72 Dart - slow revival
Hi all, I'm back after a very long delay. Fortunately, but unfortunately I have been pulled away from the Dart as required to complete my new garage. It's a 30x40 with 14' ceilings, a two post service lift and 2 four post storage lifts so looking forward to getting back at it. Already have 6 cars piled in and the Dart is still stuck in the old garage!
In between construction I've been cleaning up rear end components for the Dart and trying to come up with a plan so looking for feedback/advice/experiences:
I pulled an early (63) B-body 8.75 rear axle out of storage with plans to install. I have a number of B-body housings, however I believe this is the narrowest 8.75 axle housing aside from the A body. As I was planning to go with BBP axles anyhow so thought it would be worth using. The tapered axles were pulled out and custom BBP axle kit ordered from Dr. Diff. (Cass gave me everything I need for the conversion). I have a number of center sections to choose from including the 741 and 489, but for this build was planning on just running a 741 with a 3:23 open gear set. Also picked up a set of 11" X 2.5" backing plates and all the required brake hardware to install including new drums.
A couple of thoughts:
- Should I order a sure grip from Dr. Diff and a new set of gears? - I get the gut feeling if I don't I'll regret it, I'm already this far. Is the 3:23 gear set a good compromise? - I still want to be able to highway cruise. In either case I think the 741 center is strong enough for this build.
- I need to relocate the spring perches to properly install the axle - so now would appear to be the best time to also purchase an offset spring kit, however Dr. Diff is out of stock. Any other quality options here?
- How realistic would it be to squeeze a 275 50 15 tire in the back after completing the offset springs?
- Brake proportioning valve - will a 73' and up A body work for the front BBP disc & rear drum conversion?
- Brake Master Cylinder - currently looking to go with the Dr. Diff 15/16 aluminum master conversion kit for manual brakes (I don't want power brakes). Any experience with these?
Hi all, I'm back after a very long delay. Fortunately, but unfortunately I have been pulled away from the Dart as required to complete my new garage. It's a 30x40 with 14' ceilings, a two post service lift and 2 four post storage lifts so looking forward to getting back at it. Already have 6 cars piled in and the Dart is still stuck in the old garage!
In between construction I've been cleaning up rear end components for the Dart and trying to come up with a plan so looking for feedback/advice/experiences:
I pulled an early (63) B-body 8.75 rear axle out of storage with plans to install. I have a number of B-body housings, however I believe this is the narrowest 8.75 axle housing aside from the A body. As I was planning to go with BBP axles anyhow so thought it would be worth using. The tapered axles were pulled out and custom BBP axle kit ordered from Dr. Diff. (Cass gave me everything I need for the conversion). I have a number of center sections to choose from including the 741 and 489, but for this build was planning on just running a 741 with a 3:23 open gear set. Also picked up a set of 11" X 2.5" backing plates and all the required brake hardware to install including new drums.
A couple of thoughts:
- Should I order a sure grip from Dr. Diff and a new set of gears? - I get the gut feeling if I don't I'll regret it, I'm already this far. Is the 3:23 gear set a good compromise? - I still want to be able to highway cruise. In either case I think the 741 center is strong enough for this build.
- I need to relocate the spring perches to properly install the axle - so now would appear to be the best time to also purchase an offset spring kit, however Dr. Diff is out of stock. Any other quality options here?
- How realistic would it be to squeeze a 275 50 15 tire in the back after completing the offset springs?
- Brake proportioning valve - will a 73' and up A body work for the front BBP disc & rear drum conversion?
- Brake Master Cylinder - currently looking to go with the Dr. Diff 15/16 aluminum master conversion kit for manual brakes (I don't want power brakes). Any experience with these?