Posted by Charlie (IP: 131.204.68.113) on July 10, 2000 at 11:58:54:
In Reply to: A beefier 8" rear end posted by rickyracer on July 09, 2000 at 15:07:29:
I think another reason the 8-inch isn't seen as a performance rear is because the early versions were weak, especially the axles. They weren't the same as 9-inch axles say, in the 65-66 Mustangs; they were tapered and were a weak link. The Maverick 8-inchs are much stronger and good rearends. -CP
: The reason people say a 8" posi unit is hard to find is because they never put that many in and most were crushed already as everyone went after the 9". And when was the last time you looked for a 9"posi in a juckyard. They're about as scarce as hen's teeth. Junkyards usually crab them first for the big bucks.
: And you can buy a new 8" for the same price as a 9" from Auburn, Currie, PAW, Mark Williams and some others. The bad rap the 8" has gotten is because no one ever works on them. People are starting to. The 28spline axles are just as strong as the 9" 28 spline axles. They're the same dia. and from the same material. Try and find a 31spline Posi 9" in the junkyard. You'll find a 8" first.
: After you spend all the money on your new rearend and posi unit, make sure you have a 31spline with new Forged steel axles. Otherwise you have more weight with maybe 10% more strength. And weight takes more horsepwoer and causes more breakage of drivetrain parts.
: Take it from a Racer's point of view. I use both and haven't broke either yet. Pay more attention to your U Joints. They're your weak link in the chain here.
: : Well two weeks from now i will take my car to U.S. Automotive Performance so they can begin the process of rebuilding the stock block to 300hp. yippee... but then i have to do other stuff.. like handling performance, and then of course looks and etcetera etcetera...
: : BUT FIRST.... i need a beefier rear end. I know i have seen the post before, but what kind of car should i go to the junk yard for and what should i check out in the rear end?? and is it something that i with my little knowledge could do over a weekend or two, or should i just have the shop do it also??? thanks guyz.!!
: : jason.