IN TODD'S HONOR DANA 60

[Toddshonor]

Hello everyone, am new to this group so let me explain myself. Had a good friend who had a 69 GTX since he was about 25 years old. Car was stored from house to house because he couldnt part with it. At age 54, he came in to some money and sent the GTX to South Carolina Le Hodge Restoration to have the car made into a beast of a drag car. He passed a couple of months later. My wife and I decided to take on the restoration (more stock than he wanted) in his honor.

So here is my question. Going with stock 440 and 4 speed. Le Hodge says car had 8 3/4 rear end in it. Should we buck up and buy a dana 60 that was original or stay with the 8 3/4? Not going to drag it (I don't think) mostly cruises and car nights. Don't want to devalue the car if it comes time for resale. Any thoughts?

Here is a photo of the restore so far

 

[PRND21]

If the 8 3/4 is in good shape, and the right ratio, I’d stick with it. You can always change it later if you think you need to. What ratio and casting number is it? If it needs rebuilt or the ratio is to high (numerically) then it might be better to swap for a Dana.
Welcome to the forum, nice GTX.

 

[WP29440SE]

got a better picture of those wheels?

 

[Toddshonor]

 

[Toddshonor]

This is what he set us. Gotta be honest, don't know a lot about these things. Just want to do the right thing for my friend

 

[Toddshonor]

got a better picture of those wheels?

American racing ar-23

 

[silversedan]

if it's original 4spd car put a dana in it . it's suppose to be there.

 

[wyrmrider]

440 or 440HP
have you found the build sheet look under the rear seat , under the trunk mat
any plastic card in the dash? embossed plate anywhere
it will tell you what was stock, posi etc

 

[hunt2elk]

That is a great looking car. If everything else is pretty much stock and you have the funds, I would find a Dana for it. Also if you have the build sheet or fender tag there will be a code saying what gear ratio it came with. A33 track pak = 3.54 or A34 super track pak = 4.10.

 

[Toddshonor]

The build sheet and fender tag are gone. Asked Le Hodge a long time ago.

 

[Toddshonor]

If the 8 3/4 is in good shape, and the right ratio, I’d stick with it. You can always change it later if you think you need to. What ratio and casting number is it? If it needs rebuilt or the ratio is to high (numerically) then it might be better to swap for a Dana.
Welcome to the forum, nice GTX.

what ratio would be favorable? I posted a picture of the rear end serial number below. This is what Le Hodge sent me. Oh, forgot to mention. I am in Upstate New York and Hodges is in South Carolina so all communication is via text or phone.

 

[PRND21]

With a 4 speed most people like a 3:23, 3:55, or 3:73 in a street cruiser. 4:10s, 4:56s get old pretty quick, unless that’s what you want. I’m just saying an 8 3/4 is plenty strong for street driving.

 

[Toddshonor]

got a better picture of those wheels?

 

[Toddshonor]

With a 4 speed most people like a 3:23, 3:55, or 3:73 in a street cruiser. 4:10s, 4:56s get old pretty quick, unless that’s what you want. I’m just saying an 8 3/4 is plenty strong for street driving.

Thank you! Going to have Le pop it open and inspect it to make sure it is good

 

[HawkRod]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

The "real" value of this car is as an honor and memory of your friend. Having said that, you are making a street car with a stock 440 and 4 speed. With the fender tag and build sheet gone, you really won't hurt the value too much, so I would worry more about what you want, what you think Todd would want, and what you have funds for. Buying a Dana axle is going to cost you approx. $3000. A 8 3/4 will be considerably cheaper, and will easily handle the power the stock 440 will make. It is also a bit lighter too. Having said that, a Dana is basically bulletproof and is a great rear.

So my advice is to basically consider cost. If money is available, then a Dana. If funds are limited, you might want to spend those extra funds elsewhere.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Hawk

 

[Toddshonor]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

The "real" value of this car is as an honor and memory of your friend. Having said that, you are making a street car with a stock 440 and 4 speed. With the fender tag and build sheet gone, you really won't hurt the value too much, so I would worry more about what you want, what you think Todd would want, and what you have funds for. Buying a Dana axle is going to cost you approx. $3000. A 8 3/4 will be considerably cheaper, and will easily handle the power the stock 440 will make. It is also a bit lighter too. Having said that, a Dana is basically bulletproof and is a great rear.

So my advice is to basically consider cost. If money is available, then a Dana. If funds are limited, you might want to spend those extra funds elsewhere.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Hawk

Thank you Hawk! That is an awesome heartfelt response!

 

[Toddshonor]

Thank you everybody for your responses. After a lot of thought, we decided to opt for the dana 60. Felt that it was what Todd would have chosen and what the car needed. Le Hodge ordered it today from Moser Engineering. Want to keep everybody updated on the progress, but not sure which thread I should post this on. Thank you again!

 

[Toddshonor]

Oh, btw does anyone want a 8 3/4 rear end located in South Carolina?

 

[WP29440SE]

the paint looks beautiful. I'd almost be afraid to drive it lol

 

[hunt2elk]

Oh, btw does anyone want a 8 3/4 rear end located in South Carolina?

Wish I was closer to it.....