust and front disc brakes already. The 8 1/4 would be the next step someone would need to take before adding any significant HP. The thing I've noticed is my rear diff only leaks when hot. I assume the oil gets thinner when hot and is seeping out. I haven't ruled out an 8 1/4, but for now I mainly just want to fix the leak and get a good look around at the gears when inside. If they look good I'll seal it up. If they don't I'll have to decide, rebuild or go to 8 1/4.