i see a lot of either questons 489 or 741 dif is one better then other
whats the differance ...do they both bolt in the housing ,are there even more #s
the one i got for my dart is a 489 that i want to change the gear ratio and put a clutch type sure lock
i think my 67 pu is a 741 ? when i was getting bearings think i had to know if early or late
not sure what the 65 pu has
thanks
Some notes from my 8-3/4" Axle Guide. FYI...
8-3/4" Axle Center Section Types
The 8-3/4" axle was available in three basic types. The axle types are differentiated by the following pinion stem diameters:
The choice of the axle pinion assembly was determined based on the application, vehicle weight, and power level.
1-3/8" small stem pinion... (aka. '741')
Carrier casting numbers: 1820657 (1957-1964), 2070741 (1964-1972).
This assembly was typically used in low weight/low horsepower applications through low weight/medium horsepower and high weight/low horsepower applications. Pinion depth and bearing preload is set with shims. Differential bearing setting, or backlash, is set with threaded adjusters.
1-3/4" large stem pinion... (aka. '742')
Carrier casting numbers: 1634985 (1957-1964), 2070742 (~1961-1969).
This assembly was replaced by a phase-in of the 1-7/8" pinion starting in the 1969 model year. 1970 Plymouth and Dodge mid-size models were the last models to use the 1-3/4" pinion which was built in a 2881489 case. This assembly was typically used in high weight/medium horsepower applications through high weight/high horsepower applications. Pinion depth and bearing preload is set with shims. Differential
bearing setting, or backlash, is set with threaded adjusters.
1-7/8" tapered stem pinion... (aka. '489')
Carrier casting numbers: 2881488, 2881489 (1969-1974).
This assembly was introduced in 1969 and was phased-in to replace the 1-3/4" unit through 1970.
NOTE: the 1-3/4" pinion also appeared in some '489' carriers during this period. By 1973, the '489' was the only unit available in passenger car applications. This assembly was typically used in high weight/medium horsepower
applications through high weight/high horsepower applications. Pinion depth is set with shims, preload is set with a crush sleeve although aftermarket solid spacers are available. Differential bearing setting, or backlash, is set with threaded adjusters.
General and Interchange
The 8-3/4" axle assembly was used in Chrysler product car lines, light duty trucks, and vans from 1957 through 1974.
8-3/4" carrier assemblies can be identified externally by the casting numbers. Additionally, the '741' commonly has a large
X cast on the left side, the '742' may have a large
2 cast on the left side, and the
'489' has a large
9 cast on the left side. Through 1965, the factory ratio was stamped on the identification boss, followed by an 'S' if Sure Grip equipped. After 1965, a tag was affixed under one of the carrier mounting nuts to identify the ratio. If Sure Grip equipped, an additional Sure Grip lube tag was sometimes affixed and later years sometimes had the filler plug painted orange.
Any 8-3/4" center section can be interchanged for another as an entire assembly. Sure Grip types can be interchanged between the carriers if the matching differential axle bearings are retained. The outside diameter of the cups are the same between the '741'/'742' and the '489' but the inner cone differs. Note that prior to 1964, a difference in thrust blocks affect center section interchange, as well as axle interchange. The axle shaft thrust spacer, or thrust block, for open differentials was a little thicker than units made after 1964.
Strength Considerations
Pinions
The 1-3/8" '741' pinion is considered the weakest of the three pinion sizes. It is still a capable unit in most moderate power, moderate traction street applications. For high torque applications with high traction tires, the 1-3/4" or 1-7/8" should be considered.
The 1-7/8" '489' pinion is supposedly the strongest. Although the stem tapers down along it's length, it appears inherently stronger from a pinion stem perspective and the inherent strength of the fine splines of OEM gears.
The 1-3/4" '742' pinion has a larger rear pinion bearing yielding greater strength in this area. The preload shim method of this unit is stronger then the '489' crush sleeve. The '742' is likely the stronger of the two overall. The 1-3/4" shares yoke mount diameter and mounting nut with the 1-3/8".
For perspective, the 7-1/4" axle has a 1-3/8" pinion, the 8-1/4 axle has a 1-5/8" pinion, the 9-1/4" Chrysler axle has a 1-7/8" pinion.
Sure Grips
Of the two OEM Sure Grip units, the Dana Power-Lok (1958-1969, # 2881487) is inherently stronger and provides better, equal torque transmission to both axles. It's locking capability is also proportionate to the applied torque. The Borg Warner Spin Resistant unit (1969-1974 # 2881343)is weaker, but is a more versatile unit for practical street applications in inclement traction periods. The Dana unit is better for racing applications and has clutch rebuild kits available. The Borg Warner unit was not intended to be rebuildable, but there are re-machining/rebuild methods available.