Spring perches on 8 3/4

[74scamp360]

i've gotten the spring offset kit for my 74 scamp so im having to cut off the old spring perches and moving them in an inch on each side. since this is my first more major undertaking on a car i was wondering what is the best way to make sure the perches are on in the right place to get close to the right pinion angle, should they both be cut off and install the rear end in the car and adjust it when its in and then weld them on or cut them off one at a time and weld them back on at the same angle as the old ones, any suggestions are welcome. thanks

 

[jefflock]

First off you will have to pull the rear out completely to cut off the old mounts and clean the housing up.(grind it smooth) It would be better to mock it up under the car so you can set the rear end equally spaced from side to side. They are normally off some. Go ahead and set your pinion angle and then tack the perches in place. Remove the assembly again and weld the perches on completely.
Or you can remove the rear end. Set it up on a sturdy fixture with the perches level. Measure where they are at now. Cut them off and install the new ones 3/4" or whatever your offset kit is further to the inside using your level to set them back up to the proper angle.(level)

 

[74scamp360]

it is currently out of the car, its never been inthe car, so i can do it either way, if its easier to set everything up in the car as far as pinion angle and center then take it back out to do the final welds that sounds good to me, i had mentioned doing it that way to my boss who has been involved with racing cars a bit and he said that wouldnt work but that didnt really make sense to me but if youve done it that way before i'll take your word

 

[74scamp360]

does anyone know off the top of their heads what the pinion angle should be for a bit of a performance set up

 

[Bad Sport]

If you have a level surface (level concrete floor in the garage) you can take two concrete blocks or wood blocks and set the perches on them, set the diff on the perches and set your angle that way. Be absolutely sure they are centered before you weld them (as in equal distance from the flange etc). You will want to set the springs in place and measure the distance center to center on the locator pins to be sure of the center hole width from perch to perch.

I think my angle is around -6* checked with an angle finder that you can pick up at a local store, Lowes, Home Depot if you have them up there.

As always do your homework before you weld anything up.

Here is an article that might give you some pointers.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/..._0404_8_3_4_rear_axle_housing_swap/index.html