# of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Time to buy some axles for my challenger. Using an 8.75 housing with 1.75 pinion. Moser has axle and spool packages. Spline choices are 28,30,31, 33, or 35. What number of splines would you choose ? I'm assuming 35 is the standard. Will be running a 383 auto. Thanks

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

35 spline with gun drilled shafts and 5/8th studs.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

I would not put any money in the 8 3/4 rearend, you can not get gears for them, they break. Be money ahead and put a Dana 60 in it.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

8 3/4 break. I have been running the same Richmond pro gear in my Dana 60 since 1991. I change oil 2qts. every other year.

35 splines with 5/8 studs with Mark Williams yokes, just bullet proof.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

I suggest a Dana 60 35 spline as well for an auto, 40 spline wouldn't hurt if it's a stick. If I didn't have so much 8 3/4 stuff accumulated, I would have put a Dana 60 in my cars. Moser has good, complete assemblies at a reasonable price. You don't have to worry about straightening an old housing or bracing with a new Dana 60.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Ok fellas, I appreciate the replies. I hadn't planned on dumping the 8.75, and don't want to. So maybe to back up a bit, what level of hp are we talking to justify going from an 8.75 to a dana ? auto trans stocker, foot braking. Maybe you can tell me how much hp should I expect from a 383/335 to qualify mid-pack in an E-body ? 450 - 500 ? FYI, it's my first stocker, home built, doing everything possible myself, body is done, just finished with paint. I don't want to shoot myself in the foot with bad decisions, also don't want to buy what I don't need either.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

This! I am also building a e body, super stock instead of stock. I would not waste my time with the 8&3/4 when you break one and you will, You will be into the trans & converter also. So money well spent ahead of time. I have a strange s-60 in mine, Do a cost estimate on both of them, The dana is Prob around $1800 You will be into the 8&3/4 for around $800 or so.But the first time you break it you will be upside down in the deal. Big question for the 8&3/4 is what race weight are you going to be?

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Listen to this advice!!! He and all the rest above him are trying to save you some money and a lot of hard work... Unless you like repairing broken rear ends, trannys and converters....

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

It's not a horsepower thing, it's more of a weight issue. The 8 3/4's live well in a-bodies that are under or around 3300 pounds. Once you get over 3500 it's just a matter of time until a cap breaks and wrecks everything else. A big problem at the moment is getting gears lower that 4:56, forget about a set of 5:13's. I bet you can find some good used parts if you look around. Moser, Strange and Mark Williams are all quality pieces.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

I hear you guys and don't doubt your expertise. As far as weight goes, with the 383 it looks an F car, and since I haven't done anything special making it lighter, it may be a little heavy and fall into G. And I agree, it will be more stress on it than a A body/340 car. I have a budget and can't afford to make everything bullet proof. I'll start looking around and run some numbers. thanks

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

If you have to stay with the 8 3/4, you may want to consider a few optional upgrades to extend its life.

1) Definitely stay with 35 splines. The axles are actually the same as a 35 spline Dana 60 axle, just use different lengths.

2) Cryo and/or REM finish on the ring & pinion. I've had a few sets done at Evans Performance near Atlanta, GA and I'm convinced that the processes extend their life. It will be easier for your set-up guy to do it before the process because it's difficult to get a pattern with the gears polished. http://www.evansperformance.com/home2.html

3) Straighten & install a backbrace on the housing. It may have to be notched for shock clearance.

4) Install a large diameter filler cap near the top of the housing mainly for easier regular inspection of the gears. You can usually catch a tooth or two starting to go away. But a ring & pinion or u-joint failure will likely take out the trans sprag as well.

5) A billet yoke on the pinion will help prevent u-joint loss from a yoke that can actually spread over time, which causes the u-joint to hammer itself out. (It happened to me footbraking a small block.)

6) My u-joint preference are solid Spicer joints. They have a good variety including 7260, 7290, 1350 and assorted conversion joints.

7) If your rear wheels don't have very thick centers, you may be able to get by with 2" wheel studs instead of 3" to save a little weight. I know Moser has them, but not sure about the other brands.

8) I'm guessing that you'll need at least 4.86 - 5.13 gears. Summit has them for 742 cases only.

9) Mark Williams makes billet caps that can be installed for added strength in that area. I forgot which side has the higher rate of breakage.

Good luck!

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

All the info given here is correct for the most part but I’ll just share my personal experience with the 8 ¾ in my Sport Fury. The 42 housing is the one to use and Spicer joints are a must. Each time I pull the driveshaft I use new straps on the larger of the factory yokes. In my low budget old school stocker I typically ran about 3520 in weight with times in the 10.70-10.90 range and currently have over 360 runs on the Richmond 4.57 set that’s in the car now. Your car will be a little lighter than that in G and being a budget car you might be in the mid 11s on a 12.0 index. The Richmond gears will crack in time because they’re a little too hard for racing.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Myron, Paul,

Thanks for the info. I'm convinced I can make an 8.75 last a reasonable amount of time, especially following the advice given. But it's much more work and time. A new dana with all the options is just not doable budget wise. I'll look for a used dana that's in good shape, as well as price out an 8.75 setup with best value in mind. I appreciate the help, it's makes the pros and cons clear. I enjoy doing things myself, I save money and learn more that way too. Downside it takes a long time

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

So just wondering here, by adding a back brace, what direction does the housing tend to bend to without a brace ?

I looked at complete Dana 60 assemblies. Strange and Moser both have them. Roughly $ 2200. Quality wise, does either stand out ? After thinking about it, I don't think I'd be ok with a "used" assembly

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

I think you will be fine with the 8 3/4 at the HP level you will be making in a budget build. My Coronet has been 10.20s @ 3800lbs with a back braced 8 3/4 with 35 spline Moser axles/spool and 4.56 Yukon gears. The Cheap gears are more forgiving than the race gears.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

I know that a strange unit went in the dakota to replace the 8.75 when I spent the dough on A&A protrans......They are both excellent and support the racers. Which one is closer for the freight savings?

Not to complicate your decision, but I pitted across from a index racer at the dutch who replaces his 8.75 r&p every 300 runs, not pro gear, as you can't get the 4.88 to my knowledge. I think he said $200 bucks or so at a whack.

Your other consideration is the 60 versus 8.75 resistance, I haven't found it to be different, and the weight difference especially going from drum to disc was nada.

60's now in the entire fleet: 70 challenger like yours, but a stick, dakota, dragpak, and the idle 72 which is waiting for some love. All are 40 spline but the 72 which is a 35.

I still have my complete 8.75 rear end 4.88 Moser axles downstairs at work. Might even be the Ebody width!

Eric

Eric

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Thanks for the replies.

Well gents, getting the prices together really made this a no brainer. To "fix" my 8.75 will cost $1300 not counting my labor. I'd have to buy a spool/axle package, back brace, bearings, yoke, R&P, wheel studs, carrier caps w/needed machining according to mark williams website.

For a new rear end, components are: pro gear, 5/8 studs, spring pads welded, cast yoke, spool, axles. may go with a forged yoke though.

Strange: $2000, free shipping until end of yr.
Moser: $2400, + 225 shipping.

So for another $700 I get an assemble dana delivered. Just need to pick a gear ratio before I can order. Either 4.88 or 5.13. Motor package isn't figured out yet, but I think the 4.88 would be a safe start. Suggestions ????

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

4.88 would be a "safe" start.

I'm a small block guy and have seen many auto trans 3.58 stroke 360's favoring a 4.88 while the 3.31 stroke 340's like a 5.13 in Stock. Your 383 has a 3.375 stroke, so 4.88 should be safe and later determine if the engine and valvetrain can handle a 5.13. There are always 92.5" and 94" circumference slicks to experiment with as well as radials which will raise the rpms due to limited growth. But it wouldn't surprise me if a couple combos may go a step further. That's my theory and 2 cents worth. Now I'm curious if someone can confirm my theory.:o

See if you can find any Moser dealers in you area. Might get a better deal than buying direct. I lucked out to have a driveline place here in Daytona who also do my driveshafts. Or ask about "price matching"!

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

[QUOTE=GallopinGhost;449973]So just wondering here, by adding a back brace, what direction does the housing tend to bend to without a brace ? [QUOTE]

The axle tubes will bend forward,toward the front of the car.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

4.88 is a safe start "BUT" I would wait until you dyno the motor to see where your rpm levels are, 383's like rpm. I know you prob. didn't want to hear that.I was going to do a 383 stocker in my 70 cuda, but went the other way to a 383 SS. just my opinion….

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Myron,

Good ideas. I'm leaning towards 4.88, maybe with a 29" tire to start. Long way still to go with this project. I don't want to wait too long to order the rear, free shipping is good to the end of the yr. I'll call them and see how long the price is good for the rear end itself. If I can find a moser distributor who can knock off $ 600 to make it competitive with strange, that would work, but that sounds unlikely.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Mark, thanks for the reply.

grncpe, Why ?

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Thanks. One more idea, but it would be a longshot considering the season is winding down. Vendors sometimes provide good deals at events they have a booth or display trailer set up. i.e.: PRI, race events, etc. Good luck.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Myron,

thanks for the suggestions. I'm just going to pull the trigger on the strange unit w/ 4.88s.

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Why did I go to SS? That is a long story…. I was going to build a stocker drivetrain to put in my done car and wound up finding a whole SS car I liked. Long short is I wound up with the drivetrain out of it & lots of help and info, I am happy it worked out this way, just have to make my car work with a allready proven deal.Hopefully I see you out next year also. Just look for a 70 cuda with a crazy 70's Paintjob. I you need any parts for yours let me know I have a good bit of E body stuff. Tom

Re: # of axle splines in an E-body stocker
 

Tom, Yeah you never know how things may change on a project. Who knows, I may put a hemi in mine, Lol actually I know won't happen.

I may be interested in some stuff, shoot me a PM with what you have sometime, no rush, it'll take me a while to pay for this dana I bit on