Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

which rear end would I be better off with, an 8 3/4 or a Dana 60?

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

Well that depends if weight is no problem, the Dana 60 is more durable but it's pretty heavy and it's unsprung weight which means the type of suspension you run can be affected.
The 8-3/4 is lighter but not as durable and probably cheaper.
I guess it boils down to this, big tires, manual trans, heavy car, big motor
consider the Dana.(I.e super stock, super gas/ comp, top sportsman)
Small tires, auto trans, and or light car , small block use the 8-3/4 (I.e a stocker or bracket car).
That's my two cents worth (Mopar guys opinion's will vary)!

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

How fast and how heavy a car are you
considering?

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

Dana 60 all the way. The dana I had in my car was only 20lbs heavier than the 8 3/4. It is bullet proof and takes less HP to rotate. It is a no brainer. If you run an auto if you break the rearend it takes the tranny with it. Just one more reason for Dana.

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

Dana 60 is faster than 8 3/4 I back to back them at Indy one year. They last longer than 8 3/4, bought mine in 1991 and still using all the same parts.

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

The car is a 1976 Volarie, 360 4 BBL Stocker. I'm thinking 4500 stall and 5.13 gears.

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

You should not have a problem with the 8 3/4 in your car.

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

We have run 8 3/4 in our Volare / Aspen Stockers for many years with only
a couple of Failures in the Very Heavy Wagon at 3620 to 3850 Weight.

I would consider a looser converter 5200 (360) - 5400(318) to go with the 5:13 Gears which should be right a low elevation.

My Chassis guy said with same amount of lightning the Dana would be
40 to 50 heavier than 8 3/4. Does anyone know if he is right?

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

depends on the dana housing. difference we seen , was 32 #. there's four different dana 60 housings. heavy to lighter. car didn't slow down any.

Re: Which rear end would I be better off with?
 

My personal experience and that of everyone I have ever talked to is that the Dana 60 will not slow your car down even given the extra weight.

If are running ballast, you might be able to take some out and be ahead.

The biggest drawback is that it is not nearly as easy to swap gears.

Bill Lamb