8 3/4" A-body LBP axles?

[K Wolf]

I'm looking to put an 8 3/4" rearend in my 68 barracuda project. I know I want to convert to LBP disk brakes on the front. I'd like to have the same bolt pattern for all wheels on the car. I have a coworker that is offering me the 8 3/4" out of his 65 Coronet. Price is not set, he just says "for CHEAP". ( He will be doing a major engine upgrade after the Power Tour, and he thinks he'll need a Dana 60.) Can a B-body 8 3/4" be easily narrowed to fit an A-body? Is there a good source for LBP axles to fit an A-body 8 3/4"?

Thanks,
Karl

 

[abdywgn]

Karl,grab the 8-3/4 from your co-worker,cut off the perches and weld new ones on and use as is.This is pretty much what they did on the S/S cars.You'll need a wheel that has more "inset",rim to the inside.And it already has big bolt pattern to boot!I think the C-body housings and axles are best for narrowing.Hope this helps!Bob

 

[HemiPar]

I have a b-body 8 3/4 under my 72 Swinger. I will just need to get wheels with a little deeper back-space.

 

[K Wolf]

Thanks guys. I hadn't thought of just moving the perches and using wheels with more back space. That might save me some funds and allow me to get it rolling sooner. I'd been thinking I'd have the housing narrowed to A-body width, keep the B-body brakes, and use aftermarket axles. I eventually want to have the same wheels on all four corners (15x8 Rallyes, maybe), but going with the unnarrowed B rear might get the car rolling sooner. I've got a lot to do with this car, and not much budget to do it with.

 

[fishy68]

Make sure that 8-3/4 isn't the old style with the brake drums that are held on by a large nut. If so you don't want it. I can't remember if the 65 still had that style or if that was the first year of the new style that has the modern brake drums that slip off.