1965 Dodge Dart stock differential advice
Just throwing this out there.
After considering replacing the stock whiny 7.25 open diff in my mostly original 273 Power Pack, 4-speed 65 Dart with an 8.25, I decided that given how much I'd be spending to put in an 8.25 and things I have to change, I'd rather put a period correct diff in it. The car is a nice survivor and mostly stock and I'd like to keep it closer to original if I or someone ever wants to restore it.
I don't mind spending the money on a diff but am unsure which way to go. I wanted to go with an early a-body 8.75 from a similar year but they are practically unobtainium at any price. Open would be fine. Original 8.75 Housings are tough to find. Would a reproduction housing like from Moser be a possibility? I was also thinking that a 7.25 Sure Grip might be a better fit given the lighter unsprung weight and my driving style.
I've had many, many 7.25s. (at least 5) and not one has blown up on me. I'm well aware of the reputation of the 7.25 and the lack of availability of parts and gear ratios. I don't street race the car and I don't go to the track. I don't granny it, but I don't romp on it...well much... and I don't do many hard launches.
I could also find someone that will rebuild the rear AGAIN after only 3 years and take the time and care to work the whine out of it. Could I or should I just replace the open carrier with a 7.25 Sure Grip if I can find one? Parts again seem to be the problem. I'd like more cruising friendly gears than 3:55s and the shop that rebuilt my 7.25 last time said that was the highest gear available.
Thoughts? Pic of the car so you know what we are talking about.
Just throwing this out there.
After considering replacing the stock whiny 7.25 open diff in my mostly original 273 Power Pack, 4-speed 65 Dart with an 8.25, I decided that given how much I'd be spending to put in an 8.25 and things I have to change, I'd rather put a period correct diff in it. The car is a nice survivor and mostly stock and I'd like to keep it closer to original if I or someone ever wants to restore it.
I don't mind spending the money on a diff but am unsure which way to go. I wanted to go with an early a-body 8.75 from a similar year but they are practically unobtainium at any price. Open would be fine. Original 8.75 Housings are tough to find. Would a reproduction housing like from Moser be a possibility? I was also thinking that a 7.25 Sure Grip might be a better fit given the lighter unsprung weight and my driving style.
I've had many, many 7.25s. (at least 5) and not one has blown up on me. I'm well aware of the reputation of the 7.25 and the lack of availability of parts and gear ratios. I don't street race the car and I don't go to the track. I don't granny it, but I don't romp on it...well much... and I don't do many hard launches.
I could also find someone that will rebuild the rear AGAIN after only 3 years and take the time and care to work the whine out of it. Could I or should I just replace the open carrier with a 7.25 Sure Grip if I can find one? Parts again seem to be the problem. I'd like more cruising friendly gears than 3:55s and the shop that rebuilt my 7.25 last time said that was the highest gear available.
Thoughts? Pic of the car so you know what we are talking about.
