7 1/4 Rearend Swap

[Cuda Kid]

Hey guys,
I have a 68 Barracuda that came stock with a 7 1/4'' rearend with and open 2.56 gear. I picked up an 8 3/4'' rear with 3.23 SG to put in it. My problem is I found out a while after I bought it that its an E-body 8 3/4 and not an A-body one. Its only 1 inch wider on each side so I figure I can make up the difference in backspacing the wheels. But the mounts for the leaf springs need to be cut off and moved in it looks like 1 inch on each side also. I was just wondering if anyone else has put an E-body rear in an A-body and could give me some advice, and possibly some more precise measurements. Thanks alot, any help is appreciated.

[rumblefish360]

You can answer this better than anybody. Breal out the tape measure and stick. Move the rear into place and see how far the pearchs have to be moved in.

[George G. Leverette]

I have a 68 barracuda that had a 7 1\4 changed to an 8 3\4. the specs for the rear axles are:

A-body 60-76 track 55.56" perches center to center 43"

B-body 62-70 track 59.20 perches 44"

B-body 71-79 track 63.40 perches 47.3"

E-body 70-74 track60.70 perches 46"

It appears you have a B-body axle if the dimensions are as you say. A friend in our club has the same setup on a 74 Duster that he is converting to the correct width, because the fenders would rub the correct size tire.

[dschumers]

I had a '71 Dart that had a B-body 8.75 under it when I got it. It will physically bolt in, but you do need some big offset wheels to get any decent size tires under it. Also, when swapping from a 7.25, you will need to shorten the driveshaft 1.75 inches.

[ehostler]

Don't forget that you will also need the correct shock plates/mounts and U-Bolts, as the axle tubes are larger in diameter.