dr47 Posted October 17, 2019 Report Posted October 17, 2019 anyone change out the rear end in a 51 plymouth l'm looking to do the swap was wondering what might be a good fit what is the best way to measure hub to hub or with the drums on ,thanks Quote
Dartgame Posted October 17, 2019 Report Posted October 17, 2019 I looked at an explorer rear axle, but reconsidered after looking at the pinion companion flange (uses a 6 or 8 bolt flat disk arrangement). Decided to buy a late model jeep cherokee (not a grand cherokee) from a 2001 model which uses a spicer type companion flange (standard old style u joint). Almost all of them are 3.55:1 and are slightly (1 inch or so) narrower than the stock axle, its an 8 1/4" ring gear chrysler axle. These cherokees were all the same for a lot of years 90's to 2000's using that axle. The later models use a higher axle spline count (stronger) than the earlier ones something like 2000 and down. Measure from wheel mounting to wheel mounting to get accurate measurement for comparison. I have not installed it yet. You will need to buy spring perches and weld them on, because the jeep perches are on top of the axle vs below which our cars use. Look at early 50's chevys for the correct width perches. Quote
allbizz49 Posted October 17, 2019 Report Posted October 17, 2019 Tractor supply or mooneyes for the correct perches. Quote
Old CWO Posted October 17, 2019 Report Posted October 17, 2019 43 minutes ago, Dartgame said: I looked at an explorer rear axle, but reconsidered after looking at the pinion companion flange (uses a 6 or 8 bolt flat disk arrangement). Decided to buy a late model jeep cherokee (not a grand cherokee) from a 2001 model which uses a spicer type companion flange (standard old style u joint). Almost all of them are 3.55:1 and are slightly (1 inch or so) narrower than the stock axle, its an 8 1/4" ring gear chrysler axle. These cherokees were all the same for a lot of years 90's to 2000's using that axle. The later models use a higher axle spline count (stronger) than the earlier ones something like 2000 and down. Measure from wheel mounting to wheel mounting to get accurate measurement for comparison. I have not installed it yet. You will need to buy spring perches and weld them on, because the jeep perches are on top of the axle vs below which our cars use. Look at early 50's chevys for the correct width perches. The XJ Cherokee 8.25 is definitely a good swap candidate, with the later 29 spline axles being the very best. That's what I run in my truck; 29 spline 8.25 with 3.55s. Be aware some XJs were equipped with Dana 35 rear axles vice the stronger Chrysler. The D35 is considered wimpy by Jeep guys but I believe it would be more than fine in a flathead Mopar. Both YJ and TJ Jeeps use rear axles the same width and bolt pattern as the XJ Cherokee so they will also work. I have seen people literally give away Wrangler D35 rear ends for free. Less common, but another great rear end that is the right width and wheel bolt pattern is the Ford 9" from a 71-73 Mustang. Quote
derbydad276 Posted October 18, 2019 Report Posted October 18, 2019 (edited) car-part.com listd 3.07 3.55 4.10 chrysler 8 1/4 ring gear dana 35/spicer ....same without abs Edited October 18, 2019 by derbydad276 Quote
kencombs Posted October 18, 2019 Report Posted October 18, 2019 23 hours ago, allbizz49 said: Tractor supply or mooneyes for the correct perches. Yes, or most trailer parts places have them. Quote
dr47 Posted October 19, 2019 Author Report Posted October 19, 2019 (edited) can i ask (why not a grand Cherokee ) rear end ? on other jeep rears should i be two wheel drive or four .thanks Edited October 19, 2019 by dr47 added info Quote
Old CWO Posted October 19, 2019 Report Posted October 19, 2019 1 hour ago, dr47 said: can i ask (why not a grand Cherokee ) rear end ? on other jeep rears should i be two wheel drive or four .thanks The ZJ Grand Cherokee is the same width and bolt pattern but most are D35; the 8.25 is simply a better unit. ZJs have coil spring rears so there's a little bit more cutting off unnecessary bracketry. XJs are also typically more plentiful in wrecking yards. I would only consider using a Grand Cherokee rear end if one with the right gear ratio presented itself for free or nearly so. 2 or 4 wheel drive doesn't matter. Quote
ACJCF2 Posted October 21, 2019 Report Posted October 21, 2019 Ditto on the Cherokee (XJ) 8.25" Chrysler rear. While a bit pricey, Butch's Kool Stuff has a rear end mount kit . Quote
MackTheFinger Posted October 21, 2019 Report Posted October 21, 2019 Ford Explorers, at least the ones I've seen; use a Spicer-type U-joint just like most modern vehicles. They use a companion flange to attach the u-joint to the pinion. If you get an Explorer rear end be sure to get the flange. 1 Quote
51cambridge Posted October 21, 2019 Report Posted October 21, 2019 The guy that built my 51 said the 1980 Dodge diplomat rear was almost a bolt in . 1 Quote
derbydad276 Posted October 22, 2019 Report Posted October 22, 2019 On 10/21/2019 at 9:19 AM, 51cambridge said: The guy that built my 51 said the 1980 Dodge diplomat rear was almost a bolt in . yeah but finding those in scrap yard is almost the same as one of our cars today Quote
falconvan Posted October 23, 2019 Report Posted October 23, 2019 I've done the 8.8 in three different 48-51 Plymouths. Good fit, just had to change the spring perches and get a driveshaft made. The center section is offset on these But I haven't had any issues with it not being centered. Quote
mlozier76 Posted October 23, 2019 Report Posted October 23, 2019 I put an 8.8 from an explorer in mine about 2 years ago. I forgot to move the bumpstop and the flange rubs on it on bumps (I've lowered the car as well). I had to put spacers to keep the proper look to the car. I think it was 1" spacers. I may be changing to 12v at some point in time, so the locker might be useful, but I'd have to do some other work to the motor and transmission to take full advantage of it, LOL. Quote
Sniper Posted October 23, 2019 Report Posted October 23, 2019 (edited) On 10/22/2019 at 2:09 PM, derbydad276 said: yeah but finding those in scrap yard is almost the same as one of our cars today Your donors are 1976-80 Dodge Aspen 1976-80 Plymouth Volare 1977-81 Chrysler LeBaron 1982 Chrysler New Yorker 1982-87 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue 1988-89 Chrysler Fifth Avenue 1977-89 Dodge Diplomat 1982-89 Plymouth Gran Fury 1980-83 Chrysler Cordoba 1981-83 Chrysler Imperial 1980-83 Dodge Mirada That said, I have an 8 3/4 I was building for my 65 Cuda that looks like it will swap in fairly easily Edited October 23, 2019 by Sniper Quote
Loren Posted October 24, 2019 Report Posted October 24, 2019 The 8 3/4 from the rear looks almost like the original. If you find a 1964 and earlier they even have tapered axles (or so I am told). The ratios available are numerous and there are limited slip differentials (Dana Power-lok being the most desirable). Unusual is the fact that they only have one differential design. If you need to change the ratio all you have to buy are the gears. Some axles have a cutoff point where the next ratio requires the purchase of a different differential. Strength wise they are very well engineered and rival the Ford 9 inch (or so an article in Hemmings says). The 8 3/4 is my plan "B" if my 3.73 stocker doesn't work out and I can't find a 3.54. To keep my car period correct (within 5 years) I am willing to paying up and I don't mind a little work. An 8 3/4 would be an admission to the difficulty of finding the right original part. Quote
Bbdakota Posted October 24, 2019 Report Posted October 24, 2019 I have a 8-3/4 from a 58 plymouth with tapered axles, free to you or anyone who wants it. Mobile Alabama area Quote
Dartgame Posted October 24, 2019 Report Posted October 24, 2019 8 3/4 is a good option assuming you can find the right width, best candidate is a 1970 B body axle, nearly the same width as the 52. The center section castings used in these axles can be one of three types #741, 742 and 489 case (last three casting digits). Each has a different pinion gear shaft size or shape. 741 is small, 742 large and 489 tapered. All are overkill for a flat head powered car (nothing wrong with that)...each can be put in place of one another, and carriers interchange, but the gear sets do not and are specific to the case number. Hope this helps a little when seeking parts. Quote
Young Ed Posted October 25, 2019 Report Posted October 25, 2019 On 10/23/2019 at 6:55 PM, Sniper said: Your donors are 1976-80 Dodge Aspen 1976-80 Plymouth Volare 1977-81 Chrysler LeBaron 1982 Chrysler New Yorker 1982-87 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue 1988-89 Chrysler Fifth Avenue 1977-89 Dodge Diplomat 1982-89 Plymouth Gran Fury 1980-83 Chrysler Cordoba 1981-83 Chrysler Imperial 1980-83 Dodge Mirada That said, I have an 8 3/4 I was building for my 65 Cuda that looks like it will swap in fairly easily Here in MN those cars have long ago returned to the earth! Seeing something even late 90s is almost unheard of.... Quote
Adam H P15 D30 Posted October 25, 2019 Report Posted October 25, 2019 (edited) Don't forget the Ford 8".... Maverick if you can find one 65-66 Mustang with tapered axle tubes (not desirable with hotrodders but PLENTY strong for our applications including LA V8 swaps) Ford Falcons (I used this one) Width is about 1" narrower which allowed me to fit 8" wheels under my 49. Edited October 25, 2019 by Adam H P15 D30 Quote
Sniper Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 www.car-parts.com is a decent online boneyard search tool, you can sort by distance from your zip. there are two within 150 miles of Mounds View Mn. Quote
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