8.75 durability for big block street/ Strip

My car broke it's 8 3/4 the second time the then new 408 hooked up at the drag strip, 3240#, 1.38 60' on radials. I replaced it with a Strange S-60.

Having said that if I were doing it again most likely I'd use a 9" for several reasons. You can pick up good used third members pretty reasonable, there are tons of (aftermarket) parts available and gear swaps are a breeze. Fast cars that have 9" rears have ZERO Ford parts in them. Yes the factory nodular iron cases are strong but they are also hard to find.

If you've decided to go with the Dana, call Strange and price a housing with ends installed and a set of 35 spline axles, it may surprise you. The Strange housing will be easier to set the gears up in because it uses spanner nuts on the sides to adjust the back lash. Also it'll be lighter and as strong or stronger than a pick up housing and you don't have to deal the different sizes of axle tubes used in truck housings.

I've had zero issues with my Strange S-60 in almost ten years, install it and forget it.

This and $1.75 will buy you a cup of coffee in some places.

BTW someone mention you may as well install a LS if you go with a 9". Look under the factory Drag Pack Challengers and tell which rear's they have. While you're at it take a look at the transmissions too. It's not 1970 anymore.