Hi All,

I'm looking at sticking a new rear end in my 60 fullsize until I can get a good 8-3/4 built (long waits in the UK until good cores become available at sensible prices).

As a nice, cheap(ish) swap I'm looking at a jeep rear end. These are plentiful in the UK in reasonable condition.

I've got choices between the 8.25" rear end and the Dana 44. Any general suggestions as to which would be the best bet?

My ideal ratio would be 3.31, this is the current ratio (I have an old style 8.25, looks like an 8.75). Would there be a noticeable change (mpg or acceleration) going up or down a ratio (3.07 or 3.55 seem the most common)? I'm tempted to go for the 3.07 for better mpg.

Any other problems I need to be aware of for doing a swap like this? Brakes etc (what size are they, will my current master cylinder work with them, what's parts availability like etc)?

I've yet to measure up to see about clearance issues but the standard jeep track appears to be 1.7" less than my Plymouth.

Also, does anybody know if it is possible to get pinions for the 904 transmission to allow the correct speedo output? What ratios do they come in and is it an easy swap?

Any and all help greatly appreciated,
All the best,
60 Ply

_________________
1960 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door sedan
Stock 60 225
Push button 3 speed Torqueflite
Right Hooker

The Dana 44 probably has better worldwide parts availability than the 8 1/4. Check the wheel cylinder sizes, parking brake actuation and overall axle width to see if the rear axle is suitable. Even if all these are close you'll still likely have to weld on new spring perches. 3.07 gears will spin the engine 92.7% as fast as 3.31. There are not a lot of speedometer drive gears for the '65 and older transmissions so you may not be able to correct for this. It depends upon how many teeth you have on your current gear. If you have 30 teeth then you would need (30*3.31/3.07=27.8 ) a 28 tooth speedometer drive gear.

_________________
Joshua

I think I'd go for the Dana 44 as well. Don't limit yourself to just Jeeps, though. If you can find an International Scout of '75-'80 vintage, those had limited slip rear diffs in all of them, and they were leaf sprung, to boot.

Roger

I'm open to all options really, the Scouts would be ideal but not exactly common in the UK.

Jeeps however, are very common. Don't mind making and welding on some leaf spring perches though, figure they'd need a bit of work.

As far as width goes, I could use hub extension/blocks/plates to push the wheels out 3/4 inch per each side. I'm not overly keen on these, it seems to me they'd put a lot of stress on the bearings due to the increased moment arm, but if they're capable of taking the punishment the off road guys throw at them . . .

I think the Jeep drums are between 9" and 10"x1.75", both smaller than the 10"x2". Does anyone know how easy it would be to swap out larger drums on a Jeep?

_________________
1960 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door sedan
Stock 60 225
Push button 3 speed Torqueflite
Right Hooker