Best rearend to put in a 69

[69bronzeT5]

My 69 has a 383, 727 auto. Basically, Ive been told that its not good to use the rearend thats in it. Due to the fact that the rearend that is in it is from the factory and made for a 318 SB...I now have a 383 BB in it. Is this true?? Do I need to change the rearend or what??? If so, what kinda rearend is best?

[keepat]

A rebuilt 8 3/4 is all you need, but if you plan on more HP and a 4 speed go with a Dana 60.

[mikesbbody]

I agree with keepat the 8 3/4 will be strong enough and makes for easy, quick gear swaps. 

[TUFCAT]

Yeah but, what about the rumors that the 741 case is weak...(I have that in my 67).  Should he have a 742 case instead?

[mikesbbody]

I have heard that too TC, but i was told they used the 741's in max wedge cars? if this is true then they cant be that bad.

[no318]

Unless you are running BIG horsepower/torque with big sticky tires and running it very hard all the time, you will never have any trouble.  I can count on 1 hand the # of 8 3/4's that I have seen grenaded and mostly from driver stupid stuff.

[mikesbbody]

bronze, the best 8 3/4 to get imo would be the 742, then the 489 then (and only if you cant get iether of those) the 741.

[chargerman68]

one that would work is a good start

[Musicman]

Best rearend to put in a 69...   I'd get one with a good looking gal attached to it 

[69bronzeT5]

Best rearend to put in a 69...   I'd get one with a good looking gal attached to it 

Also, no318...Im just basically running a stock 383 with some BF Goodrich Radial T/As or some low pro tires like Keepat has on his.

[69bronzeT5]

Just a question...the stock engine was a 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL. So what rearend came with that set-up? Whatever it is..its still in the car.

[Ghoste]

You probably have an 8.75 in it now.  Have you ever checked to see if the nuts are on the front of the axle to remove the differential assembly or do you remove a cover on the rear of the housing to access the differential? 

[69bronzeT5]

You probably have an 8.75 in it now.  Have you ever checked to see if the nuts are on the front of the axle to remove the differential assembly or do you remove a cover on the rear of the housing to access the differential? 

I havent actually checked

[chargerbr549]

I am not positive but I think that most of the 318 B-bodies up until 68 got the 8.75 and in 69 they started putting the 8.25 in instead.

Kevin

[no318]

I agree that a 742 or 489 is stronger, but I doubt you would ever break a 741 with your combination, IMO. 

[Brock Samson]

 The rear end in mine came out of a '70 318, 500 charger, it's a 8 3/4 and has the 323 gears, same as in the road runner,..
I been whompin on mine for many years now both on the street and the track, and i used to be afraid i'd break mine too due to the 500 plus H.P. and torque my 440 makes (dynoed) ,.. but not a lick of trouble with street tires. So  Cody I wouldn't worry about it.

[Ghoste]

I am not positive but I think that most of the 318 B-bodies up until 68 got the 8.75 and in 69 they started putting the 8.25 in instead.

Kevin

There were still a lot of 318 cars from 69 that got 8.75 rears (maybe even most).  I think it may have depended on the other equipment in the car but I don't know for sure.

[no318]

See if there is a cover on the back or not.  That will tell you for SURE.  Then you will know what you are working with.

[Mike DC]

 
The 8.25" became standard in 318 cars starting in 1969.   

It's still not a bad rearend when you're running an automatic and small street radials.

[mikesbbody]

bronze, one thing that hasnt been mentioned is that you should see what you have to start with. considering the car's age it could be that you already have a 8.3/4 or something else. have a check and write down any numbers you see and post them up someone will be able to tell you for sure what you have remember motors, trans, and rear ends were sometimes changed over the years.

[69bronzeT5]

Well I know the original 318 was in it when we bought it so yea...I'll find out when I get home tomorrow.

[mikesbbody]

be interesting to hear what you have 

[69bronzeT5]

Hey guys...I went out and checked it out. The cover is on the BACK. I also found some more damage to the frame.....on the left side right about where the front of the gas tank is...sorta behind the shocks...the frame is dented and rotten in about a finger long section.

[Ghoste]

Better to find out both of those things now though while you are at an early stage of the resto.  You would have been forced to meet those challenges sooner or later.  (I am sorry to hear about them though)

[mikesbbody]

sorry to hear about the frame but it can be repaired. sounds like you probably have a 8.1/4 but the numbers will tell you for sure.