Where to find a rear end?

[sui_winbolo]

I just graduated from college, and I'm currently job hunting. I figure I'm going to have to just piece my car together with parts instead of doing it all at once.

I plan on replacing everything dealing with the powertrain, so my question is where do I start looking for a new rear end?

I'm thinking I should be able to afford a rear end and new radiator (needs a bigger one for the v8. Just has a stock radiator.) this summer. I'd like to start with the rear end because I've read that can really wake up a car.

I know next to nothing, so what type of gearing should I look for? And more importantly, where can I study up and find a rear end for my car?

What I'd like out of my car is it to be a good daily driver and street performer. I'd like to take it on the track, however nothing too serious here. I have a feeling I won't have a fortune to dump into it. Haha

I know I've started other threads in the past about my car, but I figure it's best to start a new topic so I can get some answers quickly.


Oh, and another question, how do I find out what I have in my car currently? Is it possible without tearing down the rear end? Like is there any visible part number to look for? Also would it be better to build up the current rear end? Cheaper? More expensive?

The only thing I do know is that I don't have positive traction, which is a pain in the *ss! It's a 1983 Grand Prix Lj.

I greatly appreciate any help guys! Thanks!

 

[grant's prix]

rear

I currently run a 3.73 10 bolt 7.5 ring diameter in my 1980 with a 400 pontiac. I am about to install a 8.5 3.42 out of a Grand National. I would say your diff will depend on what motor you intend on running. If a small block Chev, mild build, the 7.5 will work. If a bigger motor, a 8.5 is preferred, but expensive. I have about $1000 into mine to date for a stock rebuild. I may sell my current diff if you are interested. Where are you in ND?

 

[beermonkey9417]

craigslist

 

[sui_winbolo]

Well I can't afford one for awhile. I haven't started my job yet, and I'm moving so I have to put my car on hold.

But I'm still interested in getting help on what to look for.

Say I'm looking to buy one, what would I tell a person what I want?

I want to put a 383 SBC.

I live 80 miles NE of Minot, ND. About 15 miles from the Canadian border.

 

[rick48195]

What I'd like out of my car is it to be a good daily driver and street performer. I'd like to take it on the track, however nothing too serious here. I have a feeling I won't have a fortune to dump into it. Haha

Let me know how that works out for you......lol

You gotta have some dough to make it go

 

[sui_winbolo]

I know.

I don't want to spend more then $10,000 on the the powertrain.

I'm going to start saving up money. I'll probably end up doing some work next summer.

So if you have any suggestions that would be greatly appreciated! :wink:

 

[Wants_a_wagon]

http://www.justrearends.com/ProductDisp ... fbaefed7a3

This site will also build you a ford 9 inch, which is a little cheaper. If you have $2.5k-$3k for a rear end, this would be more or less bullet-proof.

A cheaper option would be junkyards, craigslist, ebay, etc.

FYI, there's a junkyard in Michigan showing that they have 2 GN 3.42 rears. They would likely need to be gone over by a rear end shop in your neighborhood to see if the posi need to be rebuilt.

Elite Motors, Inc. USA-MI(Detroit) 888-354-8366 / 313-945-5400

 

[sui_winbolo]

Thanks for the link! That's something more like what I'm looking for.

So I should look for a a 3.42 ratio?

 

[Wants_a_wagon]

Thanks for the link! That's something more like what I'm looking for.

So I should look for a a 3.42 ratio?

I can't answer that without knowing what your intended use will be.

If you are going to go on a lot of long trips, but want to wake up the performance a little from your likely 2.something stock ratio, then you should look for something in the 3.06-3.24 area.

If you already hate how much you spend on gas, then a lower number is better.

If you are simply going to go back and fourth to the drag strip, and don't mind revving way too much on occasional brief highway rides, then something in the 3.77-4.10 range would be in order.

Most of us live closer to the 3 range.

If you want a (comparative) gas miser with passing power, then you may want to keep your existing rear end. Just don't go to the drag strip with it, and take it easy stabbing your foot into the gas at the stop lights.

I'm not sure if you posted a thread on your engine choice, but what is in it now?

 

[Wants_a_wagon]

You can also play with building a Ford 9" to your specs on the Currie site:

http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestor ... =1249.9500