Rear end for 65 barracuda with 5x4.5 bolt pattern

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Scott Bowers

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Hey All!

My brother and I are attempting to restore a 65 barracuda. (Or first project car!) It was originally a 273 v8. It is not a commando. It did not come with an engine so we are putting a 360 v8 in it. We got a disc brake conversion for the front brakes that has the 5x4.5 bolt pattern on it.

So obviously we would like to have the back wheels match the 5x4.5 bolt pattern.

Also I think the existing rear end is not strong enough to hold up to the hp the 360 will put out?

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best bolt-on rear end solution?
8.25? 8.75? Ford 9in? Used? Aftermarket?

We are not looking to cut up anything and don't care if its original or not.

Thanks!

Scott
 
8.25 all day. Cheap and available. Ford 9 out of a Maverick would be an almost bolt in option. Ford 8.8 if you want to explore disk brakes but Im not sure if they came in the correct width. I'd look into a Mopar 8.25 first.
 
The Mopar 8 3/4" is a great axle but is not cheap in factory form.
An 8 1/4" axle is a great choice as it will have the right bolt pattern that you want but many have either a 2.45 or 2.71 ratios, not much gear for a car if you want to have good off the line acceleration. Once you swap gears into one, "budget" goes out the window.
The Jeep Cherokee, Liberty or Ford Explorer axles require some welding but they have great gears and often have a limited slip differential and disc brakes. You can find them at self serve wrecking yards for under $200 on their discount weekend sales events.
 
9", jeep with disc , exploder . The problem with 8 1/4 and 7 1/4" diffs is gear selection . Get it right and it's great . 8 3/4" is good but stuff is getting expensive . Just sayin'
 
Tims 66 Cuda said:
8.25 first The 8.8 will work but I believe they are about 1" plus wider
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I don't recall any of the 8.8 measurements, but aren't most of them off center as well? Not a deal breaker, but would require more work than simple bracket welding.
 
I’m going with the 8.8 from a Ford Explorer in my 65 Valiant. Easy narrowing job and comes with disc brakes. $170 from my local u-pull-it. Can’t beat that.
 
Scott Bowers said:
So if I went 8.25 do they make aftermarket? Or do I have to go junk yard hunting?
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As far as I know, the 8.25 is not available aftermarket so you will be junkyarding. You’ll want one from a 73-76 A Body or post a want ad here. You might think shipping might be a deal breaker, not if Fastenal is used
 
Let's start with any large bolt pattern axle regardless, 7.25, 8.25, and even aftermarket axles in the A-Body 8.75 will be wider then what your stock 65 will use. With that, even if you find a 66-67 B-Body rearend, which is the narrowest modern 8.75, will be roughly 1.75-2.0" wider than your stock 65 rearend. If you find an A-body rearend, and you'll pay for it, you'll need to invest in axles. Crazy alternative and it takes some digging, and will work perfectly, find a 62 Dart "B-Body" rearend. It will have tappered axles. That rearend will be roughly 1" wider than your stock setup. It will have the larger bolt pattern and with a different offset wheel, fits really well. Now, the tappered axles aren't the favorite out there, mostly cause most don't know much about them, can be replaced with altered 66-67 B-body axles. Altered, I mean, cut 1/2" off both axles, install green bearings and go for it. I know this works, cause its what's in my 65 Valiant with a mini spool and 4.11 gears.
 
Hi Scott welcome , I was lucky to find a 73-76 valiant 4 door got the front disc off it and it had an 8 1/4 in it found a set 3.55 and a sure grip and for brakes a Jeep Liberty gave me disc brakes they bolt right on for brakes. I have a 65 barr also works excellent. gary

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I swapped a 8 1/4 in to 65 dart. Everything hooked up prefect. I did however need to shorten my driveline.

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1965barr said:
Hi Scott welcome , I was lucky to find a 73-76 valiant 4 door got the front disc off it and it had an 8 1/4 in it found a set 3.55 and a sure grip and for brakes a Jeep Liberty gave me disc brakes they bolt right on for brakes. I have a 65 barr also works excellent. gary

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Looks great! Am I correct in that the 8 1/4" fit into the '65 without narrowing? What about spring pads and shock mounts?.. For the disc brake upgrade, what did you need from the donor car vs buying new? Thanks in advance as this is exactly what I want to do in my '64.
 
Alot of these sumbitches out there think the 8 1/4 is startin to be worth gold too, so be careful. I do agree though that is your best bolt in choice.
 
Gina Grahame said:
Looks great! Am I correct in that the 8 1/4" fit into the '65 without narrowing? What about spring pads and shock mounts?.. For the disc brake upgrade, what did you need from the donor car vs buying new? Thanks in advance as this is exactly what I want to do in my '64.
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Simple bolt in for 64, the only thing you have to do is shorten the driveshaft. Or any A Body for that matter. Not sure on disc brakes, I never bothered.
 
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