Swinger help

[Brian Hood]

Hey Everyone,
I am gathering parts for my build (73 Swinger). I have a few questions. I am needing more clearance. First, Is there a good non-power rack unit can I use? A Dakota or maybe an M body? If I do this retro, will I have to change the steering to a front steer by reversing the spindles from right to left? Would that work? Additionally, woud a rear from a V-8 Dakota or an M body be stronger that a Small 7 1/4 rear (I think thats what is is I do know that it is very small- the car had a slant 6) ? What about a rear from an Explorer or Mountaineer? They seem to be about the same width. Has anyone tried this?
Brian

 

[dusted72]

Dont all of it but I do know that the spindles can go on either side its the ball joints you gotta switch side to side.

 

[streetdak]

Im not sure on the steering, but as far as the rear end from a dakota, yes if it is an 8 1/4 the rear end is much stronger. I built a 92 dakota, threw a LA 318 in it when i was 18, i knew that truck from in and out. So here a few tips for ya. If your looking for a Dakota 8 1/4 they're easy to spot. If the diff cover has an octogon shape it is a 7 1/4, but if it has an oval diff cover it will be an 8 1/4. Now there is one thing you have to worry about, if the dakota rear is from a 90 and older then it will have regular mopar 5 x 4.75 bolt pattern, yet if it is from 91 and up it will have a 6 x 4.5 bolt pattern which is extremly rare bolt pattern (only vipers/dakotas/durangos use this as far as i know) so you would either have to use dakota wheels or you could change the axels that have a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern and get some drums as well. - Superior Axle and gear makes a direct replacement 5 lug axles for the dakota 8 1/4 rear (http://www.superioraxle.com/axles.html)

Notibly the 8 1/4 built correctly can handle a good deal of power, 450-500 rwhp all day, but make sure its built correctly is the key.