8 3/4 life span.

[moparlover]

i think 99% of success or failure with any type of rear is that they are built to spec and/or shimmed properly all clearances checked. if you just pick up some used gears and pop them in to a rear, it's going to pop back at you.

here is a nice article:
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/...mopp_0704_dana_60_rear_end_build/viewall.html

 

[72ScampTramp]

Already have the 8 3/4,came with the Dart and a runing 318/904 combo. Good deal considering I actually drove the Dart for 1.5 yrs before parking it.

I dont know any machinist locally who I would trust. The closest one is 3.5 hr drive. Really great engine builder/machinist who is a mopar guy.

Im in Canada,so I think I can automatically add 20% on to your estimate. It's a mystery why us Canadians pay on avg 20% more than americans. The govt simply says it's not likely to change,even though our doller has been substantially higher and consistantly stronger for the most part than the U.S buck. I think it's just greed personally.

Isnt the Dana a bit heavier than an 8 3/4? Yes it is heavier.

I do already have a spring relocation kit (thanks Doug!!) so that is something I dont need to buy.
Axles,probably gears and rebuild kit,plus the misc stuff like brake parts,lines,etc etc. I am using stock mopar 8 3/4 brakes 10"

I'll shoot my machinist friend an email,see if he can help with an estimate for shortening a Dana. It was $250 to have the housing cut install new bearings and set the rear back up and change out the clutch hubs and side gears. Now this was my parts. Had $100 in the bearing rebuild kit and $60 in the housing ends. $75 in the 30 spline side gear and clutch hubs.

Lol,probably wont have any problems selling that A body 8 3/4 IF I decide on this route...

I'm sure you wont. I went dana because it was avaliable to me at a good price Cost me about $100 with purchase and fuel to go get and it was a power loc. When looking for a 8 3/4 all I could find was B body stuff and even the A body one I still would have needed cut. After looking online I estimated 6-700 just in a rear and thats not even getting it here yet. If you have the 8 3/4 already use that and be ahead. I estimate my hp somewhere between 480-525hp. Is the Dana overkill probably. But I have something that I can use for later on if I ever build a bigger motor.

 

[HOTRODSATHER]

Might as well get as much use out of a used rear end before you go through the cost and effort of freshing everythig up, also no ebery one has unlimited funds so he may have had to save. We aint running chevys here, MOPAR get expensive

 

[kingoftow]

Hey 72scamptramp, keep that Dana, it will take all the horse power you can throw at it (my 72 Duster has a Dana 60 that I put in it out of a 72 Motorhome/4.10gears) and I drag Race it and tow 8,500lbs with it on a regular basis...no worries...kingoftow:glasses7:

 

[needsaresto]

Might as well get as much use out of a used rear end before you go through the cost and effort of freshing everythig up, also no ebery one has unlimited funds so he may have had to save. We aint running chevys here, MOPAR get expensive

Boy oh boy do I know it! Mopar is THE MOST EXPENSIVE $$ wise. Low production #'s and weirdo part's hoarders have aggravated the situtation,already toxic with greed.

I will be reusing my 8 3/4 for sure,just need the 3:91 gear's for a 742 housing. I'm hoping the stock 10"drums out back and the 4 piston KH brakes will be enough to slow it down.

I have to save for every part and piece I buy.And I do buy it,despite what some seem to think. Referring to parts donations here,as there are some folks who think I rely on donations alone. Hell no,in fact that's a last resort. I buy 98% of my parts..anyways rant off.

So the 8 3/4 stays with me,as I cant replace it. Unless a Dana replacement fall's in my lap:thumrigh:

 

[demon seed]

I've run many of them behind heavy B body 4 speed Big Blocks and what it comes down to is this. If they're put together with quality bearings to manuf. specs, and (the next is very important) by someone who knows what they're doing (things like being anal when it comes to getting the pattern perfect) then you gotto try real hard to break one. I've broke 2 u-joints over the years I've yet to break an 8 3/4 and thats at 25% strip and 75% street.

 

[pishta]

tapered axles would save a rear, you may break an axle, but the spiders and gears would probably survive. I always wondered why aftermarket axles were straight ( I know, its cheap) after reading why many stock axles were tapered. Gives them a little "give" instead of a little "break"

 

[needsaresto]

I was real glad to locate this Dart with an 8 3/4. It was worth buying just for that alone.