8 3/4 rear end brake change possibility

[flatheadgary]

i have a '63 ply with the tapered rear axles. i was curious if there is a way to use the later axles,backing plates,brakes and drums on it.
i suppose you could cut the ends off a later model rear and weld them on the tapered ones, but what would be the point? the obvious way to do it is to make custom axles and use a disc brake kit or make it up if one isn't available. are the ends of both rear ends the same? in other words, are the bearings the same dimensions so they will interchange in either housing. i would imagine all the other parts are not the same i.e.. the backing plates and brake shoes and such. now before i get a lot of "that's dumb, won't work" and all, i would probably just get custom axles machined (9" ford) to fit with the housing ends changed out to ford. the axle splines would have to machined to go inside the mopar third member.

 

[5.7 hemi]

If you want to be able to service the brakes, just grind off the swedge around the studs and get different studs. Then your drum will come on/off like the later models.

 

[dvw]

You can use the later axles in that housing if you use the green style sealed bearings. There is no room for the axle seal in the early housing when using the late shafts. The late shafts are longer. You can remove the thrust button in the differential or get aftermarket axles that are the correct length.
Doug

 

[mopar 3 B]

Have done this swap before. No need to go to new sealed bearings. Will still need new type backing plates, bakes, axle shafts from same length housing and brake drums. Will all fit in place if donner housing had same type 3rd member.

 

[dvw]

The seals went in the housing, but the axles would not slide in on mine . The seal wouldn't go in deep enough to allow the axle to seat with the stock bearing.
Doug

 

[khryslerkid]

Read this: It was written by one of the members on here, "Centerline", after he did the swap. Great job!

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Mopar_tapered_axle_rear_brake_conversion

 

[flatheadgary]

i am not sure why i keep getting the conversion thread. what i am trying to say is, i have a '63 ply housing and third member and i was wondering if '65 and newer stuff would fit this housing. since i don't have the other parts, it would be easier to just cut the ends off and put on ford ones. then have custom axles made and get a disc brake kit. this setup would probably go in a drag altered anyway. i am not liking the idea of the tapered axle in an altered. i suppose, if a complete newer axle and brake package came my way for cheap, i would go that way but it's not likely. thanks for the replies.

 

[khryslerkid]

:confused3:

 

[5.7 hemi]

Ok, let's see if I can help narrow this down......

1. You can find a complete 8 3/4 from a 65' and up b body (to 70') and it will bolt right in. Now keep in mind they will be a tad wider than that on the 63'.
2. Get the backing plates off the 65' or later and swap them on.....but you'll need to get new axles as the 63's will be short.
3. See option 1 and do that as option 2 will be a total pain in the *** for you!!!!

 

[383man]

The only thing I can tell you is I put a complete drum to drum rear from a 65 B-body in my 63 Sport Fury and it fits good and everything works great. I also use a 1970 type 727 trans and went to a standard slip yoke on the driveshaft and eliminated the ball & trunion setup. Ron

 

[DoctorDiff]

i am not sure why i keep getting the conversion thread. what i am trying to say is, i have a '63 ply housing and third member and i was wondering if '65 and newer stuff would fit this housing. since i don't have the other parts, it would be easier to just cut the ends off and put on ford ones. then have custom axles made and get a disc brake kit. this setup would probably go in a drag altered anyway. i am not liking the idea of the tapered axle in an altered. i suppose, if a complete newer axle and brake package came my way for cheap, i would go that way but it's not likely. thanks for the replies.

I make a 1 piece conversion axle package for '63 B-body housings $308, pair (assembled). Price includes inner axle seals.

You can then install any '65-'89 5 x 4.5" bolt pattern 10 x 2 1/2" or 11 x 2 1/2" rear drum brakes.