Restoring a 65 Barracuda...and the 7 1/4" rear

[pbiggs]

I'm looking for suggestions/advice as to the best person or shop to rebuild the 7 1/4" 3:23 differential in my 65 Formula S. Currently there are no mechanical problems with the rear, but I do have a SureGrip unit I would like to add to the current non SureGrip rear end during a rebuild.

I leave transmissions and rear end rebuilding to those with experience and the tools for the job. And, after reading the maintenance manual and discovering the case requires a special tool to expand the casing up to .020" to remove the gears, I am convinced my decision is a correct one.

I'm not interested in upgrading to other rears....my plan is to keep the car as original as possible. I have already rebuilt the ball and trunion joint on the front of the driveshaft........so you know I must be serious about rebuilding and using the original rear.

Any suggestions would be appreciated....I live in northwestern Virginia, about 70 miles west of Washington DC

Thanks, Pat

 

[65 Dartman]

Can help you out as far as a shop to rebuild the 7 & 1/4 but did want to say hi. See you live in Front Royal; I'm next town over going west in Strasburg.

 

[leblanc]

If your car is a V8, scrap the 7 1/4 cause its your weak link(unless you do not drive it much or too hard), find a 8 1/4. If its a six, 7 1/4 is fine.

 

[pbiggs]

Can help you out as far as a shop to rebuild the 7 & 1/4 but did want to say hi. See you live in Front Royal; I'm next town over going west in Strasburg.

Hi to you....I believe we have communicated in the past. I have a 65 Barracuda S with 4 speed currently under a restoration.
What are you suggestions and a good source to do the rear end work?
Thanks, Pat

 

[65 Dartman]

Hi to you....I believe we have communicated in the past. I have a 65 Barracuda S with 4 speed currently under a restoration.
What are you suggestions and a good source to do the rear end work?
Thanks, Pat

Hi Pat - we might have talked in the past. Of course some days I can't remember what I had for breakfast. Possibly your best bet might be Marlowe Motors or Woodstock Garage; I had an 8 & 1/4 rebuilt at Woodstock Garage and they did a great job. Other than being a dealer, don't know anything about Marlowe. Personally, I'd swap it out for an 8 & 3/4 since you have a V8 4 speed and with that combo you could tear up the 7 & 1/4 with some aggressive clutch work. All my A Bodies have (or will have) the 8 & 3/4.

 

[Babyblue66]

If your car is a V8, scrap the 7 1/4 cause its your weak link(unless you do not drive it much or too hard), find a 8 1/4. If its a six, 7 1/4 is fine.

pbiggs "I'm not interested in upgrading to other rears....my plan is to keep the car as original as possible."

Read entire post first.

 

[cosgig]

Is the suregrip unit you have for a 7 1/4" rear end?? If it is it's a pretty rare find and a good add. If it's not from a 7 1/4" rear it will not fit. Sorry i can't help locate a good shop in your area, but I live in Michigan. Good luck with your project, Geof