Figured I’d layout my information since I took a lot from this thread. My car is a 74 Dart sport that had an 8 1/4 rear in it originally. I got a 3L73 off craigslist in good shape the guy who sold it also just cut the driveshaft off so I had the original shaft flange yoke from the explorer. I grinded and sanded off all the mounting tabs and got $15 spring perched for an 8 3/4 and opened them up a little to fit over the 8.8. Before I ripped out my 8.25 I measured pinion angle and matched it with my new 8.8. I was able to use two drivers side emergency brake cables and they worked out perfectly and mated up to my emergency brake split cables that were original to the car. I didn’t have to cut my rear end at all! It makes the rear approx 3” wider overall and I just took it for a text drive and didn’t get any vibrations in the driveshaft or anything. I run 275/60/15 with 4.5” backspacing American racing torq thrust wheels. I have a little over an inch clearance to my leaf springs. I used a moog 457 u joint and my Driveshaft fits great. I’m posting this info for all the folks with dart sports and dusters out there wondering if you don’t have to cut it and honestly I wouldn’t cut the axle unless your mini tubbing. My car with the 373 gears is at 65 mph at 3000 rpms on the hwy wish I had another gear but that’s another project for another time. Any questions just ask. -Nate
