Searching long and hard, it seems that going with a 9" may be my best bet unless someone here has a 12 bolt for sale. So my question is, is there a difference in width between the two? And what is involve in terms of welding the right brackets up to make it work on a 72' lark?
Hi Joe, IMHO you are better off just buying a 9" housing & axles kit directly from Moser. You are looking at $885.00 for a brand new housing and axles (spline count of your choice in 28, 31, 33 & 35) with the mounting brackets and spring perches already located and welded for you. It's just a matter of assembly when you receive it.:TU: http://www.moserengineering.com/Pages/Housings/hous-housingaxlepack.html They also offer a brand new 12-bolt kit too for $1295.00 lower on the same link-page as above. Hope this helps...
Lot of options... How quick are you planning to go? Few price comparisons... Assembled new Moser 12 bolt with 30 spline axles & Eaton posi will run 2K... more with 33 spline carrier. Ck Moser's website. National vendor 9" A-body rear w/ new nodular case, Softlocker, new 31 or 33 spline axles... expect min $2300 PLUS the expense of adjustable upper control arms ($130-300) 8.5 A-body A9 hsg rear w/ 30 spline HD Eaton or Detroit locker carrier, new Moser axles, jig welded hsg, fitted lh steel cap... looking at $1400-1700. Same rear with 33 spline spool... subtract $200-400. Got Posi? :3gears: Roger
Thanks Actually I think I found a place that seems to be a little cheaper, have not called them yet. (Quick Performance) My goal I think is to get the housing, and then piece it together from there. I am just wondering on how wide (axle width) to go? This may be a good opportunity for wheel/tire fitment issues.
I'd like to know what the width of 70-72 cars is too so I can figure out which rears will interchange. Buying new isn't always an option. Couple weeks ago I found a 9-inch with an extra posi unit complete for $350. I guess I could measure... :grin:
Typical '64-65- late '66 model BOP A-body rear & '65-67 Chevelle 12 bolt is going to measure close to 60 3/8" drum to drum. Next wider A-body offering was used through '72 & will measure very close to 61 3/8" drum to drum. Measuring from axle's wheel mtg flange to wheel mtg flange (w/o drums), subtract an 1/8". Got Posi? :3gears: Roger
i would go with the stock width rear end so it is a bolt in unless you are up for a possible adventure. if you are going to get different rims for the rear you won't be able to go wider with out altering the wheel well area, rear end width wont make a difference except in the offset (backspace) of the wheel. if you are going to tub or mini tub it then you should start to alter the rear end length. the only other reason is if you had your heart set on an inperticular wheel that was only available in one offset. also from experience i like the ford 9". now other than that item i am not a ford person at all, but that rear end is so nice to work on. you don't have to press on and off the pinion bearing to change the shim for pinion depth. no side bearing shims to deal with, just threaded collars that you adjust. also no c-clips or eliminator kits to deal with as with an 8.5. a moser 12 bolt doesn't have c-clips but they did the axel ends like a ford for regular bearings that press onto the axles.
Paul, there are no c-clips to eliminate in a '71-72 8.5 A-body rear. All three 71-72 8.5 A-body housings came with tapered axle bearings. The big A10 axle bearing version is esp suited for higher horse buildups.... allows for thicker axles. Agree with you on side shims vs a 9"s adjusters, but once one gets the hang of setting B/L with side shims, not that tough. To speed up the pinion shim selection process for any 8.5 or 12 bolt rear, just need a "honed" M802048 bearing. By using the honed big bearing, no need for the pressing the big bearing on till after rear has patterned out. Speeds things up considerably. As far as 9"s go for street/strip cars. I've built a bunch, but until one starts putting serious coin in them, they really have no strength advantage over a well built boltin axle 8.5 or 12 bolt. Got Posi? :3gears: Roger
Are you sure the 72 a-body is 61 3/8 and not 60 3/8? I hope you are correct, cause I actually will have mine set drum mount to drum mount 60 7/8. Which will work better for my tire clearence, I appreciate your info, please reply.
