[Sixshooter45]

Hello all, I have a 53 chevy 2 door post and I am in the process of pulling the engine and tranny and installing a mustang II front clip. It will also be getting a 500 hp 383 stroker and most likely a 700r4 or possibly TH350.

My question is, what rear end would y'all recommend I run? I currently has a torque tube rear end and small leaves. I will of course be upgrading to 2.5" leaves as well. I would like to do the rear end as cost effectively as possible. I have been told the stock rear is 60''. And I would like to be able to run a 8'' wide rear wheel, any recommendations on that? I know they can be narrowed, so what all is involved in that? based on the research I have done a 67-69 camaro rear is a popular swap, but is it stout enough for this application? I am pretty new to this so any and all help would be much appreciated.

BTW, the car will be used mainly for fun on the street with maybe a few passes once in a while.

Thanks again

[eloc431962]

I would run either a 3.42 or 3.73 gear if it was me anyway, and either would be just fine for what you said it was going to be used for JMO. I like the 3.73 gear but the 3.42 would be more friendly on the open road but what it comes down to also it what converter and what will the rear tire size be, these play a big part when it comes to getting the correct gear for what you will have.
And also if it's the 8.5 rear camaro housing you talking about it can handle the HP IMHO. That's what's under my 67 camaro with 26 inch tires and 3.73 gears with a turbo 350 trans with IIRC a 3000 or 3500 stall and i myself love it.JMO


Cole

[helrazr3]

i would say go with a ford 9 inch they are fairly easy to find and there are so many used on different street rod projects im sure you can find one thats 60 inches you can even buy them brand new

[swvalcon]

I would stay with a 10 or 12 bolt gm rear. Not as strong as a 9" but takes less hp to turn.

[Ron Golden]

From a practical point of view there are some things to consider before you go out and buy the wrong rearend:

1) Decide what tire and wheel you want to run. Place them under the car where they look right and have the proper clearance. Measure the distance between wheel mounting surfaces. That will be the overall length of the rearend you'll need.

2) Measure the diameter of the tire.

3) Determine which tranny you'll run because the 700R4's have an overdrive and will reduce your overall final gear ratio/engine rpm about 30%. Your 500 HP 383 won't like a 3.42 gear with 30" tires because the engine rpm will be WAY too low when your in overdrive. (3.42 x .7= 2.39:1 overall final rearend ratio)

Example: 70 MPH X 2.39/30 X 336 = 1874 RPM..... and a 383 that makes 500 HP won't like running at that low of an rpm.

A 350 or 400 tranny will be cruising at 2681 prm with the same 3.42 gear and the 3.73 will be at 2924 rpm at the same 70 mph.

With your tape measure in hand go to your local salvage yard and find a 9" Ford, 8 3/4 Chrysler or 12 Bolt GM rearend. Determine the ratio, buy it and stick it under the car. Worse case...you may have to buy, and install, the right ratio you want.

Whatever you do don't trick yourself into thinking you need the latest/greatest/most expensive rearend you can buy. This isn't a top fuel car with 6000 hp. Forget about trying to impress you buddies, they won't know the difference anyway.

Ron

For

[Sixshooter45]

I appreciate everyones replies, they have all been helpful. Ron's post above has me thinking maybe a overdrive trans (700r4) is not really necessary in this case; I will do more research on the TH350...plus, I like the price better

As for the ratio- I was planning to run a 3.73, so it sounds like the TH350 would be a fine choice and not be wrapped out when going down the highway at 70 with 3.73's...although I am unsure on the tire size right now. Even though this car will see very few highway miles I would like to have a decent all around setup.

And I decided on the 9" Ford simply because I know it is stout. More than needed for this setup...yes, I'm sure it is but I would rather have enough axle incase I decide to add more power in the future. So, I guess I'll start hunting around for a good one that will work in this application and if anyone has any additional advice I'm all ears.

Many Thanks

[Two8tyThree]

Don't dismiss the 8.8 Explorer rear end about as strong as a 12 bolt, the right width for your chebby and are quite economical in the bone yards. Also come with 3.42 or 3.73 gears and limited slip for free.

[Sixshooter45]

What year explorer would I be looking for?

[Two8tyThree]

Measure your rear end width, then go to the pick and pull and find an Explorer rear end within +/- 1". A bit narrower is better wider rims can be used. I believe yours is about 60" if I remember correctly. You will need to weld on spring perches, buy them a Chrysler dealer.
Do a search on 8.8 Explorer rear ends on the web there is tons of info about them. Offroaders have been using them for years. The newer ones also come with rear disc brakes too.

here's a great link to read:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

PS - a mustang 8.8 rear end might be the right width for you.

[Sixshooter45]

Great I will sure look into it. And yes the rear in my car is 60". I would like to find a 58.5" or 59" as you mentioned to run wider rear wheels. And you think it would be plenty strong for a street car with a 500hp engine?

Thanks

[Two8tyThree]

Got a buddy with a Mustang that runs on the strip. It runs 10.20's with an 8.8 and 4.11 gears with no problems.

Here read this:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...plorer8_8.html

[Sixshooter45]

Well I'd say it's plenty stout for my application then, I appreciate the advice and i'll start looking around for one (hoping to find a 31 spline)

[techinspector1]

The rear track on your car is 58.75". That's centerline of the left rear tire to the centerline of the right rear tire.
Cars that are close are '68-'74 Buick Apollo at 58.8", 78-86 Buick Century, Monte Carlo, Malibu, El Camino, Cutlass and Grand Prix at 58.8".

Mopars would have an 8 3/4" rear and the candidates are the '75-'79 Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare at 59 inches.

Some cars are listed with only the rear axle flange to axle flange. In my experience, this measurement is very close to "track". Candidates include the 57.0" rear from a '71-'74 V8 Maverick (an 8" rear) and all '75-'77 5-lug Mavericks. I'd try to find an 8" out of a Maverick first, simply because they were slung on leaf springs and already have a spring mount welded on.

I'm not sure, but I think the Fox body Mustangs are close also and came with a very nice 8.8" differential.

Closing up the rear of the pack is the '49-'51 Ford and the '57-'59 (9-inch rear) Ford with axle flange to axle flange 57.0"