48-50 plymouth rear end info? Strength etc

[Malicious]

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of buying and piecing together a Mopar "late 40's early 50's lakes" roadster. I'm starting with a '27 dodge chassis, front axle and 29 body. I'm in the process of sorting out the components needed to get it rolling.

I'd like to keep it mopar and as period correct as is safely and mechanically possible.

Which puts me at the rear end. Ford 9" is the easy option. But not period or mopar. Seeing as I have a '50 in the shed I'm SLOWLY restoring, it got me thinking to the plymouth rear end.

Talking to a local, he mentioned that they should be ok, but to check if they have a keyed axel? or tapered keyed axel?

What are your thoughts on the 48 or 50 rear end behind a mild 331? OR do you guys have any other 40-55 mopar rear ends that would be up to the job?

Cheers!

Leigh

[Don Coatney]

Do a forum search for rear axles and strength. This has been discussed many times.

[Plymouthy Adams]

well..answer this with this question..what did Ma MoPar run for a rear gear with the 331....after the rim shot echoes off into the distance..measure what you have and go from there..

[Malicious]

I've searched 'diff strength', 'rear axle strength' and 'rear end strength'. Most give SFA results, the last gives me a few but none seam to address my question. If you have a link to a thread that does, please post it up for me.

Tim, Not sure I follow you but I think your saying find out what was originally behind the 331 and use that? or compare it to the one I'm looking at, is that right?

To be honest I'm starting to think I might just use a model A rear. I've been told they'll hold 300 hp no probs and they have a good look to them. Information on early Mopar's is a fkn pain in the a$$ to find. Like squeezing blood form a stone.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Some of the 1948-53 3/4 ton dodge trucks use a 4 spider rear end. 1951-52 Chrysler NewYorkers and Imperial Hemi cars also have 4 spiders. These are quite a bit stronger. Ratio's I realize are of concern too... 4.1 through 3.54 ect..

You could also get good info out of the parts and shop manual books to get even more info if you cannot locate what you need here.

I do have a rear end available that you will not need to worry about breaking. It's in a 1951 Dodge...4 ton Double reduction and 2 speeds to boot!

Edited December 24, 2011 by Dodgeb4ya