Rear end, update or swap?

C

crnkotm

Location
St. Charles
First Name
Tony
Last Name
Crnko
After getting the body off, I've identified the rear end as an 8.8 with 2.73 ratio. That's really longer than I'd like. I've never changed gears in a rear end but may be up for the challenge. Additionally, I'm going to have to replace all the bushings, seat bar and the springs. Not sure what the owner of the donor car was doing... One spring and the seat e bar were broken. So my thought is maybe I just get an entirely new rear end with associated parts and pieces, maybe 9 inch with 3.73 and new control arms. Thoughts?
 
I don’t think a 9” is worth the expense and effort. The 8.8 is plenty strong for these light cars. I would freshen up and fix what you have. Depending on motor and trans a 3:73 might be much. Most of us are running 3:27, 3:31 or 3:55.
 
Thanks Tony, good to know. I'm running a 302 swapped to a carb. So I don't see a ton of power there. I'm having a heck of a time getting the lower arm bolts out though. Also thinking I may want to replace the bearings as a precaution. The brakes were in pretty bad shape so those will be new as well.
 
Tony,
You need to take into consideration your transmission output and ratios. Some have a pretty big change between 4th and 5th. Most are happy with the 3.55 but there are a lot of variables to select the best option
 
Also something I'm learned about Paul. It's a t5 1352-246 94-95 5.0 300 3.35 1.99 1.33 1.1 0.68 - 3.15 8 7.85 0.668 not sure all what exactly all these numbers are yet lol
 
Rich and I rebuilt my 8.8 this past winter. Just gotta have the right tools. A press or access to one is a must, inch/lb torque wrench, micrometer and normal handtools will suffice. The pinion bearing, crush washer and proper torque is the toughest. Measure 3 times. You'll take two steps forward and 3 steps back a lot, so, have patience. 3.55 is what I suggest.
 
crnkotm said:
Also something I'm learned about Paul. It's a t5 1352-246 94-95 5.0 300 3.35 1.99 1.33 1.1 0.68 - 3.15 8 7.85 0.668 not sure all what exactly all these numbers are yet lol
Click to expand...
These numbers are the transmission ratio's, 1st to 5th
 
Thanks guys, after finally getting the lower control arms off I think I'm going to send the rear end out and get it swapped with a 3:55. Also gonna have them put new bearings and bushing in.
 
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