myoriginal77

Hello Everybody,

I have a basket case '77 that I'm turning into a Bonneville Racer, so I'm basically gutting it.

I'm looking at a complete rear end rebuild, trailing arms, half shafts, missing clip on an axle shaft, everything very rusty.

A friend suggested replacing with something else like a 9"

Anybody done this ? I've searched,

Advice ???

Thanks, Frank

rcread

I would suggest something a little more aerodynamic, like a Winnebago.

Metalhead140

There are a couple of people who have done similar, and I believe there's a kit available for fitting a solid rear axle. As above, the c3 is not a very aerodynamic choice for Bonneville. Also, a Ford 9" consumes quite a few hp, you'd probably be better off with a different rear end (Borg Warner perhaps?) that would sap less power, particularly given strength is going to be much less of an issue in a Bonneville car, as there's nowhere near the shock loading it would see on a drag strip or even race circuit.

diehrd

In light of replacing every part of the IRS and the fact your going in a straight line TOSS that junk ..

A 9" to someone with power is the holy grail and to those who dont have power misunderstood .

Auto Fab makes the 4 link kit , You can buy a used axle and carrier and fab it up. And it will be affordable .

Pop Chevy

A Ford 9" would be my 1st choice for such a project. They are easy to set up and there are a ton of diff gear ratios available. What class are you thinking? Good luck, sounds like a great project.

skids

Strange Engineering 9" in my 64.

myoriginal77

Ha - the one in my avatar went 137 - they won't give you a timing slip if you go 140 or beyond with out the required safety equipment.

I agree it's no speedster it was capable of more, but you need a roll cage for the 150 club. I bought that car new in 77 and did not want to cut it up for the modifications needed. So I rescued the current one and will give it a go.

When I get it there you can come for a ride -

Frank

myoriginal77

Right now my plan is the 150mph club -

The one in my avatar is in the 130 club (137 average - 2 runs ) 150 needs a roll cage, I didn't what to cut up that one as I bought it new. It has an LS1 with T56.

The one I'm working on will have a de-stroked 454 ( I always wanted a 427 ) and didn't want to fake it. I'm still deciding on the trans.

Thanks, Frank

bashcraft

Isn't a 454 a stroked 427?

MotorHead

That sure is pretty. You should do something about the rusty pipes and mufflers, just saying......

myoriginal77

Yes, thats why I'm de-stroking the 454, to have a 427 -

Frank

Rebelrob

On the topic of Ford 9' rears,
Can you extend a Ford 9" rear end?
Meaning go from a full tub set up to more of mini tub. I don't care for the pro street set up and would rather have the axles extended to accomodate some 335/345 size tires.
This is currently in a c3 Vette.
Thanks,

76Rat

Yes. You have to replace the tubes.
Or you could have Bubba weld extensions on to the ones you have. I don't recommend this.

Rebelrob

Ohh that looks similar to the one I have at least out front.
I will have to go read yer bio if you got info about yer Vette.
No, I never got along with Bubba and will not go that route.
So the diffy will pull from the tubes/axl housings and you can just get them to right size? I will obvioulsy need longer axles though.
Currently sitting on Centerline ConVo pro and Sportsman MT's.

Big Block 69

skids example is very simple and clean. Probably much cheaper than the autofab kit that I went with. I like it.