Not going in a Mopar, but opinions on rear axle assembly options selected are welcome

[biomedtechguy]

I am about to order a rear axle assembly for my wife's 65 421 TriPower GTO. It's a 4 speed standard and the 421 is built out for performance, 4 bolt mains, H-beam rods, high performance roller cam, etc.
I guess it is putting out around 400 some odd HP (maybe 450?) and about 450 ft lbs of torque. Just guessing for now.
Anyway we will be making some 1/4 mile runs with drag radials and maybe slicks, and I want this rear axle to last forever.
Here are the options I selected so far:

 

[dvw]

Ford 8.8", good availiblility, cheap, strong. You will need to weld up the 4 link brackets fir any GM A body unless it's a factory 10 or 12 bolt. I believe the brackets on the later housings are different. Fresh 64-72 12 bolt with new bearins, aftermarket axles , choice of ratio, $1800+ sure grip if desired. It is for sale here locally from a known source.
Doug

 

[biomedtechguy]

Ford 8.8", good availiblility, cheap, strong. You will need to weld up the 4 link brackets fir any GM A body unless it's a factory 10 or 12 bolt. I believe the brackets on the later housings are different. Fresh 64-72 12 bolt with new bearins, aftermarket axles , choice of ratio, $1800+ sure grip if desired. It is for sale here locally from a known source.
Doug

Thanks Doug.
The Quick Performance rear axle assembly is cut/made for the correct 1" shorter width the 64-67 A body requires. They set up the assembly to "drop in" with all of the original suspension.
So I am interested in what you posted, but whoever you are referring to as the source (PM me if you can't post in the open) I would have to talk with them about how ready to install/compatible it would be.
Also interested in the "chunk style" rear so if we do a Power Tour or long distance cruise in the future and she still has the 4 speed we can do a quick chunk swap for highway gears.

 

[Greg Ducato]

Hard to go wrong with the 9" especially if you plan to swap center sections. It is getting hard to find a good quiet gear set for this rear end, ask your supplier about that when you order.

 

[wyrmrider]

I would not run slicks- trannies are too expensive
I'd also run a clutch that slips a little and locks up with rpm
genuine Dana/ Spicer U joints (or OEM) and a driveshaft loop (no cheap induction hardened joints get real deep case hardening)
check the rule on number of threads that need to show past the lugnut

 

[biomedtechguy]

I'd also run a clutch that slips a little and locks up with rpm

That sounds like Centerforce, right?

driveshaft loop

I installed the Mancini loop that mounts to the transmission cross member on my Roadrunner. I'll have to find out what is available for the 65 GTO.

check the rule on number of threads that need to show past the lugnut

I'll call the racetrack where we run Test and Tune night. For now, I have ordered the rear axle assembly with studs that will be covered by the lug nuts-if we can run like that, I know my wife would prefer the looks of the "decorative" lug nuts.

 

[biomedtechguy]

Rear axle w/disc brakes and Wilwood front disc brake set ordered. I'm also changing out the upper and lower control arms on the GTO while I'm at it. The lowers are called lift bars and use the rotational torque of the rear axle housing to push down on the tires. The adjustable uppers will allow for tweaking and adjusting the pinion angle.
Should be killer once it's done!
Thanks for the advice!