B Body Mopar B Body Mopar forum

Narrowing a rearend pictures

5.7 hemi
06-08-2011, 07:52 PM
I need some pics of rearends being narrowed. I need to do mine, so I want to see what I'm up against. Also any advise would be appreciated.

Joe Mopar
06-08-2011, 08:03 PM
I've seen some on you - tube, doesn't seem to complicated. (LOL) Famous last words.

wannadrag
06-08-2011, 08:21 PM
If i can do it anyone can.I did it with a 9" ford.I just cut what need out and reused the flanges.Torched the axles off slid them in with a pipe over the axles to keep them and the flanges straight and welded it back together.Ran it 3 seasons in a backhalfed drag car with no issues.

Meep-Meep
06-08-2011, 09:53 PM
However you do it you need to keep the flanges in line with the carrier bearings so the axles don't bind. One way is to have a long steel bar that is straight and the appropriate bushings installed at all the bearing places and if you can pass the bar through after it's welded then you're good to go. Otherwise you find out the side that is out and shrink it in place by adding a little extra weld here and there. Definitely and art.

quick63
06-08-2011, 11:12 PM
I had a 3/4 ton truck Dana narrowed for my '63. I could have saved money by buying a Brand New one from Strange. It does ok and has given no problems. I have close to $2,000. in it. Everything is new but the housing.

Cranky
06-09-2011, 04:22 AM
The last part I weld are the bearing housings. Do all other welding first such as spring perches, ladder bar mounts etc. Any welding you do will make things move around so don't weld full circle. Weld a spot on the front, then on the back and so on.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t62/crankshaftkid/MVC-185S.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t62/crankshaftkid/MVC-186S.jpg

5.7 hemi
06-09-2011, 01:14 PM
Got a quote to narrow the rear end, 200 bucks. I dont think that is a bad price, but that doesnt include cutting the axle shafts down. I wonder why? Just how hard is it to load the axle in a chop saw and cut off what is not needed? Oh, I did measure the splines on the factory shaft 1.5 inches long and my aftermarket shafts are 4 3/8, so there is plenty to cut off without needing new shafts.

5.7 hemi
06-09-2011, 01:21 PM
Forgot, I'm not bashing anyone, just asking the question!!!

Cranky
06-09-2011, 03:03 PM
Got a quote to narrow the rear end, 200 bucks. I dont think that is a bad price, but that doesnt include cutting the axle shafts down. I wonder why? Just how hard is it to load the axle in a chop saw and cut off what is not needed? Oh, I did measure the splines on the factory shaft 1.5 inches long and my aftermarket shafts are 4 3/8, so there is plenty to cut off without needing new shafts.200 to narrow the housing isn't bad. How much more do they want to cut the axles? If they don't have a cut off wheel and a band saw only, then they might not be able to do it since the axles are hardened and they are pretty tough. Stock axles are case hardened and are not exactly easy on saw blades and if they don't have a saw with a good blade and the ability to run very slow, then they will just nub all the teeth on the blade not to mention having to start a cut on top of splines. I've shortened them before and even faced off the ends and machined new centers in them but it does take some extra time and materials.....

5.7 hemi
06-09-2011, 03:23 PM
I don't know if there would be an extra cost to cut the axles, but if he gave me the measurement or just marked on the axle where to cut, I'll use the chop saw at work and be done.