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Tech Question

Stephen Szanto, Melbourne, Australia, 1970 Dodge Charger 500 383

I have a 489 casing in my diff. Can this be interchanged with others? I don't want to change tail shafts if I don't need too. Waiting for your answer, Stephen.

Stephen-

Hmmm. maybe there's a slight terminology difference down under. In the US, the carrier / casting - the #489 thing - has the differential and ring and pinion as the main components - not the other way around. So, using our terminology, your question is nonsensical. Therrefore, I'll just make a few general interchange comments for you that will, hopefully, answer your question:

> Any 8-3/4" carrier (the drop-out 'pig') can replace any other, limited slip or not, either / or. Except for the obvious width differences, all 1965-'74 axle housings are basically interchangeable, too.

> Thre's 2 different U-joint (and yoke / flange) sizes, watch out for that. Conversion U-joints are avaialble if you have a mismatch.

> Any 8-3/4" differential can be used in any carrier (pig) as long as the bearings which are correct for that differential are used / retained.

> "Tail shafts" is a phrase often used here to describe the transmission extension housing and mainshaft or output shaft. But, from the way you've phrased it, I think you are referring to the axle shafts (half-shafts). If so, all 8-3/4" rear have the same axle spline. There were very slight length differences between Sure Grip and non-Sure-grip axles on pre-1965 (tapered axle) housings. Hopefully, you don't have one of those retrofitted into your 1970.

> Be sure to re-set (adjust) the wheel bearing endplay when you're done, using the right side adjuster. Go for approximately 0.003-0.005"

Rick

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