rear ends and gears??

[rebelcuda73]

I have a 74 cuda that I installed a 1968 440 with a a833 23 spline 4 speed but the car has the original 489 276 gear rear end. I know the 276 is high way gears and will not work as well for the street. I have a option to get a center section with 323 gears for around 200.00 . But not sure if that's the way to go. I using the car for the street and will see some high way use. I have never taken apart a rear end so I don't know how much is involved. I am sure I could learn to do it I have installed the rest of the components in the car. Is it better to change out the center chunk or change out the  innner gears that I see for sale all the time?? And which is better 323 or 355 gears?? I also have a 73 340 cuda with 323 rear gears and it spins the tires with no issues.

['Cuda Hunter]

I prefer 355's.   
Since your going to see some highway use, these will allow the highway.


If no highway use, go 410's or better or the street only.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

  One of the big benefits of the 8 3/4 design is that you can drop the center section out to change gears without having to set up a whole new set of gears with backlash, crush sleeve etc.  If the center section is in good shape (no damage or odd wear on the teeth) you should be good to go.  You can swap the center section if you have basic tools and know how to do a drum brake job.  3:23 gears are better than what you have, but not a whole lot.  Like Cuda Huner said, 3:55 is a good all around gear.  The nice thing is that if you get good at swapping gears, you can keep your 2:76 and put them in for trips, and get 4:10 for around town.

If you're not adding posi or anything you can skip to the part labled "final installation" for a quick how to.

http://www.streetlegaltv.com/tech-stories/drivetrain/tech-install-mopar-8-75-inch-third-member-and-axle-swap/

[rebelcuda73]

Thanks guys that makes sense and saves me money and time. I think the 355s are the way to go and I won't waste the time with the 323s. And if like you said similar to doing a rear brake job, guess I'll be getting greasy.  Thanks again

['Cuda Hunter]

Take pictures
Post em up

[Chryco Psycho]

Sounds like you are looking at gear sets , they are a pain to install , personally I like the 3.23 for overall , & unless you do a lot of highway touring the 2.76 are too tall , I would swap the 3.23 into your carrier & run them