nickpe

just added 408 stroker 520 HP 550 tq, performatrans 460 trans full manual
valve body. to my 85

can the dana 36 355 ratio last for a wile... what is its breaking point to hp and torque. any average on what breaks first

as always, thanks guys..... you always help

Kevova

Slicks.

SmokinBlack

It may live a long time on the street if you are careful with it. On the track with slicks will not be so good if it hooks.

I'd budget for a D44 in your future.

nickpe

yes 12 nitco sterrt radial

Buccaneer

IMHO...not a chance on the track with tires that hook. A Dana 44 is in your future if you want to play hard.

LT1inaMGB

I had a 3.73 D36 in a light car (2800 lbs) with 315/35 100 treadwear tires and 6 speed and it lasted through quite a bit of 540 RWTQ acceleration but no hard starts. Now has a D44

C409

..... If you are trying to say Nitto Street Radials you will be fine ... they don't hook worth a s**t ... if you buy some M/T's or Hoosiers , look out ! .....

383vett

3 runs at the track with slicks.

drcook

you can make them last longer with batwing/cover conversion that Zip Corvette sells.

BUT

thicker stronger metal is thicker stronger metal, there is no getting around that, the D44 has thicker stronger gears and metal but even they can be broken

The batwing/cover from Zip has blocks that hold the bearing blocks in place, just like the batwing/cover from a D44. Machining of the tops of the bearing blocks is required for installation.

For a spirited cruiser these are a less expensive alternative. For a high HO tire frier, who knows how long they can keep a D36 together

TA

That rear has no chance with slicks. I destroyed a D36 on slicks with a little more than half the power you're putting down.

vader86

Its not the HP that breaks it, its the torque. My engine makes that much power through a 36, and it runs fine on the street.

But if you go slicks, it may last 10 passes, 50 passes, or not 1 pass. it'll go whenever it wants.

aklim

My 383 didn't run slicks. Just decent tires. Broke the gear. Making 420 RWHP. I do hit it on the ramps but no track runs.

aklim

How do you define "a wile"? I didn't make it a year on the D36. IF by "a wile" you mean will it make it to the supermarket? Probably. If you mean 3 years, yes but you will have to putz it like there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal.

2 schools of thought. Drive the hell out of it and dump it when it breaks, repair if economical and sell. Another is to dump it while it has value and get a D44. First option can leave you stranded in the middle of BFE and the other, you choose the down time. Your call.

LT1inaMGB

I just installed a D44 and sold my 3.73 D36 for $400 so I was able to recoup at least part of the expense. If you break your D36 you can't do that.

aklim

I agree. You never know when or where it breaks.

mackeyred96

There are 3 answers to this question: NO, NO and NO. Even a Dana 44 with a good tire won't last!

aklim

I'd like to spread the load over 2 good tires as opposed to a good tire. Still, a D44 will last much longer than a D36 especially if you build it up good.

bandit666

I disagree with anyone that says to run it till it breaks.You can do damage to the under side of the car or have an accident(not likely but has happened).I have a built 383 in my 87 running mid to high 11's with a built d44hd from an 86 parts car I got with no eng. for $300.Yup,that's right,$300.He didn't know what he had.Anyway,I sold my d36 for $600.There are guys that will pay that,especially if they are building a custom hot rod.Ask $650 for it and take $600.You might have to sit on it for a while but maybe not.Craigslist will get it sold.I put an eaton truetrac in my d44,not cheap,$830 but well worth it.No more worries of breaking spider gears and ruining the whole basket and ring & pinion or worse,the case.Still have the stock axel hubs and am concerned on how long they will last.Will eventually go to summers bros. for them.

aklim

It is an option. Never said it was a good one. Assuming it just cracks the gears, you might be in the middle of BFE when it breaks. And then you meet this wholesome family for a little "help"

bandit666

Oh yeah,trust me, the d36 will break.It might last a little while,but with a clutch car probably not.