Changing rear end
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
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From: York PA
Changing rear end
I know I saw a thread about this a few years ago, but I wasn't able to find it with the search function.
What is involved in changing the Dana 44 in the 80-82 vette to a Dana 36 from earlier C3's? If it makes a difference I have a 4spd which has the larger U-joints. I want to put a lower gear in and if I am going to put money in it I may as well put something stronger in. Tom's 12 bolt has caught my eye too
What is involved in changing the Dana 44 in the 80-82 vette to a Dana 36 from earlier C3's? If it makes a difference I have a 4spd which has the larger U-joints. I want to put a lower gear in and if I am going to put money in it I may as well put something stronger in. Tom's 12 bolt has caught my eye too
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
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From: York PA
Originally Posted by crazydalys
Isn't a Dana 44 better than a Dana 36?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
The early C3 cars did not use a Dana 36. It is a completly different rear. Yes the cast iron 79 and earlier units are stronger than the aluminum 80-82 units. They are not interchangable but with enough money and time anything can be done.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
Likes: 2
From: York PA
Originally Posted by Gordonm
The early C3 cars did not use a Dana 36. It is a completly different rear. Yes the cast iron 79 and earlier units are stronger than the aluminum 80-82 units. They are not interchangable but with enough money and time anything can be done.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
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From: York PA
Well I found a thread with pictures of it being done, now I need to figure out how it was done 
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...um_id=3&arch=1
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...um_id=3&arch=1
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
What you'll need to do is get a 63-79 diff. You don't have to worry about the 1/2 shafts b/c they come in the kit. You will need to change your strut rods and bracket to the 63-79 style. The kit includes new 30 spline inner & outer axles, spindle flange and 1/2 shafts. Some mod will have to be done. You will more than likely have to cut your battery and storage box. When we do this we cut 2" x 2" sqaures out, flip them inside out and reglass them back in. The new flanges are to big and will hit these areas. You MAY have to cut the upper shock mount and move it forward 1/4". Not all cars will have to have this done. I only had to do it to 3 cars. The rest were ok. What happes is that the flange may hit the shock. Here is a link that shows more pics of the conversion on an 80 vette.
http://www.vansteel.com/photos/index...Thumbs&e=4&s=1
You can not use the 12 bolt set up in w/the aluminum bat wing. On the cast iron diffs, the cover has to be machined. I believe the bat wing is to thin to machine out. This kit is good for about 900-1000 HP.
http://www.vansteel.com/photos/index...Thumbs&e=4&s=1
You can not use the 12 bolt set up in w/the aluminum bat wing. On the cast iron diffs, the cover has to be machined. I believe the bat wing is to thin to machine out. This kit is good for about 900-1000 HP.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
Likes: 2
From: York PA
Thanks,
Can the 63-79 diff be used without going to the heavy duty axles? It seems as though the u-joints are the same between the years. Can my original half shafts/flanges be used? I would think they could if they are the same length they should work. Just seeing if I can do this in 2 stages. I don't have the money or the need for the heavy duty axles yet and there are other areas on my vette that need some attention first. I want the lower gears because the 2.72's currently in my car make it emabarrasingly slow at the track.
Can the 63-79 diff be used without going to the heavy duty axles? It seems as though the u-joints are the same between the years. Can my original half shafts/flanges be used? I would think they could if they are the same length they should work. Just seeing if I can do this in 2 stages. I don't have the money or the need for the heavy duty axles yet
and there are other areas on my vette that need some attention first. I want the lower gears because the 2.72's currently in my car make it emabarrasingly slow at the track.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
I never tried it before using stock 63-79 parts. It should work. You will have to use 63-79 1/2 shafts b/c they are longer than the 80-82 shafts. I believe the cast diff is just a tad thinner then the aluminum diff. You can try your old shafts but the 80-82 strap set up is weak. Strut rods will have to be changed also.
