Rear end

[olds307 and 403]

What is the weak spot on the 7.5”? What breaks first? Can the 7.5” be strengthened?

The spider gears, small and soft, I had them explode. The Yukon spider gears are much harder, no wear even with slicks. There are girdle covers, 28 spline Moser axles and worm gear posi like the factory Zexel Torsen posi from the 4th Gen F body or aftermarket Trutrac. I went with a solid pinion spacer to eliminate the crush sleeve, a bit stronger. Supposedly the Ratech smart sleeve is the best of both worlds.

 

[79 USA 1]

olds307 and 403 is on the money.
I also went as far as having the axle tubes welded to the center section to keep the tubes from rotating. GM used a press fit with two rosette welds. I also added a steel main cap on the ring side, 28 spline KA axles from Toms Differentials and a Detroit Locker. I have over 100 1/8th mile passes and street driving with Mickey Thompson ET Streets. Yearly inspections and gear oil changes have kept this set up alive. I will admit... the locker and ET Streets will magnify the "G-Body Shuffle" these cars are known for, standard radials will mask it somewhat.

 

[JD1964]

So now the big question. How much money does it take to beef up the 7.5 to make it worthy of some moderate abuse?

 

[Ugly1]

So now the big question. How much money does it take to beef up the 7.5 to make it worthy of some moderate abuse?

It comes down to how much are you willing to spend. Sitting and adding apples to apples is the only way. As my older brother said “ it takes money to go fast. How much money you can spend is how fast you will go.”

 

[olds307 and 403]

The cheapest route is a girdle cover, the axle tubes welded, solid pinion spacer, used 4th gen gears with a Torsen posi and Moser 28 spline axles.