The Dodge Challenger Message Board

Working on the chassis/body still. I have a question for you MoPar experts. This 8.75 rear axle has rubber isolated leaf springs. I DONT think the E-Body Challenger 1970 thru 1974 used this style of rear. As a matter of fact C-Bodies started using this in 1971 I think. The B-Bodies started in 1973 I think. So what rear is this? I measured from the backing plate to backing plate and it was approx. 56 inches. Should I sell it and get a Dana 60 from Dr. Diff? How hard would it be to convert it to a solid steel mount for Hemi Leaf springs? What would it be worth? Thanks

Those springs look like they have a lot of leafs in them. Pretty heavy duty i would guess.

Just cut off the old spring perches from the axle and weld on new. They are easy to buy new. It is a good chance to centre the axle under the car and set your pinion angle exactly right too.

Dead right Eddie, Isoclamp spring perches appeared on '73 on B bodies, as well as later body styles.
Do the Daveman approach...................or start dribbling over Moser fabricated assemblys

Looky here mate;
http://www.4secondsflat.com/rearendtech2.html

Thanks to all,,very informative! Ive decided to do as Dave suggests, get rid of the 'rubber isolater' brackets, get a set ESPO leafs, and a Dr. Diff '489' nodular center section. I think I'll also call Dick Ross at Firm Feel. he was supposed to make a kit with steel shims,,dont know if it ever came to market. Ill update as it goes.

Thanks Adrian, Dave, Burdar,,I 'spoke' with Dick Ross at Firm Feel,,he makes a rubber isolater 'Kit' that does away with the mushy junk. Looks like I have a plan! I might not have to change a thing other than the center section and possibly the leaf spring locater,,we'll see when I order the parts in the future!