stupid question here but i'm figuring in order to use a spool you have to use the green axle bearings as the tapered bearings need something in the center to bear against in order to maintain clearances. i have a completely rebuilt rear axle but it has a 3.91 with cone suregrip (all that was available new at the time) with moser axles and stock tapered bearings. i hate to redo the whole rear axle but if i'm going to do something with this dart i want to run a 4.30 gear and spool. has anyone ever done this (used tapered bearings) and made a spacer to go in the spool for the axles to bear against?

You can machine a 1.5" spacer, or simply install a thrust block from an open differential.

BTW I stock all the parts you need including the spacer. E-mail me if you are interested.

great thanks Cass, i may be calling you in the near future. at this point i'm leaning real hard towards doing something with this car. if i finalize that decision i'm going to be needing an offset hanger kit as well. knowing i can use these existing axles and bearings is nice. i can just turn a spacer on the lathe.