ok I figure I would start a new post with some questions on going to a solid axle. I have been reading a lot of posts on here from you guys that have done it. It does seem to be a more cost effective way to get a very strong rear that will handle the kind of abuse I am gonna put it through. The only thing is I have not really read or can find exactly what I am looking at cost wise.

First off my car has been modded a lot and is far from stock or numbers matching...that is of no concern to me. Also the car belonged to my dad for 23 years and I grew up around it so it is priceless to me with tons of sentimental value. So making changes to this car and it going further from original does not matter to me.

It would be cool to keep the IRS setup and build it to hold what i intend to use it for but money is the factor here.

For you guys that have done the Acufab kit.....I am looking at $1,150.00 for the kit I could go to a junk yard and buy a For 9" or 12 bolt chevy I am looking for cost's here. What have you guys got into the rear's with the kit plus the rear end....either buying one complete and ready to go or going to a junk yard and building one yourself?

I believe it would cost me roughly $6-7k to do an IRS set up and that is a guess because I would have to get someone to build me the center section.

 

You drive this on the street at all? If not look at a 9 inch and check out parts at Racers Junk.com for gear center sections and such. Mark Williams would be some of the best and consider a spool with 36 spine axles and the large pion bearing also.

 

yes this is mostly a street car...in the sense that I take it to cruise in's and car shows.....I would like to get to the track a lot more and have fun there but I got to get the rear situation under control before I go any further.

 

I have about $2000 in my upgrade. Then I sold my old IRS setup and got a bit back. You can just have Accufab do you up a complete 9" that will just bolt in with the kit with brakes all. That's the easy way, but a little more expensive. I just pulled one out at the junk yard for $60 complete, had a friend's shop narrow it to my specs, weld on billet end caps, and my 4 link brackets, ordered new axles, brakes, spool, large pinion support, and gears. Again about $2000 in mine, it just depends on what you can do yourself vs. how much you want to spend. I drive mine on the street plenty and sometimes to the track, too. I usually trailer it if I'm going to be very hard on it, just incase is doesn't come home in one peice. So far never broke anything.

 

i have a solid axle in my 80 also.... to save money go to a yard and get a nine inch or 12 bolt whatever u like better....9 inchs are easier to find.... and if ur hands on u can save alot money by getting all ur measurments and brackets ready and have a local "good" shop narrow it....it only cost me a hundred bucks to narrow.... 370 for moser axles with nine inch ends on the housing since i run a 12 bolt.... and then a good posi unit and a cover....i think i have right at 2000 with mine also.... so far every thing was easy and straight forward to do..... just i havent had any street time with mine since im now repainting the body and caging it....so i dont have anyfeed back on that..... its a good kit and u wont regret it if u do it.....

by the way....we should start a solid axle club.....u know ruffle some feathers...lol

 

Sounds good.