VETMANIAC

SOLD!


This is a complete DANA 60 IRS setup for a C2 or C3 Corvette. I purchased the assembly two years ago from an NHRA class racer. I had planned to run the setup in my car, but life got in the way and I have sold my Corvette. I had the trailing arms and rearend rebuilt by Mike Dyer (tracdogg2). The Crossmember Bushings, Trailing Arm Bushings, Trailing Arm Seals and Bearings have been replaced. The U-Joints are Spicer 1480 Non-Greasable units and are brand new. Almost all pieces are powder coated. The Dana 60 Unit is a spool with a 4.88:1 gear ratio. I don't think that you will find a stronger IRS setup than this. The assembly is ready to bolt in to any C2 or C3 chassis. I am asking $5100 OBO. If you want to run hard at the track with an IRS and not worry about the rear end, this is the kit for you.
Send me a PM or email if you are interested.



IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm136/vetmaniac1/dana60_front_2.jpg[/IMG]

itsonlyairandfuel

What gear ratio? Thanks Ron B.

Ben Kallies

What kind of modifications are necessary to fit that HUGE Dana within factory confines? Does the floor need to be cut? Any frame mods for the beefed-up rear crossmember? Thanks.

VETMANIAC

Ron,
The gear ratio is 4.88:1.

Ben,
The storage boxes will need to have some clearance added for the larger halfshafts. The floor may not have to be modified. Worst case scenario you would have to glass in a hump in the floor to clear the bolts and raised area of the crossmember. Modifications to the frame aren't strictly necessary, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to beef up the section of the frame where the "kick up" attaches. You would want to do that regardless of whether or not you are using this rear end or something else. If you are applying serious power to the ground, that area tends to flex.

zaphodbebullbrox

will that fit in a 1980-82 vette that has the "bat wing" diff cover?

VETMANIAC

Hi Zaphod,
Only if you brew a nice hot cup of tea for the "improbability generator".

Seriously though, I have no idea. If the "Batwing" bolts to the frame in the same fashion as the crossmember on the C2 and 68 to 79 C3's, then yes it will probably work. If the mounts are different, then you are looking at exercising your fabrication muscles.

A72COUPEDT

Ok CF perspective buyers....

I had the pleasure of dealing with Nick for an item he

had for sale for my '72.

Nick kept in contact with lots of emails and he

shipped my item fast!

Good luck in the future and thanks.

Dave

VETMANIAC

Thank you for the kind words Dave and good luck with your project.

427Hotrod

No doubt there is not a stronger IRS assy out there. I can vouch for that!

You are also looking at a bit of history here. There were very few of these assy's ever built. I mean VERY few. Years ago these became popular when Super Stock racers were required to use IRS..but breakage was killing them. You found them under Lingenfelter's, Bernie Agaman and Phil Cocuzza's record holding Vette's. They were based on brand new Hemi housings because they come with a pinion snubber mount pad to allow you to fabricate mounts for a Vette pretty easily.

Look at the size of that thing! It's a 9-3/4" ring gear. Let's see...Vette's have an 8.2", then there is the 8-3/4" Mopar that came in automatic Hemi's and everything else, 8-7/8" 12 bolt GM, then the 9" Ford. Say it again...9-3/4" ring gear and a pinion gear to match!

I spent a good bit of time with the fellow Nick bought this from. He had recently spent $7K installing a 12 bolt solid axle under it using the transverse spring etc to meet rules. The theory was that it was lighter and would be faster. Guess what...he said he was actully pretty disappointed because the car was running a tenth slower and 1 mph slower even though it had a lightweight spool and same gears!

This particular one uses a spool, whereas mine uses a Posi unit, and mine mounts a little different, they are otherwise very similar. If you would like to have a bulletproof IRS under your car and have it all bolt to stock mounts (might have to do a little fiberglass surgery to clear hump and 1480 seris u-joints...but that will depend on the car. C-2's clear a little better than C-3's around storage boxes.) then this is for you. Though it was all just gone through, you could easily change ring and pinion to whatever ratio you want. No big deal.


So dig deep...I know Nick would like to keep this piece of functional history *in the family* with a Forum member. Just seems right!


JIM

VETMANIAC

For anyone wondering how this compares in terms of pricing to the strongest assembly that Tom's offers, here is the breakdown:

12 Bolt 3rd member $2900
1480 Axle Kit $2255
H.D. Rear Cover $ 130
Assemble Trailing Arms $ 325
Crossmember Locator Kit $ 74
Rear Camber Control Rods $321
Total $6005

Other items included:
Poly Diff Bushing Kit (Eckler's) $ 25
Crossmember Cushions (Eckler's) $120
Spring Bolts - Long (Eckler's) $ 20
Grand Total $6170

Ultra Rare Baddest of Them All Dana 60 IRS Setup $5100

I am inclined to think that over $1,000 less for a far, far stronger unit is a pretty good bargain and don't forget the factor due to it being quite rare.

Dr L-88

You are also looking at a bit of history here. There were very few of these assy's ever built. I mean VERY few.

VERY NEAT ITEM!!!!! Does anyone have any idea of just how many of these were built? It would almost be worth having just due to the rarity.

427Hotrod

Strange built a little over 20 of them. The last two done before mine went to a road racer in Alaska! I have the last one ever made.

There were a couple of other folks who played with them...Mark Williams maybe. I don't think Pepe Estrada did them....but I'm not sure. Tom worked for Pepe I believe way back then and much of the stuff they do today was developed by Pepe. I know Tom's bought one of the Strange ones with a spool in it to see how it was done and still had it a few years ago...but he wouldn't sell it.

You're right though..this is a piece of functional history here that will serve you well. This was back when *machinists* were truly that..part machinist...part artist...not just a *machine operator* with a CNC program. That may seem strange, but when you *feel* well machined and designed parts operate...they really stand out. You should have heard the conversations I had with Bob Stange (oner of Strange) about just that. He quickly found that he didn't have any *true machinists* left anymore!

You'll also notice the mount includes improved geometry for the struts to eliminate camber change...yet can be adjusted to create whatever you want. You can also add the upper links....main bracket is already there to make a 6 link out of it.


Neat stuff!


JIM

Solid LT1

Problem with Tom is he thinks he is as good of a machinist/assembler as old Pepe was and he ISN'T! Pepe was the MAN! Tom's parts can leave something to be desired at times. I know a guy who has run one of these Dana 60 IRS set-ups for over 30 years in a 66 drag Vette with a L-88 in it, and it's still going strong.

Mewn

So, does anyone know if it will bolt into a 1981? I was planning on spending around $6000.00 for the solid rear axle not including all the fab work to install it. This seems like a strong enough rear for my 600+ BBC. If it would bolt right in, this would be a better alternative for me.
I am interested... Big question: Will it fit a 81??

tracdogg2

You will have to add the crossmember mounts to your frame. Easiest way would be to buy a used one and have it welded in. You may have to modify the front mount for driveshaft clearance. Other than that yes it will fit fine.
Mike

427Hotrod

Yep..Pepe was THE guy. Taught Tom most of what he knows I believe. Tom just doesn't remember that anyone knew anything before he came along!

JIM

blown454

corvette744

Hey what brakes will work on that stock vett calipers-what about rear spring,stock or have to modify.Is the width the same for tire size and do you need to shorten the front driveshaft...

VETMANIAC

The stock disk calipers will bolt on unmodified. The stock rotor will bolt on, but the holes will need to be enlarged to accomodate the 1/2" wheel studs. The stock spring will bolt up without any problems. I am 90% sure that the driveshaft will need to be shortened.

tshort

ttt for an awesome setup!