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I need lower gears in the stock rearend (2.41 now) and am trying to decide whether to just put my posi and lower gears in the 10 bolt and some leaf spring wrap bars, or go ahead and switch to a narrowed 9" and whole different suspension. What do you guys recommend?
408 sbc 500-550 HP 700r4 tranny. This is a street rod that may see the track occasionally.
Can anyone give me recommendations for manufacturer's, suspension options, size of tire I can fit now vs narrowed without tubbing, etc.?
Any advice is appreciated this is my first build and I always like to learn from other's wisdom.
A: Street/Strip - 10 bolt, build it up with good parts, will hold up for awhile. I've heard lots of guys running these for quite some time - especially on the street. Focus is on the street with this setup.
B: Strip/Street - 9", build it up with good parts.
Stronger, can handle future mods better and you can get one with axels and housing cut to fit your car...then go out and buy a 3rd member and set up your gears (or have someone else do it). Focus is on the strip with this setup. I'm going with this setup myself, but my direction is strip car that drives to/from the track - little street - not a daily driver but man I'm building a Thumper of an engine!
The 8.5 is pretty strong and I would just keep that and improve it if the car is going to be mostly street with occasional track use, even at the power levels you have suggested.
If it's one of the other 10-bolts, then I would probably get something different for the suggested power level.
If it was going to be purely a race car, then might as well get the 9". But in that case I would also take a pass on the 700R4 and get a TH400/Powerglide.
__________________ 1971 Nova SS | 1998 Camaro Z28 | 2002 Camaro Z28
Do not underestimate the big 10 8.5 rear (should have been stock in your 74)
They are very close to the 12 bolt, pinion bearing are the same, carrier is .300 smaller and the carrier bearing are a little smaller, they are strong rear ends.
FYI
AL
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“The bitterness of poor quality & Service remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”
I agree w Big Al. If you are using the 10 8.5 along with 700r4, You should be able to get a way with it for a while.
I have the same set up, w/3.73. It's a nice strong combo. But I'm only throwing out lil over 350hp.
Are planning to throw a shift kit in the 700?
Sent from my GT-P3113 using AutoGuide.Com Free App
An 8.5 built up can handle some pretty good power, heck a 8.2 can hold 500+ hp on our cars.
Miles
Intersting that you mention the 8.2. That's what I have in my car stock. We added homemade limited slip by welding the spider gears at 12 and 6 o'clock. Just a temp solution and I dont launch the car without locking it first. I'm wanting to upgrade the rear end now. I'm considering a 8.5 and somewhere near a 3.55 gear. Thoughts?
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'67 Deuce stroked and maybe soon to be blown.
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