I have an 8 3/4 A-Body rear end with small bolt pattern that I want to install in a 74 Dart with big bolt pattern. I have been told that I can cut a little off of B-body axles and they will work in the A-body. Can anybody tell me if this will work? I want to install the rear but I don't have the money to buy new axles.

I have 4 options:

If your car is a dart sport you can use a b-body rear end no problems.

If not find a 8 1/4 big bolt pattern and build a rear end.

If the car is a regular dart use a b-body and buy the offset rims.

Save money and do it the right way.

All will work some easier than others.

The car is a Dart Sport and I think it has an 8 1/4 in it now but I didn't know how strong they were. Is the B-body rear end not to wide for the Dart sport?

Unless you are running serious power the 8-1/4 will be fine.

On my 72 duster you can barely tell but nothing major. I put some wider wheels on with more backspace and it wasn't even noticeable.

Have a competant machine shop redrill your present axles for the arge bolt pattern using 1/2 inch screw in studs. don't use the press in studs with the knurl. Using screw in studs will leave you very close to as much meat around the stud as you presently have. Unless yo will be making some very serious power you will have no problems with this.

a set of moser axles with the large brake offset with the 5 on 4.5 wbp is one way..about 300$

not all B,C,D,E body axle are candidates for cut and respline

c-body and trucks are the best place to find them

pull a tape from the flanged end to the splined end of the axle

it must have 28" of axle before it tapper down to be cut to A-body specs

yes the cut and respine would be fine for a street cruzer but not to good for high HP raceing IMHO

remeber the a-body axle will become a 1/2 wider when you use the large brake offset axles,1/4" per side,so make sure the back set is correct when getting the rims

my A-body 8 3/4 with moser axles use a 7" rim with 4.5" backset on the rim in my 68 Dart

its in my 85 truck now and uses a 12" rim with the same 4.5 backset

dont for get the lipstick on the new 8 3/4 when you put it in

If you don't have the money for new axles run the 8-1/4 or get your axles and drums redrilled.

You can also contact Dr. Diff on this board and see what he's got.

Big pattern axles for the 8-3/4 will also use B-body brakes unless you have them made with the smaller offset for the A-body brakes.

I have 2 sets of Moser A body axles, and also had them cut and respline a pair of E-body axles. Cut and spline is fine for a low power street car, but if you're making any real horsepower or using tires that hook well you will probably twist the splines.

Most aftermarket and some OEM wheels (Magnum 500) are lug centric anyway.