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I am about to start a solid axle conversion on a 76 vette. I have research many threads on this but can't find a definite stock rear axle width. I am looking for the wheel mounting face of the rotor to the other wheel mounting face. My searches came up with 57 3/4" and 59 1/2". Can anyone on here confirm which measurement is correct? Once I have this, I can source out a suitable donor rearend.
As the rear wheels move through their arc and the camber changes wouldn't that provide different readings depending on where in the arc you take the reading?
If you are going to a solid axle you want to get the size tires and wheels with the right back space you need then make your measurement.
Then I'd call someone like Currie to build you a bare housing. They can even build you a complete rear. That's the easiest way to go.
Thought I would contribute something. I took some 1/2" aluminum bar and fastened it to the face of the rotor where the back of the wheel mounts. I put the car on two jackstands with the stands located on the bottom shock mounts and allowed the car's suspension to settle. I have seen widths from 57 1/2" to 59 1/2" on the old interweb.
When I put a solid axle in my 69, I didn't measure the old components. I took it all out. I bought the wheels and tires that I wanted to use and set them under the car where I wanted them and measured between the mounting surfaces of the wheels. There may be a better way, but this worked for me. I used a 4-Link kit from Autofab Race Cars designed specifically for C3 Corvettes. It came with everything. Rather than a 9inch Ford, I used an 8.75 Dodge rear. I did NOT have to do anything to my storage or battery boxes. I took the housing to a local machine shop and they narrowed it to the length I wanted. They did not want to do the axles so I ordered a set of axles from Dr. Diff. I had them drilled with a Chevy pattern. I think the 4-Link kit cost $1100 and the axles cost $400. The machine shop charged me $80 to shorten the housing. I did this as cheaply as I could. I even used the drum brakes. The way I drive this car, There is NO difference in driving or handling. My rear currently has 488 gears, but changing chunks is the same as changing them in a 9inch, a pretty quick and simple job. For me, a switch to a solid axle was the right choice.
Rick
Last edited by Big Block 69; Nov 18, 2023 at 11:19 AM.
That's the only way to get the width right and the 8.75 Chrysler rear is an uncommitted but excellent choice. I've used that rear in many applications and they hold up well.
I just did my IRS alignment at home. My hub to hub measurement was 57.25"
The T/A arms must be at ride height to measure this, they swing in / out an inch or more each way.
I used 90 degree carpenter's squares and laser levels. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-at-home.html
When I put a solid axle in my 69, I didn't measure the old components. I took it all out. I bought the wheels and tires that I wanted to use and set them under the car where I wanted them and measured between the mounting surfaces of the wheels. There may be a better way, but this worked for me. I used a 4-Link kit from Autofab Race Cars designed specifically for C3 Corvettes. It came with everything. Rather than a 9inch Ford, I used an 8.75 Dodge rear. I did NOT have to do anything to my storage or battery boxes. I took the housing to a local machine shop and they narrowed it to the length I wanted. They did not want to do the axles so I ordered a set of axles from Dr. Diff. I had them drilled with a Chevy pattern. I think the 4-Link kit cost $1100 and the axles cost $400. The machine shop charged me $80 to shorten the housing. I did this as cheaply as I could. I even used the drum brakes. The way I drive this car, There is NO difference in driving or handling. My rear currently has 488 gears, but changing chunks is the same as changing them in a 9inch, a pretty quick and simple job. For me, a switch to a solid axle was the right choice.
Rick
I had looked at your information prior to asking the question. I have located a couple 83/4 rears out of a Dart. My hope is to purchase one for my project. THanks for the info!
I just did my IRS alignment at home. My hub to hub measurement was 57.25"
The T/A arms must be at ride height to measure this, they swing in / out an inch or more each way.
I used 90 degree carpenter's squares and laser levels. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-at-home.html
Wow, I had not looked at your thread. Based on the way you did this; I would guess yours is more accurate than mine. I did set mine back down with weight on the rear suspension before measuring. everything on mine is so worn out its probably impossible to get an accurate measurement. Thanks for the measurement info.
Looking for 76 rearend actual width
