Questions about Mopars

[Scotts70]

Ok, so I am pretty new to the whole Mopar thing. I have liked them since I was a kid but only in the last year or so have I been able to start getting in to them. I have a 70 Charger that needs alot of love. I have come across some questions I have that need answers.
1. How do you tell the difference between a big block k member and a small block k member?
2. What is the difference between a 727 and a 904?
3. I saw somewhere that an 8 3/4 from a charger is called a Dana 60. Is that correct? If so, do all Dana 60 interchange? What other rearends would fit this car as I have none?
4. What years K members interchange with the 70 Chargers?
5. Do any other year/bodies have roofs that are close enough to use for repairing the center of a 70 Charger that is seriously damaged?
6. I need a front frame rail and upper a arm tower for the drivers side. Is there any other year/models that are the same?

I will probably have alot more questions as I get in to all this but I am being sucked in to the whole mopar way of life and loving it. Thanks for all the help.

 

[detmatt1]

727 is a much more capable transmission.
An 8.75 rear is a completely different unit then a Dana 60, Dana is a more capable unit, but is very heavy. The 8.75 is a VERY capable unit as well and is identifiable by a non removeable rear cover.
`66 through `70 b-bodies will work for interchangeability for k-frame and front rails.
`68 through `70 Chargers for your roof patchwork and you can buy new from AMD.

 

[CTMopar]

Small block and big block k members are the same /6 is different

 

[Scotts70]

727 is a much more capable transmission.
An 8.75 rear is a completely different unit then a Dana 60, Dana is a more capable unit, but is very heavy. The 8.75 is a VERY capable unit as well and is identifiable by a non removeable rear cover.
`66 through `70 b-bodies will work for interchangeability for k-frame and front rails.
`68 through `70 Chargers for your roof patchwork and you can buy new from AMD.

Is it safe to assume that not all Dana 60's are the same? Are some wider/narrow than others? Were they only Mopar or were they on other makes as well?

 

[72Satellite440]

DANA 60
A Dana 60 looks deceptively similar to a Dana 44, but the 60's 9 3/4-inch ring gear diameter is a major factor in strength. It can be found in many 3/4-ton pickup and van rear ends.

Ford, chev and dodge also used dana's in the front also on 4x4's

 

[sawdoff]

And yes danas have different widths. You can also have different spline counts on axle shafts. There are alot of danas in trucks. If you want you can have one from a truck cut to fit your car. Keep in mind you need a qualified shop to do this and it is not cheap. But is usually cheaper than an original for your car and is completely rebuilt. Unless youre putting out alot of HP you shouldnt need a dana60. Costs and weight both being issues. If you do find an original, width of axle and distance between spring perches can varify it fits your car. As far as 727vs904. 727 is the more sought after. 904 can be cheaper and readily available. But again a 904 is fine depending on HP. A good rebuild on a 904 should take 400 horse. It will not handle abuse as well as the 727. You do get a weight savings by using a 904 iirc. Follow the above advise on AMD (autometaldirect) for quality parts. You will spend more for a good part but will save in the long run as they fit better, look better , install easier. I tried cheap floor pans in my 70 satellite. When they showed up i cut them up and used them for small patches because they were crap. I will use Amd next time.

 

[sawdoff]

Depending on HP needs (again) you asked about other rearends. Dana60 is the biggest strongest, heaviest, and most expensive. An 8 3/4 chrysler is a strong rear with lots of gear options. the 489 case seems to be the most sought after (due to the pinion diameter)of the 8 3/4 rears. These rear a good setup for most street cars. Another option is the 8 1/4 rear end. This came in like small block cars. These are cheap easy to find. Often you can get them for free. Just dont expect them to take what the first 2 will. But fine on the street in a stock vehicle. If you plan to upgrade later, dont spend alot on these. I dont remember seeing a 7 1/4 in a charger but there may have been in a slant 6 car. Dont bother with this one, find one of the others. All depends on your car and what you plan to do with it.....