Outside the normal differential

[Ugly1]

We all are use to the different rear differentials that are used. Ford 9”, 8.5”,7.5” and some of the aftermarket ones. Has many thought to use a Mopar rearend or truck ones? How about the Franklin quick change or a Winter’s quick Change? No sure if they make 2speed rear that would fit under the G-Bodies.
Just throwing it out there as a spark for ideas.

 

[DSPbuilt]

I cant seem to find it but I found a company that made brackets for winter in a Gbody "metric chassis" as the Merry Go' Round boys call them.
after seeing that I thought if I found one cheap it would be pretty cool.


Edit: found it https://www.medievalchassis.com/pro...er-trailing-arm-mount-w-pull-bushings-metric/

 

[Ugly1]

I cant seem to find it but I found a company that made brackets for winter in a Gbody "metric chassis" as the Merry Go' Round boys call them.
after seeing that I thought if I found one cheap it would be pretty cool.


Edit: found it https://www.medievalchassis.com/pro...er-trailing-arm-mount-w-pull-bushings-metric/


View attachment 200244

Cool! I know those are not a low budget item. I have only seen a few in person and one was going into a built truck and the driveline came out of his Bud light oval track car.

 

[Streetbu]

Strange makes a Dana 60 to fit g bodies.

 

[64nailhead]

If I was to drop the big dollar, then a Dana 60 would be my choice. Yes, over a 9” and all of the BS that comes with a 9”.

Street cars with street tires will never break an 8.5. Throw a power adder at it and sticky tires - a 30 spline 8.5/8.6 with a good set of axles will live on the street forever.

1000whp needs more than a GM 8.5. Dana or aftermarket Ford center section (no stock Ford 9” will take 1000hp reliably.)

 

[Ugly1]

If I was to drop the big dollar, then a Dana 60 would be my choice. Yes, over a 9” and all of the BS that comes with a 9”.

Street cars with street tires will never break an 8.5. Throw a power adder at it and sticky tires - a 30 spline 8.5/8.6 with a good set of axles will live on the street forever.

1000whp needs more than a GM 8.5. Dana or aftermarket Ford center section (no stock Ford 9” will take 1000hp reliably.)

I just figured guys can look at more than just what everyone else uses on this thread. We are only limited by what we have and what we can imagine. It doesn’t have to be for the track as you said. Street vs.track are has a large gray area. But to point out others ideas and what can be done. Many will debate the 9” style vs. the 12 bolt vs. the 10 bolt. And never realize there are more styles that can be used.
Kind of a learning thing from those who have done/seen the “stranger” muscle mix and match 😁 And thank you!

 

[81cutlass]

I avoid the 9" ford like a plague because although it's an OK rear when built it has a lot of issues. Mainly, cost. a 9" hasn't gone into the junk yard since the late 70's and the OE gear ratio selection is poor, they are rarely the right width, they are drums, they have the wrong bolt pattern, they are inefficient, & people think used 9" parts are GOLD. Usually high volume means low price (think how many cheap LS, SBC or fox stuff there is) but used 9" center sections that are used, plentiful, and have been punished with 1000hp for 3 seasons are somehow still 80%+ of their original value. There is nothing really left of an OEM ford 9" by the time you make it useful, the used market is dumb, and they are 1956 tech.

I am also not a fan of 12 bolt A body rear ends because again, they aren't the right width, they haven't gone into a junkyard since 1972, the gear ratios are usually bad, they have drums, and you have to buy special control arms to make them fit.

The best option that is unobtainable is a 98-05 blazer 2wd with the tow package. It will be a 30 spline, disk, 3.73 or 3.42, 5x4.75 and within 1/2" of OEM G body. They are just impossible to find. If you welded on LCA brackets an bolted on an UCA adapter plate you could drop it in the car without even opening the rear.

I have looked into the Dana 60 and it's a killer option. The only negative is usually they have MASSIVE axle tube wall thicknesses and getting them assembled kinda sucks because you need a case spreader. The good? The Dana 60 came in late 90's ford E250 vans and are available with 3.73 and 4.09 gears, 35 spline axles and are PLENTIFUL for under $200. If you cut the axle tubes down and replace with a 9" torino style end with GM disk brake backing plate pattern and get a set of off-the shelf 9" 35 spline axles and throw a spool or posi in with the stock gears you got a rear that will go 8's for under $750.

Other option I am a fan of is a semi-float GM/AAM 9.5" out of a TBSS. Also 1/2 ton late GMT400 with the tow package and 6 lug. Price and availability is good, but again they need disk conversion and axles for the right bolt pattern. For TBSS they are 4.10, clutch posi, 33 spline. Worst part is for hard core drag race applications they don't have a spool available from what I have found.

I have a 8.6 center section out of a 98 Zr2 S10 with Moser 30 spline GN axles, G body tubes & a plate for the UCA's in my 2+2.

 

[DRIVEN]

I think Clutch has an 8 3/4 Mopar under one of his.

 

[Ugly1]

I avoid the 9" ford like a plague because although it's an OK rear when built it has a lot of issues. Mainly, cost. a 9" hasn't gone into the junk yard since the late 70's and the OE gear ratio selection is poor, they are rarely the right width, they are drums, they have the wrong bolt pattern, they are inefficient, & people think used 9" parts are GOLD. Usually high volume means low price (think how many cheap LS, SBC or fox stuff there is) but used 9" center sections that are used, plentiful, and have been punished with 1000hp for 3 seasons are somehow still 80%+ of their original value. There is nothing really left of an OEM ford 9" by the time you make it useful, the used market is dumb, and they are 1956 tech.

I am also not a fan of 12 bolt A body rear ends because again, they aren't the right width, they haven't gone into a junkyard since 1972, the gear ratios are usually bad, they have drums, and you have to buy special control arms to make them fit.

The best option that is unobtainable is a 98-05 blazer 2wd with the tow package. It will be a 30 spline, disk, 3.73 or 3.42, 5x4.75 and within 1/2" of OEM G body. They are just impossible to find. If you welded on LCA brackets an bolted on an UCA adapter plate you could drop it in the car without even opening the rear.

I have looked into the Dana 60 and it's a killer option. The only negative is usually they have MASSIVE axle tube wall thicknesses and getting them assembled kinda sucks because you need a case spreader. The good? The Dana 60 came in late 90's ford E250 vans and are available with 3.73 and 4.09 gears, 35 spline axles and are PLENTIFUL for under $200. If you cut the axle tubes down and replace with a 9" torino style end with GM disk brake backing plate pattern and get a set of off-the shelf 9" 35 spline axles and throw a spool or posi in with the stock gears you got a rear that will go 8's for under $750.

Other option I am a fan of is a semi-float GM/AAM 9.5" out of a TBSS. Also 1/2 ton late GMT400 with the tow package and 6 lug. Price and availability is good, but again they need disk conversion and axles for the right bolt pattern. For TBSS they are 4.10, clutch posi, 33 spline. Worst part is for hard core drag race applications they don't have a spool available from what I have found.

I have a 8.6 center section out of a 98 Zr2 S10 with Moser 30 spline GN axles, G body tubes & a plate for the UCA's in my 2+2.
View attachment 200259
View attachment 200260

Very cool. Very good information!! Thank you!

 

[Ugly1]

I think Clutch has an 8 3/4 Mopar under one of his.

Those I know have a weakness mostly with the one axle as I was told. Solid rear! but guys snap that one axle unless changed. Like 81cutlass mentioned it’s hard to find a good used one anymore. (My brother is a Mopar guru/collector/parts seller and has a yard that has made it on a Motor Trend show)
The cost of them is like the 9”. But would love to hear his input! Thank you!!