Spool or mini-spool?

Tommy · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:07 pm Post subject:

Rich, let us know how you like the powertrax when you get it.
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78 Camino SS, 355,built 700r4,3.23
Gallery78 Camino SS, 355,700r4,3.23
MSGT 145 AW
NECOA #14

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 9:41 pm Post subject:

I don't anything about the Powertrax, a Detroit Locker is for a Ford 9" rearend , an Eaton posi is rebuildable, an Auburn is not. If you plan on leaving your engine pretty much stock, the 7.5" rearend will survive until it just wears out...you can replace it with a Eaton or Auburn posi unit. Some other options that would be better than the stock rearend would be an 8.5" out of a Grand National, Buick Type T or Olds 442 G-body (these are bolt in and sell used if you can find one usually between $600-$800) also a 12 bolt Chevy rear can be used if you get aftermarket control arms. If you plan on modifying the engine, depending on how drastic you get, you definately want to consider something other than the 7.5"
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Mrapii · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 10:54 pm Post subject:

Mike where can you get a 8.5 GN rear diff with posi? I've looked and looked and couldn't find one. If you have a source I would sure like to buy one. A while ago you had a message in which you said you had a source for modified 9" Ford housings real reasonable, can you tell us where?
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:49 am Post subject:

Do I know where there's a 8.5" is right now...no...could I find one tommorow...who knows, probably! "Search" is a wonderful tool. There are other websites similar to ECC that deal with GNs' Type Ts' and 442s'. They also have their "classifieds section" I found ECC through "search". Anyway type in G-body websites in search and about 5 or 6 different websites dealing with GNs' and Type Ts' will come up. Look in the classifieds of those sites. Also check Ebay "parts and accessories" for differentials. It may take a couple of hours looking but I'll bet you could find a couple of 8.5s for sale at any given time using all the resources availble. There's a WEB RING also for G-bodies that probably lists several possible sources for finding one. It's been awhile since I looked for a 8.5''. I didn't like the idea of paying upwards of $600-$800 bucks (going price) for a rearend that might need to be rebuilt. I've decided to go with a 9" Ford. And yes I have a source for bolt-in 9" Ford housings. These are brand new bare housings set up for the new larger Ford bearings, they run for $280 + $35 for shipping. The guy that fabricates them is temporarily out because they had to get the rest of the shop work caught up. I just talked to him 3 days ago. He'll have a couple ready for sale soon...and sorry to say, I'm first in line, then I'll post his website here...sorry! I've researched this and I think that I should be able to assemble a 9" Ford for around $1350 minus the brake set up and using a Strange iron case and resplined 31 spline axles with a GM bolt pattern, most of the parts are availble from the the guy selling the housings. It would cost about another $200-300 for the brake set up depending on what type of brakes are used. This is almost $1000 less then what Moser, Currie, and a few others sell their assembled housings for minus the brakes.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Mrapii · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 2:23 am Post subject:

Hey Mike what do you think of these brackets/spring perch? Speedway Motors 9" Ford Axle Brackets Do you know what width axle housings will fit 5th Gen El Caminos? If I can get a 9" Ford axle with the proper width I could get into a Ford axle cheap.
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

Mrapii · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 2:31 am Post subject:

Oh I also ran across this:Rear Disc Brake Kit for Ford 9" Housings The price seems very good especially since it includes 4 piston calipers. What do you think?
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:31 pm Post subject:

Buick Grand National 8.5" rearend for sale on Ebay...item #2465244118 nice, but expensive! 2 days left $600+
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Mrapii · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike. I'm going to contact the seller and see what the shipping would be to Hawaii. A local guy here is selling the rear axle assembly out of an !985 Monte Carlo SS. It should be an 8.5 with 3.72 gears and if it has posi I'll try to buy it.
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:52 am Post subject:

Only Buick Grand Nationals, Type Ts' and Olds 442s came with the 8.5". Monte Carlos did not have them.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

b4black · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:46 am Post subject:

And only from 1984 and on for the 8½".

You have want to figure out your goals before shelling out money for an 8½. I plan on 13's for one of my cars, before moving on to another. For that, a 7½" should be plenty.
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Rich
1985 El Camino Conquista - sold
1983 Regal T Type

Mrapii · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:58 am Post subject:

Yes they were 7.5". Didn't all '85 up SSs have 3.73 and most of them with posi?
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

Tommy · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:12 am Post subject:

Yes, all 7.5 . From what I have read, 85 up were all 3.73s but posi was still always just a option.
_________________
78 Camino SS, 355,built 700r4,3.23
Gallery78 Camino SS, 355,700r4,3.23
MSGT 145 AW
NECOA #14