Hey guys/gals, I'm looking for a newer rear end for my 38 DeSoto. I'm measuring about 55 inches to the back sides of the wheel drums on the original one. Is this the right place to measure from? Does anyone know what might fit in this space? I'm using a 350/350 combo with a 76 Camaro subframe in the front. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
Hey, 38Special, I think you'll find the answers to your questions on Fatman Fabricators page, he list a group of rearends and the widths of each. I personally think you need to measure to the outside of the brake drum where the back of the wheel will contact the brake drum. This will give you the total outside dimension you need (somewhere around 60" I would suspect)and you can determine the backspacing you will need for your rear wheels (somewhere in the neighborhood of
3 3/4" on an 8" wide wheel I figure to give you the offset you will need to put the tire under the fender without rubbing inside the fenderwell or frame rails. I have a '40 Buick coupe and I use a 10 bolt GM rear from a '73 Nova. The 67-69 Camaros are also the same as well as the ealier Novas. The deminsions listed above and the set up I use are what I have described and what works under my car. You will find many other rearends, GM or Ford that will work. Just don't get too wide or you will have to jack the rear of the car up for the rear tires to clear the rear fenders because it's too wide to fit under the car. I know you have seen this before...it looks like crap...and no reason to do it, just get it right the first time and you wont have to deal with it. Hope this helps...PACO
Actually I believe that if you are ordering an axle housing they will want the flange to flange measurements. This is basicly the same as the back of the brake hub to brake hub measurements.
However the back spacing of the wheels you intend to use will require consideration when ordering the housing.
Thanks, guys. I'm working on a tight back yard budget so was trying to find a rear end out of a used car. Buying new is an option only when all else fails. You've been helpful though.
ive got a few ideas. ford makes a strong rear end so try this first 76-80 granada 67-74 stang, 72-74 nova 79-83 trans am some have disc brakes look hard, and are easy to shorten.try these. you can give or take a few inches. a 68-76 bronco 4x4 is at 52 inches and will come with limited slip.
Thanks loads guys. I just picked up a 76 cutlass the rear measures 53", think it will work? Or should I continue looking? Any thoughts? You guys are a great help!!!!!
Or should I just use the rear end that was made with the car? Will it work for the engine I'm Using? Is it safe for freeway driving. I might even get an old camping trailer at some point to refurbish and pull behind it. You've been great so far! But I'm in unfamiliar territory here. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
I put a ford 9 inch from a 70 cougar in my 47 plymouth. The spring mounts were almost perfect for chassis eng. springs and I have enough room for 10 inch wide rear wheels.
A NOVA rear end is about 55". I just pulled out a 10 bolt posi-trac nova unit from my old ford and installed a ford 9". This was due to converting to a pro street set-up and being unable to easily narrow the nova unit due to tapered axles. Sold it for $25.00. There are plenty of these around and you shouldn't have any problem finding one. Good Luck.
Thanks I might try that if I find one. I was casually measuring my sons 86 almost show room condition camaro. It measures 55". Wonder how late he has to work today and how fast I can be?
The measurement you need for your rear is flange to flange. Thats the outside surface of the brake drum where the wheel mounts, not the inside.
My guess is that your measurement will come out to around 58-60 inches.
Don't try to us the stock rearend. Those cars were designed for speeds much less than you'll drive on the interstate and if you're going to pull something it won't stand the stress. Once you have your measurements there are plenty of web sites that can supply you with the width and year of rear ends that will fit your car. Then all you have to do is pick one that meets your needs. Highway driver with mild hp (300 or less) Ford 8" or similar. More than 300 hp and the occational trip to the strip, GM 10 bolt.
Big hp, GM 12 bolt, Ford 9" or similar. The Ford 8" and GM 10 bolt are easy to find and if you don't need a posi unit are cheap too.
Thanks Centerline that was a great help. Don't plan on any racing with it but my kid says I should. But kids like everything fast. I just want a cruiser to enjoy and have fun with. O.k. Maybe a race or two. Just a little kid left in me too.
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