:
: I have a 72 duster with a bit of a hopped up
: six in it, cam, header, 2bbl, head work,
: block 0.030" over etc . Anyways my 7
: 1/4 rear end isn't taking it too well it's
: starting to go. I was just wondering if I
: got an 8 3/4 rear end from an A-body it
: would have the small bolt battern right? and
: if I could bolt the 9 inch drums and backing
: plates onto the 8 3/4 rear end? Any pointers
: for doing this conversion would be great

: When I changed my Dart's rear to the 8 3/4 from
: the 7 1/4 this summer, I tried to use the
: 9" drum backing plates and drums. And
: guess what? Despite what I've read on the
: 'net, it doesn't work. Drilling the fifth
: backing plate hole is not the only problem.
: You'd have to drill out the center of the
: plate to get the larger axle bearing of the
: 8.75 through.
:
: AND, once you have all of this done, the offset
: of the axle flange to the backing plate will
: be incorrect, so the drums won't fit
: correctly.
:
: So, my suggestion is that you find some
: 10"x 1.75" drums, backing plates,
: hardware, etc. I had to do this because I
: wanted to keep my small bolt wheels. If
: you're not attached to your wheels, you
: might find it easier to get some large bolt
: axles for the rear so that you can use the
: B-body drums, etc. which are easier to find.
:
: That's my longest reply ever!

: Yep, 9" brakes won't work. Parts are still
: available for the 10"X1-3/4"
: though, and the car will stop much better.
: The driveshaft will need to be shortened
: 1-3/4" too. Dennis

: Great reply! Good to hear from people who have
: actually done the swap.
:
: Besides *not* being able to use the 9 inch
: brakes, also be sure to get the shock plates
: and "U" bolts for the 8 3/4, these
: are bigger.
: The emergancy brake cables come in many
: different sizes so take a close look at
: those and swap over the ones from the 7 1/4
: if there is any differences.
: The driveshaft will need to be shorter, best to
: get the new rear-end installed and thaen
: take an accurate measurement with the car at
: normal ride height. (appx 2 inches shorter
: is the general "rule")
: 8 3/4s are great units, it's well worth the
: effort to swap over.
: DD

: I am doing the 7 1/4 to 8 3/4 swap now, on my
: 66 Cuda. How ever since I have a 65 trans,
: it is a little more involved. Had to have a
: new drive shaft made, since I have the ball
: and trunion front joint. Had a drive shaft
: shop fab a shaft, that uses a flange and
: standard u-joints and slip yoke.

: Charlie,
:
: Can you give more details on your drive shaft
: modifications?
:
: I am planning to do a rear end swap on my 63
: Valiant.
:
: Did they modify an existing shaft, or make a
: new one? Cost?