Question for a budget builder. What would be the best rear end option for the following: 55' 210, currently have a rear end out of a 79 Firebird. New 3.42 gears, posi, and disk brakes. Flange to flange length is 62.5". Most likely 1.5-2" too long. I have 2" of space on the inside of each inside wheel well and minimal space from the tire to quarter panels. Engine is an L77, 6l80 tranny, 4 Link kit (in box)? I've heard that a 9" from a F100-150 (bolt pattern issues), or a s10 blazer 4x4 six speed keeps it in the 5x4.75 bolt pattern. If the bolt pattern is a show stopper, I'll look at getting adapters. Thanks for you time.
58"-59.5" rear end question
Colorado1955project
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Question for a budget builder. What would be the best rear end option for the following: 55' 210, currently have a rear end out of a 79 Firebird. New 3.42 gears, posi, and disk brakes. Flange to flange length is 62.5". Most likely 1.5-2" too long. I have 2" of space on the inside of each inside wheel well and minimal space from the tire to quarter panels. Engine is an L77, 6l80 tranny, 4 Link kit (in box)? I've heard that a 9" from a F100-150 (bolt pattern issues), or a s10 blazer 4x4 six speed keeps it in the 5x4.75 bolt pattern. If the bolt pattern is a show stopper, I'll look at getting adapters. Thanks for you time.
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I'll start it.What width of wheel and tire are you wanting to run?Do you have wheels and tires already on hand that you are going to use?A 58" or 59.5", or the 62.5" will work, it depends on wheels, tires, and the back spacing on the wheels.
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78-88' Monte Carlos have 58" rears. The 83-88' Monte SS's had 3.73 gears and a lot had posi. If your running HP at all.... I just purchased a early ford 9", 58" wide and 3.70 gears for $175 
A disc brake kit for the ford 9" is $355, with chevy 4 3/4 bolt pattern. You'll need to re-drill the axle flanges to keep the chevy bolt pattern. A whole lot of early Ford 9" are 60" too...which is our stock rear width.
A disc brake kit for the ford 9" is $355, with chevy 4 3/4 bolt pattern. You'll need to re-drill the axle flanges to keep the chevy bolt pattern. A whole lot of early Ford 9" are 60" too...which is our stock rear width.
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59.5" min.
The thing about 58" width is with stock location leaf springs it puts the backing plates and e-brake cables right on the springs.
Unless there is a compelling reason, 59+ is less problematic. 60" is stock width as was mentioned.
In my experience fiinding 30 year old hineys in suitable shape is somewhat of a tall order. Being on a budget ourselves, we started with a $200 '90 - '01 Explorer 8.8 rear. They have all the popular ratios, traction lok, 31 splines, drum or disc brakes, 59.5". They do require some rework, swapping axles side to side, redrilling for 4.75" bolt pattern, spring perches, etc, but if you are handy, or know someone who is, you'll come in at $1000 or less.
We like a 9" too, but were looking at $2000 plus, turnkey. The wrecking yards are thick with Explorers.
Just a suggestion. The 8.8 is basically a clone of a GM 12 bolt.
The thing about 58" width is with stock location leaf springs it puts the backing plates and e-brake cables right on the springs.
Unless there is a compelling reason, 59+ is less problematic. 60" is stock width as was mentioned.
In my experience fiinding 30 year old hineys in suitable shape is somewhat of a tall order. Being on a budget ourselves, we started with a $200 '90 - '01 Explorer 8.8 rear. They have all the popular ratios, traction lok, 31 splines, drum or disc brakes, 59.5". They do require some rework, swapping axles side to side, redrilling for 4.75" bolt pattern, spring perches, etc, but if you are handy, or know someone who is, you'll come in at $1000 or less.
We like a 9" too, but were looking at $2000 plus, turnkey. The wrecking yards are thick with Explorers.
Just a suggestion. The 8.8 is basically a clone of a GM 12 bolt.
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Well I have to ask, if your on a strict budget what is wrong with the stock rear end. Do you have the one that came with the car? I used mine that came with the car for years without any issues, so just curious as why you need to change. Cheapest and easiest is to stay with the original, lot less problems when you know it bolts right in without any modifications needed.
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5,963 Posts
I'll suggest a Grand National differential, they're 58". Get a spring pocket kit, 10" rims and have fun. You should be able to find one for $750 and they're almost indestructible.
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