I need your pinion on my rear end

[Larry Callahan]

I need your pinion on my rear end

See what I did there? Pinion, pinion angle, rear end. LOL!


I need to change the rear end in our ’55 Bel Air project. The original 4:11 geared stock rear end just isn’t going to cut it any longer.

I might put a fat tire on it someday but not now. To save funds and to move the project along I will not cut the frame or mini tub it now. For a while it will live with the widest tire that I can get under it without cutting or welding.

It needs to have C6 style ends and floating axles due to the ABS system that I have and will use.



I will run a 4L80E and a Gear Vendors Overdrive and I’m not sure what rear end gear yet. I would like it to keep the RPM down on the freeway for longevity, noise and fuel mileage.

It does not need to be super strong now as a narrow tire will be the fuse for the HP the twin turbo will produce.

Does anyone know of decent junk yard posi rear end that I could modify? I would need to have C6 ends and leaf spring perches welded on and axles made.

Are there decent new options available that I just haven’t seen yet or should I try the salvage route?

Perhaps something out of a Ford Explorer or a Chevy S10 can be hacked up and I can save a lot of money?

[eville]

Why a gear vendors kit behind an OD transmission.

[TheJDMan]

Why a gear vendors kit behind an OD transmission.

I was wondering the same thing! For the price of a GV unit you could buy a complete brand new rear axle with any specs you need.

[joeko23]

I like your rear end, but that’s just my pinion. lol

[Larry Callahan]

Why a gear vendors kit behind an OD transmission.

It may be overkill but I'm thinking about stupid acceleration at pretty much any speed then a great overdrive on the freeway.

[parsonsj]

Larry, have a look at Ford 8.8 rears (Mustangs, Explorers, etc.). Plenty of 'em in junk yards all over the country, they use 3" axle tubes, and you can get all kinds of parts for them.

[CSG]

Just as an FIY, I am pretty confident that not all 8.8's have 3" tubes.

[mike_dmt]

Just as an FIY, I am pretty confident that not all 8.8's have 3" tubes.

I have one out of an '02, the axle tubes are 3.25, but neck down a little at the outside flange. Spring perches and such are pretty common though, so they're not too hard to find parts for.