63 Dodge 440 Tapered Axel Swap

[khryslerkid]

A decent set from Strange, Moser, etc. for $300-$400.

Dr. Diff was just under $400 for what you see in the pic. Then buying the newer backing plates and drums, it was still cheaper than the cost of a '65 or newer housing these days and I got to keep the original narrow housing.

 

[Darter6]

As the photo shows from khryslerkid, The Dr. Diff kit comes(in the plastic bag) with longer replacement studs for the housing axle flange.These are recommended when changing from the nut/taper axle to the newer axle.These can be bought separate from the kit.

 

[skicker]

Off topic but FWIW...anybody that's using the axles from Dr. Diff and is planning on running Wilwood Disc Brakes can call Cass and let him know...I had him delete the axle retainer bracket that would be on the axle prior to pressing the bearing on...He also alerted me to a flaw with Wilwoods set-up that you'll need to correct to get everything to line up correctly...

 

[Darter6]

The man knows his stuff.

 

[Malicious]

This is my original 1962 taypered axel housing. I used 1970 backing plates when doing the newer flanged axel swap.
View attachment 705130

Hmmm,

Mine has no flat spot and the 5 studs are evenly spaced. I'll try and get a photo tonight. I was told 60-61 but from a local dodge 'Phoenix' which is based off of the fury from memory. Has a what appears to be a 8 3/4 centre, but the brake bakings are definitely different.

 

[khryslerkid]

Hmmm,

Mine has no flat spot and the 5 studs are evenly spaced. I'll try and get a photo tonight. I was told 60-61 but from a local dodge 'Phoenix' which is based off of the fury from memory. Has a what appears to be a 8 3/4 centre, but the brake bakings are definitely different.

What you are describing is the earlier housing. I dont know much about them but it seems like the backing plate and flange bolt patteren was changed when the emergency brake was moved from the driveshaft to the rear shoes.

You see there is not a hole for e-brake cables. (stole the pics off a e-bag add for '60-'61 Dodge)

 

[Malicious]

What you are describing is the earlier housing. I dont know much about them but it seems like the backing plate and flange bolt patteren was changed when the emergency brake was moved from the driveshaft to the rear shoes.

You see there is not a hole for e-brake cables. (stole the pics off a e-bag add for '60-'61 Dodge)
View attachment 705475 View attachment 705476

Yep that’s them. I’m guessing the only way to swap these over is to weld in the newer ends. Bugger.

Guess they will be ok for set up, but are going to be more work than the ebody housing I have.

 

[Darter6]

FYI, The case number ending in 657 is from the 50's-early 60-61. I have a 657 case that came from a 58 Dodge 1/2 ton truck with a 3.58 ratio.

 

[Malicious]

So can I replace the ends on this unit to use with the later model brakes and axles? Or is it use as is?

 

[mopar12372]

Yes, you are better off with a 65 to 67 8 and 3/4 because the early models the rear end is insect closer to the body so you would have to get a special wheel offset. With the 65 to 67 housing you can use a wheel with a four and a half inch backspace