'62 axle conversion

[nutz4spd]

I'm thinking about swapping out the rear on my '62 Dart for one that has better replacement parts availability. Currently it has the stock housing and drums with a 741 center section. How hard would it be to swap out the rear shafts and backing plates to accept a newer drum setup?

 

[khryslerkid]

Bought the axles from Dr Diff, found the backing plates online used. Brake hardware at parts stores.
Post in thread 'Taking Up New Residence' Taking Up New Residence

 

[Ron H]

Although many years ago, bought an entire rear from a '65 Coronet with 742 perfect match on my '63 all bolt in. Got a '64 sure-grip at the same time and put new HD leafs on given the good timing to do that.

 

[khryslerkid]

Although many years ago, bought an entire rear from a '65 Coronet with 742 perfect match on my '63 all bolt in. Got a '64 sure-grip at the same time and put new HD leafs on given the good timing to do that.

The '62 B body has the narrowest axle housing of all the B bodies. Anything else is wider and wheel offsets become an issue.

 

[33 IMP]

Im ptetty sure my 62 has a 65 axle in it. It was there when I bought it from GTX John about 40 years ago.
I haven't had a real problem with backspace. 4.5 is pretty good, 4 75 is perfect, 4" will work with a slightly smaller tire. 4 7/8 needs a spacer, if running maximum tire.
Khryslerkid's thread will tell you all you need to know.

 

[Darter6]

I put a 65 housing under my 64 Belvedere. Also did a 65 housing under my 63.
Currently my 63 has the 64 housing under it. The differences are slight not enough to be a concern.UNLESS you are swapping axles.
Just make sure you know the date/year of the housing.

 

[matthon]

My 62, same as khryslerkid with big 'ol 275/60s. I tried both 4.25 and 4.5 bs, didn't matter.

My 64 could not fit those big tires, with the same wheels, until I swapped in a later rear.

 

[33 IMP]

My 62, same as khryslerkid with big 'ol 275/60s. I tried both 4.25 and 4.5 bs, didn't matter.

My 64 could not fit those big tires, with the same wheels, until I swapped in a later rear.

If I remember right, the 64 rear is the widest of the b's, till 71.
I took a pair of wheels/tires that fit my 62 well (with I think a 65 housing) to a member here, to try on his 64. Wouldn't even come close to fitting on his stock width 64. Would have needed another 1'-1 1/4" of bs.

 

[Dave6T4]

A friend of mine with a '62 Dart has a '66-'67 Dana 60 in his. '66-'67 rear ends are narrower than '68-'70 B-body.

 

[khryslerkid]

I put a '69 Charger Dana under a '64 that I had and everything bolted up including the e brake cables. Had to modify the trunion drive shaft to adapt to the Dana. The ten inch Cragars were made for it.

The '64 is the widest axle housing of all the B Bodies.