What Is The Favored Rear End These Days? Mcneeley Update!

[Olddaddy]

I am looking around for a replacement rear end for Ken & Arlene McNeeleys 49 Dodge.  When I did a lot of these 8 3/4 rears were my preference and were still common, but not anymore.  Ken wants disc brakes on the rear and I agree that it is worthwhile to make the change.  What is the favored rear end these days?  I've read that people are installing Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Dodge Dakota etc......I found a Grand Cherokee disc rear locally that is a 3:73 ratio, disc brakes, and 5 on 4 1/2" pattern.  I need to measure the width of the rear in the truck, but if anyone  knows the answer on this one fitting I'd appreciate knowing before I drag my old bones out under the truck this weekend.

[pflaming]

". . . Ken & Arlene McNeeleys 49 Dodge". Car or truck? 

 

I put in a 97 Cherokee 3:73, 2wd, 4 cyl. It's not a Grand Cherokee. I cruse at 65 and get 14 mpg. I do not have rear disc brakes.  70% of the braking is on the front axle so I didn't see a need for rear discs. Just my choice not a recommendation. I put Rustyhope's disc conversion on the front. Love my truck. 

Edited June 14, 2013 by pflaming

[Olddaddy]

Dodge pickup truck.

[Ram Man 02]

i have a 49 half ton and i picked up an 8 3/4" from a 72 challenger. many gear ratios available for them as well

[greg g]

Explorer's come with rear discs, 3.55 or 3.72 are common.  Not sure about the bolt pattern but it is 5 bolt.

[55 Fargo]

Mopar 8 1/4 with 3.23 gears in my 1955 Fargo 108 wb pickup, it works great...

[Dodgeb4ya]

Plain old stock.

[48Dodger]

I put a 97 Thunderbird IRS in mine, but that's a major undertaking.

 

The 1972 B-body 8 3/4 is the best track width for the truck 

But if you really can't find one where you are at, the Dakota/Cherokee is your best bet. 

 

IMO if you are building for high performance, get disc....but if its a cruiser, drums are fine.

Remember that variable port valve to dial back the rears.

 

48D

 

Edited June 14, 2013 by 48dodger

[HanksB3B]

Nice job Tim !

 

Hank 

[Don Coatney]

Nice pictures 48D. Is that a hunk of pepperoni on the floor under the frame

[1952B3b23]

Im putting an 8 3/4 rear end ('62-'69) in my 1952 B3b with the "742" case, it has 3.55 ratio. Also it has 11" drum brakes and i plan to use your disc brake conversion for the front.

 

-Chris

Edited June 14, 2013 by 1952B3b23

[Olddaddy]

Does anyone have a Pilothouse rear out on the floor they could measure for me?  I have a chart that says they are 60" wide, but doesn't say where that number is from.  I need to know from the wheel mounting surface on the brake drum, side to side.  That will tell me what to look for and where the wheels will end up if I am not able to find an exact match.