Valiant 7 1/4 differential

[CdnValiant]

I have pulled apart the original 7 1/4 rear end to change gears from 2.94 to 3.23. I had purchased the 3.23 gears on ebay new for $50. almost two years ago and all looked OK at first, however the pinion end is 7/8 fine thread on the 3.23's as compared to 3/4 fine on the originals. The ring gear bolt holes are 5/16 LH thread compared to 3/8 LH for the originals. I checked against a parts car 7 1/4 from a 69 Barracuda and they are the same as the original Valiant parts. Has anyone else run into this. Are the 3.23 gears possibly from a very different application? I haven't found 5/16 LH ring gears bolts and am not to sure about using them in a differential drilled for 3/8 even if I did find them. Any help would be appreciated. Might have to look for more compatible 3.23 or 3.55's.

 

[racerdan80]

Have you considered upgrading to an 8.25 or 8 3/4? 8.25 is plenty strong enough for most mild street motors up to 400hp and parts are readily available at parts stores as well as salvage.

 

[CdnValiant]

Have you considered upgrading to an 8.25 or 8 3/4? 8.25 is plenty strong enough for most mild street motors up to 400hp and parts are readily available at parts stores as well as salvage.

Thanks for the reply. The car is a 64 Canadian Valiant convertible with a mild original 273 automatic. It is just a cruiser, so I don't push it to hard. My plan was just to add a little with the 3.23's when I bought them so cheap as I had replaced the original 13 inch wheels with 14's.

 

[valiantpatrol]

I've run into this before also. the difference is the year manufactured. 7.25 rears were used into the late eighties in passenger cars. While I do not know the specific year, I believe in the late 70's or early eighties. Prior to that date they were all made one way, after that date they were made another way.

 

[CdnValiant]

I've run into this before also. the difference is the year manufactured. 7.25 rears were used into the late eighties in passenger cars. While I do not know the specific year, I believe in the late 70's or early eighties. Prior to that date they were all made one way, after that date they were made another way.

 

[CdnValiant]

Thanks for the replies. I have purchased some 3.55's from a Dakota with a 7 1/4 and with the use of a crush sleeve was able to make the install.

 

[hippy 60]

Thanks for the replies. I have purchased some 3.55's from a Dakota with a 7 1/4 and with the use of a crush sleeve was able to make the install.

I have a N.O.S.ring gear and pinion it a 3.90 gear for 7 1\4 i would like to use it in mine 63 Valiant where can you get the seal's and other stuff you need to change it.THANKS....

 

[Syleng1]

If anyone has the install kit it will be Randy's Ring and pinion.

 

[CdnValiant]

If anyone has the install kit it will be Randy's Ring and pinion.

I was able to source parts individually at my local parts store. I had also looked on ebay and found Ron's Machining Service lists parts as a kit for $115 US plus shipping.

 

[Syleng1]

I was able to source parts individually at my local parts store. I had also looked on ebay and found Ron's Machining Service lists parts as a kit for $115 US plus shipping.

Excellent!