I want to replace my 2.21-geared 8.25 in my 1983 Imperial with another axle with disc brakes:
1. I could upgrade my 2.21-geared 8.25 with gears and a posi and have about $500 wrapped up in a 8.25 with drum brakes.
2. I could get an 66-70 B-body (a direct bolt-in to the J-bodys) 8.75" rear, add posi, gears, and a disk brake swap and have at least $1200 in an axle.
3. I can get this 87-88 T-Bird turbo coupe 8.8 rear end (1" wider than the Imperial rear) with 3.73s, posi, and discs for $250 and have new perches welded on.
Now, not being on an unlimited income, #3 sounds very tempting. I'm not worried about keeping the car 100% Mopar. This car is going to be a nice day cruiser/commuter 99% of the time and the 8.8 in my '03 Mustang took the abuse of 5k launches on drag radials with no problem so cruising in a 400-powered Imperial shouldn't be a problem and I have no plans to race the car when its done. This rear will give me the gears I need for my cam and nice disc brakes to display behind my planned 18" wheels.
So with all that said, will getting the brakes to work be a pain? The Imperial came with front discs and rear drums. Will it be as simple as plumbing lines, etc. or will I need to get a proportioning valve?
Any help is appreciated!
1. I could upgrade my 2.21-geared 8.25 with gears and a posi and have about $500 wrapped up in a 8.25 with drum brakes.
2. I could get an 66-70 B-body (a direct bolt-in to the J-bodys) 8.75" rear, add posi, gears, and a disk brake swap and have at least $1200 in an axle.
3. I can get this 87-88 T-Bird turbo coupe 8.8 rear end (1" wider than the Imperial rear) with 3.73s, posi, and discs for $250 and have new perches welded on.
Now, not being on an unlimited income, #3 sounds very tempting. I'm not worried about keeping the car 100% Mopar. This car is going to be a nice day cruiser/commuter 99% of the time and the 8.8 in my '03 Mustang took the abuse of 5k launches on drag radials with no problem so cruising in a 400-powered Imperial shouldn't be a problem and I have no plans to race the car when its done. This rear will give me the gears I need for my cam and nice disc brakes to display behind my planned 18" wheels.
So with all that said, will getting the brakes to work be a pain? The Imperial came with front discs and rear drums. Will it be as simple as plumbing lines, etc. or will I need to get a proportioning valve?
Any help is appreciated!