Decisions, Decisions....Which to pick?

[br0k3N18]

I'm stuck on which rear end to go with under the 52... either a 9 1/4 or an 8 3/4... one plus to a 8 3/4 would be I could just buy a new 3rd member and go... vs having to tinker with everything else just to change gears but... the 9.25 would be practically free...BUT also would have to shorten it up to fit under the truck..if I got an 8 3/4 from a B-Body...Which I have one VERRRRRRRRY close to my truck (Dads 69 Bee, He's wanting to do a D60 Under his Bee) it'd be almost a direct bolt in, just make some new brackets and stuff...i'd love to have an 8 3/4 just to say I have one but the 9 1/4 would do the job just as welll.. oh and need some help identifying this rear too, 99.9999% Sure its a 9 1/4 also assumed it was a D60 but D60 has 10 bolt and this one has 12....

[48Dodger]

Yep. looks like a 9 1/4. They have 12 bolts and are shaped like a stop sign.

I'd go with the 8 3/4.

48D

[grey beard]

You said a lot, but didn't mention into what vehicle this conundrum rear axle will eventually go, or your reason for makng changes. One assumes you are apeaking of a Pilothouse B model Dodge pickup.

Is your reason for changing to get a longer gear ratio - as in slower crankshaft rpm? If so, mebby the ratios of these pieces among which you are currently debating would help you make a more informed decision. You didn't mention any gear ratios . . .

[Plymouthy Adams]

these are wide rear ends..I have a 9 1/4 2.88 posi from a 79 Newport police cruiser under my 52 Plymouth Coupe...I however opted to use modern positive offset wheels and the offset was enough to make the rubber tuck under the wheel well as stock appearance but with a whole lot more meat on the road..not sure but maybe you could simulate that same application

Edited September 3, 2009 by Tim Adams