Author Topic: What kinda rear end should i use?  (Read 788 times)

Offline 1972Challenger340

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What kinda rear end should i use?
« on: May 10, 2011 - 11:06:27 PM »
I have a 72 Challenger, I just put in a fresh engine and i want some more response out of the hole. I've been looking but i don't know how to determine what kind of ratio i would be purchasing. So my question is what kind of differential should i get if i want something that is pretty quick and responsive off of the line, and how do i determine what kind of gear ratios i would have.

Thanks and any info is appreciated.




Offline aris_unlimited

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Re: What kinda rear end should i use?
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2011 - 04:45:38 AM »
For a gearing ratio go here http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.htm it is a gearing calculator. Basically you put in your tire size, gearing ratios of your transmission (I always choose the final gear for a highway speed) and the rpms you want, then plug in different rear end ratios till you get the desired rpm for your speed (I try to keep around 2k rpms at 65 mph). For the transfer case ratio just put 1:1, that will even everything out for you.

As for a differential, it really depends on what rear end you have to give you any good options. Although most people tend to narrow it down to the true trac or trak loc rear diffs.

Personally I am planning on going with the true trac, it is a helix designed limited slip differential. Which is a lot more reliable and requires a lot less maintenance than a trak loc does. The reason that the trak loc may require more maintenance is that there are clutch plates in there that engage to improve traction when needed. Those clutch plates can wear out and require replacement. Whereas the true trac is pretty much an "install and forget" kind of system.

Of course all the information I have on differentials is for the Dana 60 I am going to install. I am not sure which differentials are offered in other rear ends.

Hope some of this is able to help you out.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2011 - 04:48:51 AM by aris_unlimited »
Cuda is gone :(

74 satellite, daily driver/project now

Offline brads70

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Re: What kinda rear end should i use?
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2011 - 08:32:59 AM »
If your always going to run the 340 I'd just stick with an 8 3/4.  3:55 is a popular gear ratio choice.
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 1972Challenger340

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Re: What kinda rear end should i use?
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2011 - 12:30:35 PM »
Thanks for the information. Can you give me a link to where i could find a 3:55 rear end, summit or any other sites? I'ev been looking and i find differentials i just don't know how to determine what they are.

Offline shadango

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Re: What kinda rear end should i use?
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2011 - 12:59:53 PM »
Thanks for the information. Can you give me a link to where i could find a 3:55 rear end, summit or any other sites? I'ev been looking and i find differentials i just don't know how to determine what they are.

I bought my rear chunk for my 8 3/4 just a couple months ago from Dr Diff (google Dr Diff)  and got a nodular iron 489 case with crush sleeve replacement and US gears (3.55) and a true trac, for the reasons mentioned above.

Cass at Dr Diff is great to deal with and the product is awesome!


Offline Moparal

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Re: What kinda rear end should i use?
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2011 - 02:16:45 PM »
This would help you to even run a bigger tire if need be .


I have a complete 8 3/4 rear removed from a 69 road runner. It was taken out of a running car and replaced with a dana 60. The rear is a complete 68-70 B-body with a 489 case 3.55 cone type suregrip unit, also includes brakes. Asking 575.00 located in middle,TN. Possible delivery to Columbus,OH show in May, Carlisle,PA in July or the Mopar Nats if prepaid. Email my at otissteph AT yahoo.com please replace the word AT with @ to email me as it keeps the spam down. Or you can send me a PM here. Thank you Moaprts!
Matt