Nomad50 Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 Has anyone swapped a newer rear end into a '47 Desoto? I put a 318 engine and trans in it and it works fine. The problem is that I no longer have a parking brake. I've read some posts about Plymouth and Dodge using a Ranger or Jeep rear end but I think the Desoto is wider. Thanks for any input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 if you are planning to retain your original wheels....the axle length is critical...different size shoes on the same axle will alter any measurement taken at the backing plates. It is best to take your measurements at the mounting flange of the axle with drums in place...this will be the mounting surface to mounting surface and will need to match your original so your wheels will be back to the same track width. Get it too wide you will need positive offset wheels....get it too narrow you will need spacers...new perches for the transfer are usually easy to locate as this size is used in the trailer industry. Be sure to match your pinion angle or in the case of your newer engine retrofit, phase the driveshaft accordingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 If his rear wheel well openings are anything like mine he's can probably vary the axle width + or - 2" and still fit the stock rims and tires in there with room to spare. I measured mine out and with the proper offset 325's can fit, right now I have 215's. lol. That's a bit more than 4" more tire width with adequate clearance on both sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 (edited) I agree with the added room for a tad of juggling....but many here will not like the look once the job is done but in truth, stock wheels will be an issue here for the overall end look and the key element in the statement above...staying stock wheels. I also firmly believe if anyone is in the frame of mind to swap out an axle they serve themselves best by breaking out the tape measure and making a trek to the wrecking yard. Another point is this is the question is solely related to the width of the axle and not yet addressing the engagement of the rear e-brake....oh yeah, that comes later....in truth, both should be considered prior to any selection. also.....there is the very clearance needed to get the tire from the axle when changing a flat.....granted shop condition are ideal for the most part but along side the road getting the body high off the rear suspension can be a task... Edited March 21, 2021 by Plymouthy Adams 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48ply1stcar Posted March 21, 2021 Report Share Posted March 21, 2021 I guess your asking us to do your homework. If you check out these web pages (I have not checked others) it seems that the Plymouth rear track is 1/8th of a wider than the Desoto. Searching for axle swaps here will give many options. I choose a 2000 Cherokee 8 1/4 3:55 axle.https://www.automobile-catalog.com/auta_details1.php https://www.automobile-catalog.com/auta_details1.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Douglas Posted March 22, 2021 Report Share Posted March 22, 2021 Don went into this years ago. Use search and read his threads... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nomad50 Posted March 24, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 Who is Don and where can I find his threads? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knuckleharley Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 40 minutes ago, Nomad50 said: Who is Don and where can I find his threads? Thanks Sadly,Don has passed,but he was a Guru of all things Mopar. He also posted a lot of informative articles in the tech section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 Don Coatney is his name, might help to search for his stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 Don used a 70 era E body rear axle 8 3/4 ratio I do not recall for sure but 3.55 comes to mind, he did not move the mounts but made offset plate adapters which still left a small leaf spring pinch on application. I have used the 70 E 8 3/4 also in 2.72 gears (big block twisting this and for cruising) but I choose to mount new perches for no pinch in the leaf springs and phased to my big block eng/tranny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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