RETAIN 4.5" BOLT PATTERN 8 3/4 A-BODY

[Duster_340]

I have a 1975 Duster with an 8 1/4 rear. Excellent so far, but I want to built an 8 3/4 and retain 4.5 inch bolt pattern.
Some use the "B" body housing and move the spring perches. Are all "B" body housings the same width? I read somewhere the 1965 "B" body housing is norrower than the others and very close to the "A" body width??
Other options are: redrill the 4" to 4.5"-I don't know how strong this would be? Buy new axles from Moser etc, or have some 4.5" factory axles shortened and resplined-but again I may lose strength.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

[kchristopher]

Originally posted by Duster_340:
I have a 1975 Duster with an 8 1/4 rear. Excellent so far, but I want to built an 8 3/4 and retain 4.5 inch bolt pattern.
Some use the "B" body housing and move the spring perches. Are all "B" body housings the same width?

No

I read somewhere the 1965 "B" body housing is norrower than the others and very close to the "A" body width??

I believe they are narrower, but don't know how they compare.

Other options are: redrill the 4" to 4.5"-I don't know how strong this would be?

I have a friend in the 12s with nitrous on redrilled axles. Another who autocrosses. Downsides with this route are 2, center register is too small to center BBP wheels, so they center on the studs and have to use A-body, 8.75 brakes.

[ Buy new axles from Moser etc, or have some 4.5" factory axles shortened and resplined-but again I may lose strength.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Strength is fine. I recommend finding the C body units that work and mailing to Moser to respline. Cheaper than their custom axles. Pluses: Get to use big car brakes (or reuse your 8.25 brakes) and have a functional center register.

I resplined on my car. Check out http://www.public.usit.net/jmoore/modcudafaq.html#moser for more info on what to look for in donor axles.



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68 Cuda, twisties style
http://members.xoom.com/magnumcuda/sprfish.htm
96 Club Cab 4x4, Cummins 5spd

[dschumers]

Duster_340, I did this swap this summer in my '76 Duster. I took out a 71/4 and put in the 83/4. I had Moser cut and re-spline a set of Challenger axles, (They have to be E or C body for length), and the brakes off the 71/4 bolted right on. Also, if you have Moser put on the 'Green' bearings, they put in long wheel studs for free! Dennis

[bbeep71]

try this web sit
http://www.autohobbydigest.com/8_75.html

[Duster_340]

Thank you BBeep-that's some excellent info. on the 8 3\4.