|
|
Tech Question
Rob Snow, Kitchener, ON, Canada, 1984 Chrysler Fifth Ave 318
Hi Mr.E-berg my skill testing question for you is this. I have an '84 Chrysler Fifth ave that I purchased a few years ago orignally for a winter car so that I would not have to drive my already rusty 72 coronet with 340, 904 T/F, 8-3/4 3.91 gears. As it turns out my Coronet is too far gone so I want to make the Fifth a sleeper.I know that the engine and trans swap is a no brainer but the rear end is another story.Can it be possible to swap a B-body 8 3/4 rear in my Fifth Ave? And if so,do you know if the stock drive shaft will fit (lengthwise) or do you know if a drive shaft from another Mopar will help make this become a very simple swap, or do I have to get friendly with the nearest custom driveshaft shop? Your answer be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Rob, it's very close, size-wize: The typical pre-71 B-body housing is about 3/4" wider overall, and about 1/2" narrower at the spring seats - close enough that it'd probably go right in. The propshaft needs to be about 3/4" shorter if your current axle is a 8-1/4", or about 2-1/4" shorter if 7-1/4" now.
Several other things to keep in mind:
The pinion angle may need correcting (tapered shims).
I suggest losing the rubber isolators.
The 318 propshaft might fail early-on, suggest shortenting the Coronet one (if it's not from an original 318 car also!), Even better, have it re-tubed. Old rusty propshafts are an accident waiting to happen.
Overall, I'd rather have a 8-1/4" in this car...probably strong enough, cheap, light, easy to work on.
Rick
| Next | Index | Previous |
|---|