I have got a line on an 8 3/4in rear end out of a 60s Dart. Not sure the details on the Dart. Is it a conversion that would work for my 74 Duster? What would be the advantages/disadvantages? Is there anything in specific that I should look for on this unit, numbers,etc? Thank you so much for the help.

Does this unit have big nuts holding the brake drums on?
How wide is it?
DD

All A-body 8 3/4" rears came with the small bolt pattern from the factory. I believe your Duster uses the large bolt pattern. You'll also have to watch out for the driveshaft - it'll probably have to be shortened.

The 8 3/4" unit is tougher, but I'm not sure a slant car needs the extra toughness, and you may not need the extra weight either. I seem to remember hearing the 8 1/4" one is good for up to 300 hp. Unless you're running a turbo, nitrous, or supercharging (or planning a V8 swap), the 8 3/4" may be overkill. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

two big advantages to the 8 3/4 are ease of gear changes and the fact the axles are retained out at the hubs rather than with c-clips in the differential. the clips, by the way take most of the load around a corner. i have had no troubles from mine, but the possibility is there. but, like matt said, unless you're making a lot of power or are serious about racing the heavier rear may not be worth it.

-james

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Is the '74 a drum or disc brake car? If it's a drum it will have the small bolt axles anyway and that will make the swap a lot easier. Driveshaft has to be shortened about 1-3/4". Most A-body 8-3/4's had the small u-joint in them too.

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