Rearend from a Dodge Van. • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Linka** » 20 Jul 2006 21:49

Does anyone knows if I can change my rearend to a end from a let´s say a Dodge Van? Or from another car like a A or B body? I have a 8 3/4 now in my Challenger. Thankful for answers and tips.

by **dave-r** » 21 Jul 2006 7:33

Yes you can. But why? The 8 3/4 you have now is the best axle you could have under there unless you have a 600+hp engine on NOS.

Axles from other cars are different widths of course. The B-body axle is slightly more narrow than an e-body axle.

Fill us in on the story. I can't understand what you are after and why.

by **Linka** » 21 Jul 2006 13:56

It´s because I don´t have a diff on my rear end, and perhaps I can get hold of one from a Van which is diff on, that´s why I wonder. `Cuz what I have heard of it´s rather expensive to convert my 089 house to diff or?

by **dave-r** » 21 Jul 2006 14:34

You need to find a diff to fit your existing axle.

If your axle is indeed an 8.75 and not one of the weaker ones then you will find most muscle mopars from that time had these fitted. Any of the three types are pretty strong. You can find information on them on this board.

Don't change the axle for a weaker one!

by **Linka** » 23 Jul 2006 18:59

No I won´t changen the axle, I am looking for a diff but as I said, it´s pretty expensive here in Sweden....

by **dave-r** » 24 Jul 2006 7:41

There were 4 types of centre sections (diffs).

You can tell them apart from the last three numbers cast into the drivers side of the pinion.

657, 1 3/8" pinion ('57-'64);
741, 1 3/8" pinion ('65-'74);
742, 1 3/4" pinion ('57-'68);
489, 1 7/8" pinion ('69-'74).

Of these the best are the 742 (Shimmed preload) and 489 (Crush sleeve preload). There were two SureGrips; Dana Power Lok ('62-'69) (clutch type) and Borg-Warner Spin Resistant ('69-'74) (cone type). The cone type is not easily rebuildable, the clutch type is.

The strongest of these (489) as stock will cope with quite a lot of HP behind an automatic. For this reason a lot of people find and fit this type and swap out the other types.
However the "weaker" types are still VERY strong. These axles are one of Mopars strong points. So if you can find one use it.

Hope that helps.

by **Linka** » 24 Jul 2006 10:51

I got the 489 now but I saw I left only "one" black mark after me when I put on the gas...

by **dave-r** » 24 Jul 2006 15:53

KEEP IT KEEP IT!!

All you need is a limited slip unit. Called "suregrip" by chrysler.

You can get them new from places like these;

http://www.ringpinion.com/

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/drivetrain-parts.html

by **Linka** » 25 Jul 2006 8:37

Ok Thanx Dave, I will keep it, you don´t have to worry about that.

I will look this suregrip up and buy it.... Thanx again!

by **dave-r** » 25 Jul 2006 9:49

Auburn Gear make a good one. :wink: