Which way to go Question on cuda 8 3/4

Author Topic: Which way to go Question on cuda 8 3/4  (Read 1087 times)

Offline shawnhigh

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Which way to go Question on cuda 8 3/4
« on: November 19, 2018 - 12:20:56 AM »
Hello all, Got a 1972 Barracuda 318/904 car that was my first car and is slowly undergoing a long awaited refresh.  I've got and opportunity to buy a 1995 Dodge 1500 518 auto with a rebuilt tranny and fresh rearend that was recently wrecked in front.  I've read all the 518 swap posts and thinking this swap is the way I want to go and this truck has the right tranny.  The Barracuda is a single leg 8 3/4 rearend and I'd like to add limited slip and rear disk brakes as part of my upgrade.  This is a lifetime car that will be passed down and not rare so I was wondering if with some fabrication this 95 truck rear would be a good way to go?  I've already got a rebuilt 727 and a 360 with xheads and looking for a fun street car that I can drive hours at a time.  I know I can use the tranny and maybe driveshaft from the truck but is anything else useful to me? Truck is 1000$ It seems like getting new gears, a posi unit and rear disk brakes would cost 2000$ to get set up.  Any other rear end swaps like from a modern mustang that would work for me?  Thanks for your time and input




Offline Beekeeper

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Re: Which way to go Question on cuda 8 3/4
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2018 - 10:48:29 AM »
I’m not the it’s worth trying to use the truck rear end. It would probably need to be narrowed a little and then you would need to also relocate spring perches. And of course the driveshaft will require modification on both ends instead of one though that stuff is easy and inexpensive.

The 8 3/4 unit you already have is very strong and capable of easily handling the kind power you’re going to have. Adding a posi unit and different gear set plus labor to set it up will be around $1500 I’m guessing.

On the rear discs, I had a nice set of Wilwoods on my 70 Superbee and I hated them. It was a huge amount of work to install them and I really didn’t see any improvement from the rear drums. I saw a massive improvement in the front of course. I also got the emergency brake caliper and it was practically useless. The e brake caliper also rattled at idle and drove me crazy. So much so that I removed them until I sold the car. I don’t think I’ll ever bother going to rear disc again.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Which way to go Question on cuda 8 3/4
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2018 - 11:45:32 AM »
Keep the 8 3/4; there is no good reason to change it out. There are plenty of rear disc kits (contact Dr. diff). Keep in mind that these rear ends were/are used in high HP cars all the time. I've run them for over 40 years and cannot remember ever breaking one, I am sure its possible and has happened but it isnt a common occurrence.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline jimynick

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Re: Which way to go Question on cuda 8 3/4
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2018 - 10:31:14 PM »
There should be a thread here on the 518 swap and I do know that it requires cutting and re-forming the floor. While it's not a drop in, the idea of over-drive is appealing nonetheless. I agree with the lads here and would rebuild the 8.75 with a posi unit of your choice although the stock clutch type Sure Grip is a decent performer. Put the 11" brakes on the rear if you think you'll need them and good luck!  :cheers: