Rear end

[85oldsmobuick]

This what I have= 85 cutlass, 350 .040 11:1 305H Magnum CompCam, Brodix HV1 intake, Holley 750, Bowtie Phase 2 heads, Eagle H-beam rods, Callies Stealth crank, 180 shot NOS, T350 w/3500 stall and a 7.5 3:73 with a mini spool. 245/60 radials. I am using this as a bracket car only. My question is on this rear. I am NOT using the NOS or slicks until i get this car dialed in but will this rearend hold up for now? And also, I have a 8.5/3.73 rear out of a 85 442. What do you think about building this rear? Mini spool? C-clip elem? 4:10? aftermarket axles? Thanks

 

[grizwald]

man, if you've already got the 8.5, i'd build it before i raced it. there's nothing worse that heading to the line with doubt in the back of your head. spend the extra few bucks and buy a spool instead of a mini spool. actually, depending on how much you want to spend...moser and strange offer spool and axle pkgs for that rear end that will give you good axles, spool, and c clip elims.

 

[monzaz]

Well here is another thought. IF your really going to JUST drag race this car you should think about a better suspension. If this is a SO CALL street Strip car...which with NOS modified engine slicks etc. sounds like the realm of RACE CAR. so you should upgrade to a RACE rear.

Another point is that it is a true 8.5 10 bolt rear and c-clip eliminating this rear will would be a NO GO back modification because you cut the end of the axle tube off that houses the axle c-clip bearing and seal. NOW that being said c-clip elim kit is really not made for street application as aluminum housed bearing block is NOT good in side loads and tons of heat produced by street and freeway driving. IT is a DRAG RACE APPLICATION.

Mini SPOOL again is an option BUT AGAIN is not a street application it is a DIRT TRACK item. Light cars and trucks(S-10) can get away with this mod some what but aftermarket axles are a must with that kind of mod. which creates alot of torsion twisting of the axles shafts in turns.

So in wrapping it up YOU the car owner needs to evaluate the use of your vehicle and build it to the specs that it will be doing the most. If DRAG RACING is at the very least not more than 60% of the time then go with a STRONG posi unit and leave it c-clip with aftermarket strong axles. You will be a happier driver with that set-up then a binding FULL spool leaking street driven race car.

It is your car so you will do what you need to to and want to do. Just trying to help with info to help make that decision.

Good Luck, Jim

 

[malibulvr]

On another note, you could also have ford big bearing ends installed on the 8.5 10bolt and run a factory style bearing and retainer, thus having the best of both worlds. Install a set of $20 disc brake caliper brackets from Speedway, and you are ready to go. If you are very limited on the street driving a full spool will work fine IMO, but much more than that and I would find a good posi unit, or Lockrite unit or something. One thing is for sure, if the car ever hooks with that 7.5 10bolt there is a definite chance of problems.