[Dirk Squarejaw]

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!

[OneMoreTime]

I believe tha tyou will have to change the master cylinder and do the thing with the proportining valve to get the brakes to work right..Just part of the deal when doing that swap..

Sam

[1931 steve]

Well the cheap price sounds good, but you will also need other things. Welding on new spring perches, brake lines, master cylinder, proportioning valve, (if the car has sat for any time) new calipers, pads and rotors and any other small parts thats always overlooked, and all the labor to modify everything that needs to be mod to make it fit. Plus it (the Posi may need to be rebuilt). I like option # 1, yes its not as strong but it sounds like you are not racing it or beating it up on a regular basis.

Steve

[xntrik]

I'd go with 3. But I am a hot rodder and not a parts replacer or kit installer.