I have a 1966 valiant with a slant six that I would like to update with a big bolt pattern. I have the means to narrow housings and re-spline axles. Dakota 8 1/4 rear ends are easily available. The sure-grips for them are also. I'm kinda thinking of using an 8 3/4 axle re-splined and the bearing end cap on the 8 1/4. For brakes I could use drums or go with disk from a jeep.

Hybrid 8 1/4 - 8 3/4 rear end single choice
	Make an abomination.
	Don't do it.
	Just put a 8 3/4 in it.
Votes accepted starting: 07/14/16 11:31 PM
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The 8.25 axle uses C clips, the axles have to be grooved near the inner end to accomodate the C clips.
The Dakota axle will need to be narrowed. They are even wider than a 68-70 B body axle.
The money spent to get a Dakota axle narrowed, axles made and such will surely cost you.
A STOCK 73-76 A body 8.25 fits, if you can find one. Most came with wimp 2.45 or 2.71 gears.
The 8.75 obviously is a great choice, again if you can find one. Narrowing a B body housing would be cheaper in the long run Vs all the work trying to make a Dakota axle work.

I would love to find an A-body 8 1/4 at a reasonable price that is local.
The last one I found needed rebuilt and they were asking $450.

Both rear ends use a 3" tube. So I was planing on using aftermarket 8 3/4 bearing ends when narrowing the Dakota housing. This would remove the need for the C-clips.

Any 8 3/4 axle can be re-splined to fit the 8 1/4. While it is hard to find 8 3/4 axles that can be re-splined to fit the shorter A-body housing. Yes aftermarket axles can be bought, but more money into the project.

I have the tools to narrow the housing and re-spline the axles. So it is not a mater of cost but my time doing it.

Hell if I could easily convert the 7 1/4 to big bolt I would do that instead. A slant six is its power house.

I like your way of thinking. You have the tools and knowledge, and the parts should be cheap. I say do it.

I have a big bolt pattern 7.25 you can have if you want to come to my shop in Milford and get it.

Slantzilla, is it an A-body? It looks like your less than 5 hour drive one way. Any chance you'll be in St Louis any time in the future?

I acquired a free 9.25" 3.55 geared truck rear just a few days ago. I am going to stick it in the back of my shop while I decide what to do with it. I already built a Dana 60-2 to fit my truck, but when I built it I should have gone with the Ford "Torino" bearings and used a new set of the Ford 11" drum brakes (I could have had those in 5 on 5.5" or 5 on 4.5" patterns) like I did for the Ramcharger. If I put the Dana 60-2 in the D100 like I originally planned, I will have to shorten the driveshaft 1.12" and if I use the 9.25" rear, I won't have to shorten it at all, because the axle C/L distance is the same as the existing 8.25".

If I had a lathe there is no telling what neat stuff I could make.

there are BBP 7&1/4's (likely 73-76 A body with discs). there's even sure grips (cone & clutch) I have a 3:55 clutch SBP (early) 7&1/4. I wonder (in your case) if the SG could be transplanted into a later BBP 7&1/4. they are pretty rare tho. SBP/BBP 7&1/4 axles them selves do not interchange

Find the van-truck-station wagon 81/4 or 83/4 axels and respline. If using the 83/4 use the ends off the rear, use green bearings. Be precise on the axel length. Don't let anyone talk you out of what you want to do, it's your stuff, go for it!

No, I don't get that way often.

Yes, it is out of a Duster.

Slantzilla, Thanks for the offer but I'll pass. If you were closer.

I need to research disk brakes.
Preferably factory mopar. 4.5" bolt pattern, or something very close. Parking brake is a must. Leaning toward the calipers that pinch the pads instead of separate little drum.
I can make the mounting bracket.


Any one with some suggestions?

Do an 8.8 out of an Exploder. They are a pretty easy swap, and have disc brakes already.

I thought about it. But I have a dakota 8 1/4 housing and sure-grip. 8 3/4 axles should be a call away. Axle ends and spring perches can be ordered. A research trip to the junkyard for disks and calipers, is in my future.

https://elmira.craigslist.org/pts/5666337126.html

One here. Didn't see your address maybe it's too far.

I think Jeeps used rear disc, the last Gen 3 Dakota R/Ts did too.

Pa is to far for me. Ill look into the jeep. Right now kinda thinking mustang.