Early 8 3/4

[RustyRatRod]

I have some questions about the early 8 3/4 with axle nuts. I have heard that they can actually be stronger than the more "modern" 8 3/4. Is that right? Are they worth a snot? I figure probably so, since that's what came under early Max Wedge cars. Are parts difficult to find? Should I simply change it out for the later model style? I assume the later style center sections will interchange. Thanks.

 

[rrowdy]

I have some questions about the early 8 3/4 with axle nuts. I have heard that they can actually be stronger than the more "modern" 8 3/4. Is that right? Are they worth a snot? I figure probably so, since that's what came under early Max Wedge cars. Are parts difficult to find? Should I simply change it out for the later model style? I assume the later style center sections will interchange. Thanks.

I run an early one under my 63 with no problems and in 67 & 68 I had a 63 with a built MW that was running low 11's without any problems with the axles, I broke up a set of gears out of the 741 but it was a strong rearend.
I doubt if they're any stronger but for street use you shouldn't have any problems. Most guys, would like to change them out because the hubs are a real problem getting off but once the drums are modified they're not that big of a problem. If I ever find an A body rear I'll probably change but only for tire clearance not strength. Axles getting tough to find if you destroy the treads.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Thanks, rrowdy. I wanted to know whether it was worth working with or not. Sounds like it is. But I was thinking that 65 was a little late for that style rear end. I guess it could have been swapped out.

 

[5.7 hemi]

65 was the first year of the more modern 8 3/4 with slide off drums, and you can convert the 64 to that, just get rid of the swedge around the lug bolts and your good to go.

 

[RustyRatRod]

65 was the first year of the more modern 8 3/4 with slide off drums, and you can convert the 64 to that, just get rid of the swedge around the lug bolts and your good to go.

That was what I thought. This is a 65 Coronet and it has the early style rear axle. I wonder if it could be a holdover early 65 with the early axle? At any rate, it doesn't really matter.

 

[wedgeheaded]

If I'm not mistaken, it was what was in the max wedge cars. That's some.

 

[440roadrunner]

Well, hell, they were in the 64 hemi cars!!!

 

[RustyRatRod]

Well, hell, they were in the 64 hemi cars!!!

Right. That's why I really ain't sweatin it too much.

 

[khryslerkid]

I was talking to "Grumpy" Bill Jenkins one day and asked him how they held up? He replied " yes we broke an axle now and then" I guess I was lucky to get that much out of him...

 

[Darter6]

R R R , I too picked up a 65 Plymouth Belvedere with a flange/nut axle. Was a slant six 4 door so I don't think it was swapped out. Maybe early production ? Never say never with Ma Mopar and the things she do(done?) Any way Lots of guys still are using them in their Max Wedge cars today.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Cool. If it's in decent enough shape, I'll use hell out of it.

 

[ply64post]

tapered axle diff

I have some questions about the early 8 3/4 with axle nuts. I have heard that they can actually be stronger than the more "modern" 8 3/4. Is that right? Are they worth a snot? I figure probably so, since that's what came under early Max Wedge cars. Are parts difficult to find? Should I simply change it out for the later model style? I assume the later style center sections will interchange. Thanks.

Rusty

Check this out good info.

Jeff

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

 

[RustyRatRod]

Thanks, Jeff. That's a great article. I bookmarked it. Much appreciated.

 

[Moparsmitty]

I'm using an early tapered axle 8 3/4 in my 64 Belvedere behind an HP code 440 without any problems. Popped the drums off last year and did the brakes, so i figure I'm good to go for a long time.

 

[1948 santa]

Great article on modifying the rear drums,I wonder why no one ever thought of it in the early sixties when I worked as a flatrate mechanic in the dealership.