Project ugly duckling

[Mark Nixon]

It entails cutting the housing up and installing custom axles.
I believe the 8-3/4 or Dana 60 Housing ends will work.
Brakes will be mediocre compared to the 3/4 ton pieces, but then, 5 lug stuff isn't the biggest, anyway.
You could always do disc brakes on the rear, which add a new step to the whole idea.

There are 2 routes you can go on the axle bearings, sealed (referred to as "Green") bearings or A-7 tapered roller axle bearings, as stock on the 8-3/4, or Mopar Car Dana 60.
The A-7s require a spacer pin (Powerlock Diff) or block (Open or Trac-Lock) to be installed that pass through the spider shafts on a (4 pinion) powerlock differential.

The spacer is to allow bearing preload adjustment on semi-floating axles with tapered roller bearings.

If you really wanted to go BIG on the splines, I believe it is possible to put Dana 80 37 spline internals into a Dana 70 carrier, and since you will likely have to go custom axles, the cost won't be any more than if you go 35 spline, 32 spline or 30 spline.

If you have ever been into an 8-3/4 Mopar rear end, or a Dana, you'll understand the things I mentioned here, otherwise it's probably Greek to you.

Mark.

[dazedandconfused]

I've never been in a 8 3/4 not sure if I've ever seen one. Been in a 60 a bout 10 years ago now. Thanks for the info I will probably put disc on the rear as well.

[RumbleFish]

what motor is in it now?

[dazedandconfused]

It's a 318/727 right now that is for sale. Motor was gone threw by previous owner. Has a mild cam in it and a Edelbrock carb that needs rebuilt. Trying to sell engine and trans before I pull it apart. If anyone is interested $500 for engine and trans.

[dazedandconfused]

Well Moser sells housing ends and can get custom 35 spline axles made. How are the semi floaters held in on the 60? I'm use to full floaters or the old Ford C clip retainers.

[oldestof11]

If you go custom D70 semi float, then I would pay for a 14B, that 3rd pinion bearing is its at. Just the lowest numerical gearset is like a 3.27.

[Mark Nixon]

Well Moser sells housing ends and can get custom 35 spline axles made. How are the semi floaters held in on the 60? I'm use to full floaters or the old Ford C clip retainers.

There are retainers on the bearing end that hold the axles to the housing ends, kinda' like a cap over the bearing races.

If I had an old Mopar 8-3/4 axle I could snap a pic of the arrangement.
It's really the cat's meow compared to C-clips.

I really doubt that durability will be an issue with the D-70 and drag racing, most guys who break D-70 pinions are sledpulling thousands of pounds and making 500-600 pds/ft of torque doing it.
A slick on the dragstrip will take some of the shock loading out of it.

Mark.

[dazedandconfused]

That's how I thought they were held in. I don't see it breaking either in a 4900lb truck.

[dazedandconfused]

Started stripping the 93 today.

[dazedandconfused]

Well worked on it a little bit after I got off work. The 93 is just a frame and drivetrain.

[ellis93]

What are your plans for the front suspension. Are you sticking with the half ton stuff or is there to be a cobbling of 3/4 and 1/2 ton stuff. I'm curious because I'm thinking on doing something on the same lines with a 82 Chevy half ton in the near future.

[dazedandconfused]

I'm going to try and run the diesel springs with the lower arms off one of the two donor trucks I have. If it's not low enough or won't work the way I want I guess I could run aftermarket lower control arms. http://www.midamericacustoms.com/72-93r ... olarm.aspx

[ellis93]

Cool arm, high price. What about slicing one coil off of the spring? Its been done before without adverse effects.
On my Chevy I had thought of swapping to the 3/4 stuff and using the brass or bronze bushing up/lower control arms. My concern was for the rubber bushings.

[dazedandconfused]

From what I've read one of the 3/4 ton lower arms will bolt up and I can use my diesel springs probably end up cutting a coil or half off. I want it to sit low and tuck 33's under the fenders in the rear.

[ellis93]

It'll look sweet with the big meats on the back for sure . Its to bad they don't make a heavy set of trick springs for the front that will hold up to the cummins. What's your plan on the rear? You gonna do coil overs or stick with the leaf springs.