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Has anyone converted a truck dana to fit a Challenger!

PostPosted: 11 Feb 2005 18:22
by challengersmallblock
I bought my 72 Rallye from an old drag racer who had stuck a dana out of a truck in the challenger and its wide. The tires stick out from under the fenders about 1 inch on each side. I want to keep the limited slip rear end. Can I cut it down with new axles? any suggestions.

PostPosted: 11 Feb 2005 18:46
by LITEMUP
i dont see why you couldn't cut it down just like any other rear end...

PostPosted: 12 Feb 2005 11:16
by dave-r
Get the axle shortened if you want to go that way. Be sure the place that does this for you is very experianced at doing this.

PostPosted: 15 Feb 2005 14:21
by Follicly Challenged
Yep, bin there, done that.
Get ahold of strange, bear performance(canada), or one of numerous suppliers and request dana 60 axle tube ends to match whatever backing plates and brake setup you're gonna use.
Best have the actual cut and narrowing performed by a pro WHO HAS A JIG, to prevent heat warping when welding, otherwise you may experience some trouble inserting the axles afterwards.
JIG; Long piece of straight cold roll that fits through the housing from end to end. "dummy" bearing plugs that fit the actual brg receiver in the ends, and machined to slip over the cold roll. Any of numerous retention methods you can dream up. This "holds the three pieces together and aligned for welding. The 3 pcs being: the cut housing, and replacement 2 ends.
Best if this whole setup stands on a nice firm bench for welding, many shops actually have a roll over fixture for doing this on a regular basis as we used to.
You'll need to order axles as well, also a good idea to let a pro do this as if wrong when delivered, you own 'em, period ! Lots of considerations when ordering axles with regards to backing plate spacing, bearing position, etc., etc.
If you're gonna do it yourself, get the supplier to fax you a build sheet with diagram, fill it out with a good sketch of dimensions ,etc. Fax what you want and KEEP THE ORIGINAL, have them return the fax with the axles, thereby insuring you get what you ordered.

Overall, not impossible, but best left to a pro as Dave said in 2 sentences, LOL
Bob out

PostPosted: 15 Feb 2005 16:59
by challengersmallblock
Oh well, i just traded the rear end for an 8 3/4 posi unit so disregard my question.