ok so to reset. Lets hook builder89 up best we can!
I wonder if we all agree that a 73 charger 8 3/4 housing will not properly fit “as is” in a ‘70 Duster without some major tire rubbing on the inner rear 1/4 panels?
The 73 will need modifications like perch relocation, axle tubes being cut off and welded back on to A body dimensions, then still needing different/new axles to fit that housing. (IF THE WELDER DID IT PROPERLY)$$$
Some people don’t like to do this.
Understandable.
10” drums or 11” drums? 11”s usually too big for some rims.
Is your Duster small bolt pattern? 5 on 4”?
Any B body axle will be large bolt wheel stud pattern 5 on 4.5”
builder89 needs an A body $$$ or a B body from ‘65 to ‘70 that we know will work on Duster/Demons (not darts or valiants).
A’s are getting like hens teeth nowadays hence the price.
B’s up to ‘70 are more readily available and cheaper but all B body axles are large bolt so my suggestion to 89 would be check what centre section is in your ‘73 B body.
is it worth using in your Duster?
sell the ‘73 B housing complete (maybe keep the centre section if you like the gearing) and put that money towards an A body or a B ‘70 (large bolt pattern axles) and earlier that will be alot less work and money for you.
Either will bolt right in with no tire clearance issues.BUT as mentioned the pre ‘70 B body housing perches will be 1” total difference from your centre eye bolts. You decide to cut off the B perches and reweld inboard 1/2” each side (keeping your pinion angle the same!) or pull your springs apart to accommodate the 1/2” on each side.
Your choice, members say its ok for years and others say not recommended, up to you.
Drums for small bolt are getting harder to find and small bolt disc brakes for the front can be a pain in the *** also.
Welcome to A bodys!
The A stands for Aneurysm.
Lots of us have done the large bolt conversion and lots of us still have small bolt (with limited choice of wheels).
Heck!, some of us have both on the same car and keep two different bolt pattern spares in the trunk (not me but i’d do it).
Summarize: 73 charger 8 3/4 doesn't have much to offer you EASILY except the center section.
Whatever you decide to do it will happen.
Breathe and be patient.
We will help.
Here is more info on 8 3/4’s from Mopartsontheweb. Someone here shared with me. Sorry can’t remember after writing this Aaaaaa Aneurysm
Rear Axle
Axle lengths 8 3/4
8 3/4" Rear End Dimensions
........................................
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8 3/4" axle shaft lengths measured from the tip of the splined end
to the outside of the flange:
A BODY
'66-'72= 27 11/16"
B BODY
'65-'67= 28 7/8"
'68-'70= 29 3/16"
'71-'74= 30 5/8"
'71-'73 wagon= 31 21/64"
C BODY
'65-'69= 30"
'70-'71= 30 5/8" (Chrysler & Fury)
'70-'73= 31 21/64" (and '69 wagon)
IMPERIAL (Large Bolt Pattern)
'65-'66= 30 1/8"
'67-'69= 30 5/16"
'70-'71= 29"
'72-'73= 31 7/16"
E BODY
'70-'74= 29 31/32"
A100
'65-'70= 30"
D100
'65-'71= 31 1/8"
'72-'74= 31 21/64
...........................................
...........................................
Housing widths, flange to flange
A BODY
'66-'72= 52 5/8"
B BODY
'62-'63= 53 1/4" (And '64 Max Wedge)
'64 = 55 5/8" (Exc. Max Wedge)
'65-'67= 54 1/4"
'68-'70= 54 15/16"
'71-'74= 57 7/8"
'71-'73 wagon= 59 7/16"
C BODY
'65-'69= 56 3/4"
'70-'71= 57 7/8" (Chrysler & Fury)
'70-'74= 59 7/16" (and '69 wagon)
IMPERIAL
'65-'66= 57"
'67-'69= 57 3/8"
'70-'71= 54 3/4"
'72-'73= 59 5/8"
E BODY
'70-'74= 56 31/64"
A100
'65-'70= 56 3/4"
D100
'65-'71= 58 5/16"
'72-'74= 59 7/16"
.........................................
.........................................
Rear end widths, drum-to-drum:
A BODY
'66-'72= 57 1/8"
B BODY
'62-'63= 58 1/2" (And '64 Max Wedge)
'64 = 60 7/8" (Exc.Max Wedge)
'65-'67= 59 1/2"
'68-'70= 60 1/8"
'71-'74= 63"
'71-'73 wagon= 64 3/8"
C BODY
'65-'69= 61.75"
'70-'71= 63.0" (Chrysler & Fury)
'70-'73= 64 3/8" (and '69 wagon)
IMPERIAL
'65-'66= 61 15/16"
'67-'69= 62 5/16"
'70-'71= 59 3/4"
'72-'73= 64 9/16"
E BODY
'70-'74= 61 5/8"
A100
'65-'70= 61 3/4"
D100
'65-'71= 63 15/16"
'72-'74= 64 3/8"
........................................
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Spring perch widths (center-to-center)
A BODY
'66-73= 43"
B BODY
'62-'70= 44"
'71-'74= 47.3"
C BODY
'65-'73= 46"
E BODY
'70-'74= 46"