8.5 Rear End Upgrade

[Evaddave 87gn]

This is the start of my upgrade thread on my stock 8.5. I will be replacing the carrier, axles, bearing ends, bearings and gears... . Switching to the 30 spline Eaton carrier and Moser/Strange axles.

I have a local company that will be welding the tubes to the center section and welding the ford style ends on. I will also have them shorten the overall length by about 1-1.5" per side.

So stay tuned....

Dave

 

[lightningdan]

I have a question, is there any production cars that came with the same reared as the gn with disc brakes? I'm asking because I found a few places that sell disc brake swaps but curious if I could find a factory disc brake setup in the junk yard and swap it over to the gn?

 

[Evaddave 87gn]

Going 9"........

 

[Evaddave 87gn]

LOL What does that mean?

 

[ttaowner]

How fast do you plan on going? Our local guy jimmy Morrison jr is running 8.60 at like 158? With his 8.5 jack cottons car went 8.20-8.30 with a 8.5 . Jimmys car ran 8's with stock upper control arms on the rear lol.

You might be spending money that's not needed

 

[Evaddave 87gn]

How fast do you plan on going? Our local guy jimmy Morrison jr is running 8.60 at like 158? With his 8.5 jack cottons car went 8.20-8.30 with a 8.5 . Jimmys car ran 8's with stock upper control arms on the rear lol.

You might be spending money that's not needed

The rear I have now is completely shot. If I had an 8.5 in good condition that I could upgrade I would. However at this point it doesn't matter which way I go either will cost me around 2k. Since I got a great deal on a third member I decided 9" is the best for me.

 

[coach]

I have a question, is there any production cars that came with the same reared as the gn with disc brakes? I'm asking because I found a few places that sell disc brake swaps but curious if I could find a factory disc brake setup in the junk yard and swap it over to the gn?

A friend mentioned a mid 80's Caddy Seville, he thought might have discs. Im doing the same as you. Adding Ford ends to an 8.5 and narrowing the overall length.
SUMMIT has a kit for sale. About 450.00 I believe.

 

[Blazer406]

A friend mentioned a mid 80's Caddy Seville, he thought might have discs. Im doing the same as you. Adding Ford ends to an 8.5 and narrowing the overall length.
SUMMIT has a kit for sale. About 450.00 I believe.

Better check the bolt pattern on the caddy's.... I know some (maybe fullsized only?) were 5 on 5" .... just like the trucks....so if this is the case.... the wheels won't fit?

FYI

 

[coach]

Better check the bolt pattern on the caddy's.... I know some (maybe fullsized only?) were 5 on 5" .... just like the trucks....so if this is the case.... the wheels won't fit?

FYI

The brakes dont have any effect on which axles you use. You only need the brackets and calipers. You should be able to get rotors in any bolt pattern...I would think.

 

[Evaddave 87gn]

That's why God made a Bridgeport!